COKATO MUSEUM
  • History
    • Akerlund Studio
    • Cokato History
    • The Museum
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Events & Exhibits
    • Annual Events
    • Online Exhibits
  • Research
    • Genealogy
    • Archives
    • Resources
    • Educators
  • Support
    • Cokato Historical Society
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donations >
      • How to Donate
      • Wish List
  • Contact/Hours

Early Cokato

THE DAKOTA

​When the Dakota camped along the shores of what is now known as Cokato Lake, they saw a completely different landscape— one of deep woods, rivers, lakes, and swampland. Although the Dakota never made a permanent village in the area, their influence remains in the city’s name, which is based on the Dakota word co-ka-ta, roughly translating to “in the midst” or “in the middle”.  
Picture
Picture
Picture

ARRIVAL OF THE PIONEERS

In 1858, the first Yankee settlers arrived, hailing from states such as Maine, New York, and New Hampshire. Slowly, a small settlement known for a time as Moores Prairie developed. 
Picture
Picture
Picture

THEN THE RAILROAD CAME

​When the railroad arrived in 1869, the growing community became known as Cokato. The railroad not only brought goods and accessibility to the community, but it also aided in the development of business and industry. With this new mode of transportation, a large number of immigrant families arrived. They originated primarily from Sweden and Finland, but a few also came from Norway, Germany, and Poland. To this day, Cokato is still comprised of a large number of Scandinavian and Finnish descendants.

BUILDING A HOME

Early Farming

Introduction of the Round Barn to Cokato.

Start Your Day Right

To edit, simply click directly on the text and add your own words.
Use this text to go into more detail about who you are.
populationchart.pdf
File Size: 179 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

How We Have Grown

Cokato's population from 1870-2010.
worksheettrunk.pdf
File Size: 157 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

What Would You Bring?

What would you take with you if you were moving to another country and only had one trunk?
Picture

The Third

To edit, click on the text 
and add your own words.

We Would Love to Have You Visit Soon!

E-mail:
[email protected]

Telephone:
320-286-2427

Address:
175 Fourth Street SW, Cokato, MN 55321

Hours:
Tues-Sat: 8:30-4:30
Sun-Mon: Closed


​Closed Most Holidays

FREE Admission


© 2025 Cokato Historical Society
Picture
  • History
    • Akerlund Studio
    • Cokato History
    • The Museum
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Events & Exhibits
    • Annual Events
    • Online Exhibits
  • Research
    • Genealogy
    • Archives
    • Resources
    • Educators
  • Support
    • Cokato Historical Society
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donations >
      • How to Donate
      • Wish List
  • Contact/Hours