Fergus Falls, MN – The Otter Tail County Historical Society is holding an exterior tour of the Fergus Falls State Hospital on Friday, May 10th at 7 in the evening.
The Historical Society says, “Designed as a single unit, the State Hospital is an architectural icon that mimics the architectural concepts of Dr. Thomas Story Kirkbride, a 19th century pioneer in the mental health field. Well known Minnesota architect Warren B. Dunnell translated Kirkbride’s ideas into a building plan. From its opening in July 1890 to its closing in 2009, the State Hospital dominated the economic, social and cultural fabric of the region.”
The tour will take place outside of the hospital, as admission into the building has not been allowed since 2022, per the direction of the Minnesota Department of Health.
Tour guides will be examining stories and events from the building that the Histoical Society feels “have largely been ignored.”
The Historical Society states, “The hospital’s history is complex and often uncomfortable, but with its future hanging in the balance it is imperative we keep this history alive.”
Visitors wishing to attend the tour are requested to park in the Government Services parking lot and meet at the western most part of the hospital.
The cost for the tour is $10 with proceeds benefiting the Otter Tail County Historical Society.