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Sleepy Eye Monument & Depot Museum Chief Sleepy Eyes died on an island in Bullhead Lake around 1860 in Roberts County, South Dakota, in the tepee of a very old Indian Chief named Red Eagle. Red Eagle had dressed Sleepy Eyes in one of his own new buckskin suits, and in this he was buried under a large tree. Also buried with Sleepy Eyes was his pipe, a small mirror, his tobacco pouch of raccoon skin, on which the head was left as an ornament, together with beads and other small articles. Sleepy Eyes' head would be found six inches below the ground and he would be buried in a sitting position. In 1902, the citizens of Sleepy Eye, along with Red Eagle and his son, went to the spot under the large tree where Sleepy Eyes was buried. There was no mark of any kind to identify the place, but Red Eagle, who was then over ninety years old, placed his hand on the ground and asked to sink his spading fork there. This was done, and finding nothing, there was a look of disappointment on the face of Red Eagle, so he stopped again, and moved the fork six inches to the west and in going down the second time, they hit Sleepy Eyes' skull right in the middle. The remains were sent to the city of Sleepy Eye and buried with proper ceremonies in a small park dedicated to him. The park is located in the center of town with a 50-foot tall obelisk marking Sleepy Eyes' final resting place. Next to the monument is the former Chicago & North Western Railroad depot. Back in 1872 when Sleepy Eye became an official community, the Winona & St. Peter Railroad finally reached Sleepy Eye. The first depot was a wooden building, located just west of the current freight depot. The edifice burned down in January 1887. A second depot was built by June 1887 and was used as a freight depot for many years. It still stands a block east of the Depot Museum, where it now houses Depot Antiques. The present depot was built in 1902 of red-faced brick and stone trimming. It consisted of a baggage room, men's waiting room, family waiting room, telegrapher's room ticket room, and the east end lunch room. The reason for "segregation" of men's and women's waiting rooms seemed to be from railroad policy that the drummers and salesmen traveling on the train were of such a rough character as to be unfit to be in the same room with the women. For 87 years, the Chicago & North Western Railroad had passenger rail service at Sleepy Eye. The streamliner "Dakota 400" made its last stop in Sleepy Eye on October 25, 1960. After that, the depot served as a freight office until the early 1980s, when the C&NW Railroad offered to sell the depot. The Sleepy Eye Depot Preservation Inc. was formed to purchase and renovate the depot. On July 3, 1990, the Sleepy Eye Area Historical Society received the keys to the depot, now known as the Depot Museum, filled with the artifacts from the Sleepy Eye area. In 1992, the depot was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The Depot Museum is open from May 1 to December 15. |
Chief Sleepy Eye Statue A statue of Ish-Tak-Ha-Ba (Chief Sleepy Eyes) was unveiled and dedicated in Wooldrik Park on July 4, 1994. The bronzed statue stands eight-feet tall and is placed atop a Morton granite base surrounded by a brick sidewalk. It is located in the small landscaped park next to the Post Office on First Avenue North. The statue was sculpted by JoAnne Bird, a member of the Wahpeton-Sisseton band of Dakota (Sioux) Native Americans. She was contracted by the Sleepy Eye Area Foundations (SEAF) to create the statue, as she was a Native American with outstanding artistic ability. Later, it was learned that she is also from the same band of Dakota Native American as Ish-Tak-Ha-Ba. According to the SEAF treasurer Judy Beech, Sleepy Eye is the first city in the nation to have a full-sized bronze statue of a person of Native American descent in true likeness. |
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Dyckman Free Library Frank H. Dyckman was born in Orange, New Jersey in 1858 and came to Sleepy Eye at the age of 17. In 1880, he established a banking business in Sleepy Eye, and in 1885, he became one of the proprietors of the Sleepy Eye Milling Company. In 1888, the Dyckmans returned to the east, but Frank made frequent trips to Sleepy Eye to attend to his banking interests. In 1900, he sent a letter to the Public School's Superintendent, H.C. Hess. He wrote, "It has long been my desire to express in some material way my feelings of attachment to the village of Sleepy Eye and to give to its citizens some token of my appreciation of their kindness to me at the beginning of my business career. After careful thought and consideration as to what would be the most permanent benefit to the town, I have decided to offer to build a public library building for the use of the people of Sleepy Eye and the adjacent country." And so the Dyckman Free Library was built in 1900. This was the first public library in Brown County. Many changes have taken place inside and out, but it still holds the original French Classical design that Dyckman had envisioned and had used on his own home in Orange, New Jersey. The Dyckman Free Library is part of the Traverse des Sioux Library System, which allows patrons to check out books from any of the libraries that are a member of the system. |
