prairie village museum

We were on a road trip & came across this museum while driving through Rugby ND, the Geographical Center of North America. We couldn't decide it this might be worth taking the time to stop but are we ever glad we did! We thoroughly enjoyed all the buildings full of items depicting the past. So very interesting!

THis museum has a very good collection of memorabilia! The grounds are large and every August a country fair is held with entertainment and great food. There also is a large amount of volunteers and staff that keep the place running well and in good order.

If you are anywhere near Rugby, North Dakota (reportedly the geographic center of North America), you must spend some time at the Prairie Village Museum. This collections of historic buildings depicting life in 19th and 20th century North Dakota is on a par with the most well known historical sites. The railroad car and the station building are just the beginning. Continue down the brick and wood-plank path to the dress shop, the livery and stable, the jail, the church, the school house, the bank, the general store ... there are just too many to list. History really does come alive here, because so many things that are displayed behind glass or far away in other museums are here right in front of you. We could easily have spent a couple of hours here, as there was something for everyone.

We had a great evening watching the children's theater perform & enjoyed the picnic & musical entertainment. Each August the museum hosts a special day when many of the buildings come to life. There is music & rootbeer in the bar, soda & popcorn at the soda fountain, fresh baked goods in the cook car, entertainment in the gazebo, animals in the barn & lots of people enjoying each others company. The museum has been making some up dates & hosting new events this summer. It is worth checking out!!