Dakota City Heritage Village (DCHV)

"Save the Depot" is our fundraising focus this year.  The Depot, one of our most beloved and most-visited buildings, is in urgent need of refurbishing.

Your support has sustained us throughout the years, and we are inspired to keep moving forward with our mission to connect, through education and interpretation, current generations to the life and agricultural heritage of early 20th century Dakota County.

This year, we’re excited to invite you to be part of a major chapter in our story.   Originally located in Lakeville, this historic structure has inspired countless children with stories of train travel, communication, and community life. Now, we’re launching a campaign to raise $450,000 to restore it — preserving its history and charm for generations to come.

$1,000 Donors will be recognized on a plaque inside the Depot and others on a printed poster inside the village-(no dollar amounts will be listed in public)

Your support of the “Save the Depot” campaign will help us:

• Repair and stabilize the structure while preserving original features.
• Create safer, more engaging learning environments for school tours and visitors.
• Honor the rich railroad heritage of Dakota County.

This station was used as a station for the Hastings and Dakota Railroad. Built in 1869, use in Lakeville until 1969, this building is a combination depot. A combination depot was designed to receive both passengers and freight. The Hastings and Dakota Railroad was later renamed the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. The Depot was moved to Dakota City in 1970.

Working together is the best way forward to preserve this special building, with the Dakota County Agricultural Society, (DCAS), our volunteers and supporters like you. We will also be exploring grant opportunities.

Please consider a donation to this special project. Your gift is 100% tax deductible. Thank you for your support to “Save the Depot”.

As each of us experience change in our society and cultures, the appreciation and sharing of history is something we can all take part in. Dakota City Heritage Village invites you to share your talents and gifts to build, grow, preserve and celebrate our connected cultures and heritage here in Dakota County. We look forward to seeing you this year at Christmas in the Village held the first two weekends of December! 

Thank you for your continuing support of the Dakota City Heritage Village mission.