Hill Farm Historical Society

The Hill Farm Historical Society is devoted to preserving the legacy of innovation begun by James J Hill on his farm located in North Oaks, Minnesota.  Our Mission is to share the rich and unique history of James J Hill through preservation of this Hill Farm National Historic Site and to tell the story about the significant impact he had on American life not only in the Midwest, but across the country.  This includes the role the farm played in agricultural innovations and Hill's Great Northern Railroad from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest. 

In 1883, railroad industrialist James J. Hill purchased 3,300 acres encompassing what is today the city of North Oaks.  Hill used his North Oaks Farm to produce advances in cattle raising and other agricultural practices to complement his burgeoning Great Northern Railroad.  

Today, the Hill Farm Historical Society (HFHS) preserves Hill's legacy of innovation on over five acres that includes the dairy building, blacksmith shop, and the signature "red barn," which served as the granary. There are several ways to help our cause. The first is to make a donation to us through the donation button above; become a HFHS member and/or donate at any level. All proceeds donated go toward maintenance of the buildings/grounds, creating displays to tell the story of the innovative agricultural practices developed during Hill's life, promote/develop video presentations or live seminars about James J Hill, and describe what life was like on the farm in his day. The Farm buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours for the public are available by appointment and can be found on our website during the touring season (May-October) or can be arranged by contacting us through our website.

An alternative to donating on this site is to donate directly to us on our own website fundraising page which saves on third party processing fees incurred for credit card transactions (more info below).

We are currently fundraising to restore the three primary buildings on the property. Our buildings are in need of new roofs, dormers and restoration of structural components.  The last time a complete restoration was done on our buildings was over thirty years ago.  Our "RESTORE THE FARM 2024!" campaign was very successful last year raising $60k. Thanks to several Donors, New Members and successful events, we were able to restore our Dairy Building!  We have two more buildings to restore and are trying to raise the rest of the funds needed to do so ($120,000).  Check out our new fundraising campaign, "RESTORE THE FARM 2026!", and read about us on our website and help us preserve Minnesota history.

It is important to note that 100% of the funds that reach us go toward what the funds are intended to help us with... be it our programs, educational materials, property maintenance or RESTORATION.  HFHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer Board of Directors.  We have no admin fees, stipends or salary structure. Make every dollar donated count... AVOID THE CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEES!  Most non-profits can use the extra dollars spent on third-party processing fees.  Using a credit card through GTM takes 7% of the donation while our own website (linked above) uses a PayPal site that takes 2%... better but... IF you are interested in avoiding processing fees completely, consider sending us a check for the amount of your donation made payable to "Hill Farm Historical Society" and mailed to us at 35 Hill Farm Circle, North Oaks, MN  55127.  Please include your contact information with the check so we can acknowledge your donation and send you a tax-deductibility letter.

Finally, another great way to help us is to become a Volunteer.  We rely on volunteers to help us with our programs throughout the year.  Learn about us on our website at the link above and then contact us through our website to let us know you want to be a part of the James J Hill Legacy.  We welcome your involvement and suggestions!

The James J Hill Legacy

Learn, Donate, Volunteer

(Updated April 2025)