by June 1888 and was used as a freight depot for many years. It still
stands a block east of the present depot museum, which was built in 1902
of red-faced brick and stone trimming. The depot consists of many rooms,
such as a baggage room, mens waiting room, family waiting room, and the
east end lunch room. The Chicago and North Western ( C & NW ) Railroad
had passenger rail service at Sleepy Eye for 87 years. The stream liner
"Dakota 400" made its last stop in Sleepy Eye on October 25, 1960. From
that point on the depot served as a freight office.
The C & NW Railroad offered to sell the depot and the Sleepy Eye Depot
Preservation Inc. was formed to purchase and renovate the depot in the
early 1980's. In 1984 the depot was purchased. Since then there have
been a lot of changes that have taken place. Inside, the woodwork is
all refinished and insulation has been put behind the walls. The floors
have been sanded and sealed, a new electrical system and furnace was in-
stalled, and also a new bathroom area was renovated. All of the windows
were replaced with new energy efficient ones. Also a handicapped accessible
ramp and landscaping enhanced the building.
The Sleepy Eye Area Historical Society opened a museum after they received
the keys to the depot on July 3, 1990. Displayed there are artifacts from
the Sleepy Eye area. Also on display at the depot museum is the Sleepy Eye
drum and bugle corps, which won many state and national championships. The
depot was named to the State and National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
Sleepy Eye Area Depot Museum
100 oak St. NW
PO. Box 544
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
(507) 794-5053
*Hours: 2-5 pm
Tuesday-Saturday
*Open May-December
also by appointment
*Guided tours available
free admission
Website Maintained and Owned By Rick Borth
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
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