Sleepy Eye's Linus Statue In 2003, a new addition came to rest on the front lawns of the Dyckman Free Library. During the summer of 2003, Saint Paul's Mayor Randy Kelly unveiled the design for "Linus Blankets Saint Paul," a public art initiative that displayed 105 statues all over Saint Paul. The Sleepy Eye Area Foundation acquired one of the statues because Linus is really from Sleepy Eye. That's right! Linus is really Linus Maurer, who was born and raised in Sleepy Eye, and went on to be a professional cartoonist, humor writer, puzzle creator and whimsical painter, after he did a four year stint in the Pacific during World War II. He graduated from the Minneapolis School of Art, where he majored in illustration and design. His first job following graduation was a cartoon instructor for Art Instructions, Inc. in Minneapolis where he worked with Charles Schultz, who was also teaching cartooning there, as well as creating his famous comic strip. Schultz and Maurer became friends and he asked Maurer to be the model of one of his main characters from Peanuts. |
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St. Mary's Catholic Church St. Mary's Catholic Church, a small wooden structure located where the convent now stands, was originally built in 1876. In the summer of 1902, the new Gothic-style church was completed. The church was a product of the area, with the red brick being supplied by A.C. Ochs in Springfield, basement walls presumably from Mankato or Kasota stone, and plastering sand from nearby Sleepy Eye Lake. Its two lofty steeples are 170 feet high, which can be seen across the prairie for many miles in all directions. in 1902, an eight-foot outdoor statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, weighing 1300 lbs. was placed on the front outside wall of the church, under the stone cross, high above the main entrance. The beautiful stations of the cross were added to the walls in 1904. In 1905, the magnificent high altar and two side altars were placed into position. The church was decorated in 1911, with beautiful murals painted on the walls surrounding the front altar in the manner of European cathedrals. The cathedral-size stained glass windows were ordered from Germany earlier in the 20th century and continue to add a rosy glow. The bells, which called the first parishioners to worship, still do so today. The three large bells, purchased in 1879, were removed from the first church and installed in the south tower of the new church. The largest of these bells weighs 2200 lbs., while the middle bell weighs 1000 lbs. and the smallest weighs in at 600 lbs. Each bell was christened with a saint's name and has an inscription on it. St. Mary's Church doors are open to worshippers and visitors during daylight hours each day of the year. |
Sleepy Eye Lake Earliest travel in Minnesota was by waterways or across country until the railroads became a reality. Because of that, the pioneers settled near these transportation modes. Sleepy Eye was no exception. In 1862, a few families acquired land near Sleepy Eye Lake, a lake which had been named after Chief Sleepy Eyes. In the Dakota language, the word Sisseton means swamp-dweller. The Sisseton people lived in or near sloughy areas and Chief Sleepy Eyes settled on the north shore of Sleepy Eye Lake, near the present site of Sportsman's Park and Campground. An interesting fact about Sleepy Eye Lake is that it seems almost impossible that the lake could go dry, but that is what happened in the 1880s, 1931 and 1932. As a result, several people planted "Depression gardens" in the lake bed and a booming crop of potatoes was harvested. Sleepy Eye Lake has parks on both sides. Allison Park, on the south shore, has two playgrounds, horse shoe pits, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court and is walking distance to the lake, for either fishing off a dock or swimming in the designated area. This park has two small shelters and three large shelters, which are perfect for picnics and small gatherings. On the north side is Sportsman's Park. This park also has a designated area for swimming, three fishing docks, a boat launch, a playground and an extra large covered shelter. There is also a semi-primitive campground with eight camp sites. |
