I wasn't sure what to expect when we stopped at the Hinckley Fire Museum, but it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our trip. If it's your first time visiting Hinckley, this is one stop that's worth making. The museum tells the story of the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894 through artifacts, photos, and personal accounts that really bring the history to life. It's hard to imagine the devastation until you walk through the exhibits and learn what the community endured. One thing I couldn't help but notice is that the museum sits directly across the street from the town's fire station. There's something incredibly fitting about that. A place that preserves the memory of one of the deadliest wildfires in American history now looks out at the firefighters who protect Hinckley today. It's a quiet reminder of how much the town has overcome. Even if you're not someone who usually visits museums, I'd recommend adding this to your itinerary. It gives you a deeper appreciation for Hinckley beyond the restaurants and attractions and helps you understand the history that shaped the community you see today. Don't forget to pick up a few Minnesota favorites from the gift shop on the way out. I would suggest the maple syrup. Outside of the museum you'll find a relief house. This displays what a typical house was like for a family of four after the fires. It made me appreciate the home and space that I have. read more

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This museum takes you on a history lesson about the town and the horrendous fire that destroyed it in 1894. It has nothing to do with a fire house, if that is what you were thinking (I know I was). It is located in what use to be a train depot. You can still see train tracks in the back. They have pretty much maintained it to it's original glory, even though the first one was burned in the fire. It has a decent sized parking lot and also serves as a welcome center and gift shop for the town. I paid $5 for admission to the museum (which I did not mind a chalked it up as a donation to the preservation of this historical landmark). The museum is decent with a short movie that details what happened with the fire, artifacts from the fire, equipment from the time, information placards, art, equipment and displays from the time like a doctors office, the station's communications room, a relief house, a train caboose and depot agent's apartment. The relief house and caboose are located outside, right near the picnic shelter that has a couple of picnic tables under it. It is a nice place to take a break and enjoy some lunch. Keep in mind that they do not have a restaurant or snack bar on site though. It is a somewhat small museum. The tour is self guided and they give you a laminated sheet that explains each room. The museum is manned by volunteers who are some of the nicest people that you will meet and take a lot of pride in the place. In addition to the fire, the museum has exhibits that touch on its Native American roots right outside of the room the movie is played. This is a nice change of pace from your normal touristy stuff. You also get a decent self guided history tour. I spent about an hour here. I will admit that it gets sleepy at some portions of the tour. However, If you are in the area, I still recommend that you should check it out. read more

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it was amazing! the staff were so nice and the sights to see were absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw all of the artifacts and artwork of the great hinckley fire! 5 stars!!! read more

Great small town museum. You will learn a lot about this devastating fire in 1894 that changed everything for Hinckley and killed over 400 people. Great artifacts, cool old train depot location, very interesting video that you must see to understand the whole experience and impact. They also have a caboose and a recreation of the houses given to people whose homes were destroyed in the fire. Super interesting history and well worth the stop. Appeals to all ages read more

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Beautiful and Harrowing stuff. We arrived just at "last admission" but they let us in anyways. We learned alot and the artifacts and stories displayed there are amazing. My only critique would be that some of the descriptions on the exhibits have typos. Otherwise, It was definitely worth seeing. read more

The Hinckley Fire Museum is built at the renovated St. Paul and Duluth train depot. It shares the logging history of Hinckley up to the fire of 1894, and the aftermath and rebuilding of the town. Sandy, the museum curator, meets you at the door where you pay your admission fee. She set the mood by telling you how the train station was used in the 1890's, and the various rooms. The museum in a cellphone free zone "as it scares the ladies". She is clearly a master of her subject and a wealth of information and history about the town. The Beanery (the station restaurant, because, as Sandy reminds you, there is no dining available on trains in the 1890's) has the majority of historical artifacts, including how people survived, who lived, who died, and some items that survived the fire. In the freight room there's a 20-minute video presentation each hour featuring stories and reenactments of the fire. Also in that room is a replica of the doctor's home office. Sandy also set the tone for this show by telling stories of town folks. After the video presentation, Sandy tells you about artwork made by U of M studens You can also see (but not enter) the communications room where the train man perished in the fire but kept the trains running, and the upstairs station masters' house, complete with period furnishings and accoutrements. Downstairs in the foyer "men's waiting room", there is a gift store. After you visit the museum, drive across the highway to see the impressive granite fire memorial tower. It's a neat little museum, a good place to spend an hour and 5 bucks if you get tired of the casino and Tobie's, and want to do something different in town. read more

I've been passing by the signs for this museum for several years now. And I've always wanted to stop by. But I have never had the opportunity. Well I finally decided one weekend on our way up to Duluth to stop with my husband. He wanted me to go in and check it out. So I go into their gift shop. It's cluttered and unorganized. There are a few people in there and one worker dressed in stripped overalls. Older gentleman. He starts, very rudely, shouting at me "there's a cost to enter!" I turn to him and let him know I've never been here and I'm just checking it out. He continued to shout at me. I walk out and tell my husband forget it and we leave. If you don't allow people to look around and simply say "can I help you?" How do you expect them to pay the $5 admission? By yelling at them? No thanks. I won't be stopping ever again. read more