Dakota City Heritage Village (DCHV)

Help us connect, through education and interpretation, current generations to the life and agricultural heritage of early twentieth century rural Dakota County. 

Dakota City Heritage Village is a 1900-era village and museum dedicated to connecting people to the rural past.

Our five-acre site includes 22 buildings where visitors experience living history firsthand with costumed interpreters and demonstrations.  Events throughout the year - such as the Dakota County Fair and Christmas in the Village - focus on rural life 100 years ago, including how residents met their needs for food, clothing, shelter, and social connection. 

Ahlberg Heritage Center, our museum, houses more than 10,000 artifacts depicting social and rural history, with an emphasis on agriculture.

Our past history is important to all of us, no matter where we originated from or our individual backgrounds. History is more than just records and artifacts: it is the story of us all. History is filled with fascinating tales of how someone built their life, dealt with obstacles, supported their family, contributed to society and worked hard to make their dreams come true.

There is a huge amount of work that goes on behind Dakota City Heritage Village to engage and educate so many visitors.  Please help us preserve this special place for future generations and consider a donation. Your gift is 100% tax deductible.

At this time, the 2022 DCHV Friends of the Village Fundraising Campaign is asking for contributions to the General Operating Fund. This fund is directed to technology needs, educational activities, utilities, wages, security and repairs, food service equipment, preservation supplies -- basically, the necessities that make DCHV a Minnesota treasure.

As each of us experience change in our society and cultures, the appreciation and sharing of history is something we can all take part in. Dakota City Heritage Village invites you to share your talents and gifts to build, grow, preserve and celebrate our connected cultures and heritage here in Dakota County. We look forward to seeing you this year at the Dakota County Fair on August 8-14 and at Christmas in the Village the first two weekends of December! 

Thank you for your continuing support of the Dakota City Heritage Village mission.