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Let's Go Fishing! The Sleepy Eye Chapter of Let's Go Fishing has just launched its pontoon, The Chief's Pride, for the summer and is ready to give rides on Sleepy Eye Lake. Let's Go Fishing is a non-profit organization providing free fishing and boating excursions to those who are 55 years and older. A current MN fishing license is required, but all other equipment is furnished on the pontoon, including life vests, rods and reels, bait, fish finder, stereo, drinking water, sweet snacks for diabetic emergencies, first aid kit, cell phone, a trained Captain and his Mate. The Chief's Pride is a 24-foot long Crestliner, with a 60 hp motor, a full canopy and 12 captain's chairs which can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs. The pontoon is docked at Sportsman's Park on the north side of Sleepy Eye Lake. The Sleepy Eye Chapter of Let's Go Fishing is proudly sponsored by the Sleepy Eye Sportsman's Club, Volunteers of America-Sleepy Eye Campus, the City of Sleepy Eye, Brown County, Brown County Thrivent Financial and the Sleepy Eye Saddle Club. |
| Schoenstatt Shrine & Retreat Center Located on the shores of Sleepy Eye Lake, this exact replica of the original shrine in Schoenstatt, Germany has seen many visitors and guests since it was built and dedicated in 1976. In the autumn of 1973, the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary and the Schoenstatt Movement turned to the Blessed Mother in their helplessness and longing to find a location to build a replica shrine. The decision was made to entrust the petition to find the "perfect place" for the Shrine into the intercessory power of the Blessed Mother. The Movement and the Sisters made plans to crown the picture that had already been purchased by the Schoenstatt Girls for the future Shrine. The date of the Coronation was set for Saturday, December 7, 1974, in the parish church St. Peter and Paul in Ivanhoe, MN. Bishop Alphonse Schladweiler was the main celebrant, and he performed the actual coronation. Priests from the area as well as about 250 people participated in the Mass and ceremony. One of the petitions expressed the longing in everyone's hearts: "Blessed Mother, we ask you to show us where you want your Shrine in Minnesota. Show us the place...but please do it NOW!" Apparently the Blessed Mother heard this prayer, for less than three hours later, one of the priests in attendance, Fr. Robert Goblirsch, told the Sisters that the Diocese of New Ulm had land that had been donated for a religious purpose. There was a farm, known as the Anna M. Hillesheim Memorial, along Sleepy Eye Lake, on the west edge of the town of Sleepy Eye. Truly, the Blessed Mother showed them the spot where she wanted the Schoenstatt Shrine to be built. Five years after the dedication of the Shrine, on June 28, 1981, an educational retreat center, Schoenstatt on the Lake, was dedicated. It is to be a place of prayer and encounter with God and Mary, a "home away from home" for the Schoenstatt Movement, and also wishes to serve the needs of the local Church and community. The Shrine in Sleepy Eye is one of the more than 160 exact replicas of the original shrine and welcomes more than 5000 people each year. |
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Sleepy Eye Stained Glass The first time you experience sunlight passing through colored glass, it will capture you for life. The intensity of the colors is beyond belief. For the past 25 years, Sleepy Eye Stained Glass has worked with architects, interior designers and individuals on churches, commercial buildings and private residences to create a distinctive design in glass. Sleepy Eye Stained Glass is the only specialty stained glass shop between Michigan and Wyoming, so stop in and see true works of art right before your eyes! Through years of experimentation, Mike Mason and his staff have developed a method of their own. They use lead came or copper foil technique that may produce a 10 to 5000 piece window. Their creative procedure begins with design drawing, then moves on to the painstaking selection and cutting of glass, then finally, the grinding, fitting, foiling, straightening, and soldering of the window. Completed work is then ready for permanent installation, hanging, cabinet panels, doors, skylights, etc. A must see for the glass hobbyist or anyone who admires the beauty of stained glass. Classes are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced. Information available at 507-794-6449 or sestainedglass.com. |
Sleepy Eye Golf Club Located on the west edge of Sleepy Eye, this 9-hole course is peaceful as it is beautiful. The Sleepy Eye Golf Club's club house is also available to rent for small gatherings and graduation parties. |
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Two significant buildings that still remain in Sleepy Eye, but are unavailable to tour, are the Berg Hotel and the Sleepy Eye Flour Mill. These two buildings date back to the end of the 19th century and have a wealth of history. |
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Berg Hotel Carl Berg came to Sleepy Eye from Germany in the late 1860s or early 1870s. In 1899, he constructed C. Berg's Hotel. He chose to build the hotel with red brick which was enhanced with beautiful Kasota stone windowsills and trim. It also emphasizes its grand arch entry. The grand staircase was embellished with beautiful floral daisy-trimmed oak wainscot trim. The grand opening of the Berg Hotel was held on December 1, 1899, with many dignitaries in attendance. A grand banquet and a grand ball were also held. One of the interesting stories of the hotel is a man stopped in Sleepy Eye at Carl Berg’s Hotel and asked for food for himself and his horse. He offered to pay by giving Berg his gun. Barter was common and because news traveled slowly, the village had not yet heard about the Northfield robbery. When the news did arrive with a description of the robbers, it was clear to Berg that he probably had been host to one of Jesse James’ gang members. Lodging in the hotel was rented out, not as rooms, but as sleeping space. For a dollar, you might find yourself sharing a bed with a complete stranger. When all the rooms were filled, cots were placed in the halls for a dollar. |
Sleepy Eye Flour Milling Company Without access to old newspapers, it is difficult to get a clear picture of the Sleepy Eye Flour Mill's beginnings. Sources offer varying lists of owners, as well as its actual beginning, which took place between 1882 and 1885. In 1894, the mill made Cream, Apple Blossom, Gold, Snowflake, Chief and Cyclone Brands of flour. It was also said that at one time, the mill owned 27 elevators in Minnesota and South Dakota. The mill had its own cooper's shop in which it made the barrels for the flour. Although capacity was 5000 barrels of flour daily, not all flour was packed in barrels. Much was sold in cloth sacks. The mill also produced cereals, Pancako and Koffeeno. The mill ran night and day, six days a week, and shifts were usually 12 hours. The Sleepy Eye Flour Mill also produced many souvenirs, such as pottery and two cookbooks, which are popular today at antique stores and auctions. Unwise investments contributed to mill difficulties. Ultimately, a "crisis due to a financial depression and other things" resulted in the entire office force being moved to Minneapolis and the mill in Sleepy Eye ceasing operation for a time. In a reorganization program, the Sleepy Eye Milling Company was converted into the United Milling Company, with headquarters in Minneapolis. Part of the machinery was taken out and used to build up the mills in Albert Lea and Sioux Falls, so that there were three mills under the United name. The Sleepy Eye Mill was the largest and the most important of the three. However, its former capacity was cut to 2000 barrels. In 1921, business conditions were bad for the mill and it was closed for the last time. Trademark passed to the St. Louis Flour Mills, then to the Pillsbury Company. Today, the main building of the Sleepy Eye Flour Mill still stands tall, but has been left empty for more than 85 years. |
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Allison Park is located on the south side of Sleepy Eye Lake. This park has two playgrounds, horse shoe pits, a sand volleyball court, a basketball court and is walking distance to the lake, for either fishing off a dock or swimming in the designated area. This park has two small shelters and three large shelters. Eagles Park is located in the southwest corner of Sleepy Eye. This park features tennis courts, a pair of sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and a playground. There is a large covered shelter tucked away, perfect for a picnic or a small gathering. Kiefer Park is located in the northeast part of Sleepy Eye. This park offers a softball field, tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground, and a small covered picnic shelter. Prairieview Park is one of the newest parks in Sleepy Eye. There are two adjoining softball fields with a small covered shelter in the middle and a playground nearby. Prairieview is located south of Eagles Park. South Park is located on First Avenue South in Sleepy Eye. This large park has a playground, basketball courts, horse shoe pits, and a small covered shelter. Sportsman's Park is located on the north side of Sleepy Eye Lake. This park has a designated area for swimming, three fishing docks, a boat launch, a playground, and an extra large covered shelter. There is also a campground with eight available sites. Burnside Park has a softball field, a municipal swimming pool and an outdoor ice skating rink. This park is located on the 300 block of Burnside Street SE. * * * * * Park Shelter Information Reservations for park shelters can be made by contacting the City of Sleepy Eye at 507-794-3731. Small shelters are $15.00 a day and can hold up to 50 people. Large shelters are $25.00 a day and can hold up to 150 people. Extra large shelters are also $25.00 a day and can hold up to 200 people. Each shelter has 110v electrical outlets. Each shelter is equipped with light bulb sockets - please bring your own light bulbs. There are also picnic tables in each shelter. Please clean up any food or drink spills that occurs during your time in the park - thank you!
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115 2nd Avenue NE, Sleepy Eye, MN | Ph. 507-794-4731 | Toll: 800-290-0588 | Fax: 507-794-4732 | Email: secofc@sleepyeyetel.net |
