The organization seeks to preserve pioneer heritage and encourage the study of Minnesota's history through organizational activities and community outreach.
Members of the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers trace their ancestry to the pioneers who settled in the Minnesota Territory before the state of Minnesota was admitted to the union in 1858. MTP was founded in 1897 and celebrates its 117th anniversary in 2014. The Minnesota Territory included parts of the original Northwest Territory (1783), Louisiana Purchase (1803) and lands along the Red River of t
08/28/2025
Once again, Timbre Junction is back this year! Be sure to stop by the Log Cabin tonight and Friday, August 29th for some awesome music. The bluegrass band will be performing on our front lawn starting at 5pm.
Timbre Junction Home page of Timbre Junction, a bluegrass group from Minneapolis. One of the finest Minneapolis, Minnesota based Bluegrass bands.
08/25/2025
Fox 9 news came by today to do a short segment on the MTP Log Cabin. Our junior building supervisor Emilie Casebolt spoke briefly on the organization and items in the building. The segment will air tomorrow, August 26, during their 9am broadcast. Be sure to tune in!
08/23/2025
Coming to the Fair today? Stop by the Pioneer Log Cabin to visit the Viking Age Club and Society of the Sons of Norway. The Club showcases Scandinavian life during the Viking Age. We’re excited to host them this year!
We've launched a small GoFundMe to raise some funds for a new MN State Flag for our building at the MN State Fair, as well as a replica of the original 1893 one for our display. Please share, and donate if you can! More details are provided in the description of the fundraiser.
If you would prefer, you can donate directly to the MTP as well so we receive 100% of your donation.
It's that time of the year again - the Minnesota State Fair!
Once again, we're looking for volunteers for both before and during the Fair!
Set up begins this Friday, 7/25. While there is a lot of work to be done, we have both easy and hard tasks, so don't be afraid to sign up and we'll set you up with something you're able to do:
- Dusting and sweeping
- Cleaning the interior logs
- Hanging pictures
- Moving artifacts, big and small
- Packaging and pricing sales items
- Painting exterior logs and windows
- Etc. etc.
The shifts during the Fair are usually pretty relaxed. The default volunteer location is behind the sales counter, with a maximum of two people. If you would like to be at the main desk, please note that when you sign up. We have our own bathroom and refrigerator if you want to bring your own food/drink.
- AM Shift: 8:45am – 2:30pm
- PM Shift: 2:15pm – 8:00pm
- Admission tickets provided
- Free parking available at our office (3 blocks from the Cabin)
- 30 minute break during shift
Even if you haven't volunteered before, or aren't a member, we would love to have you!
Please consider joining us for our annual Training Picnic on Saturday, August 2 from 11:30-3pm. During this picnic you'll get to see the Cabin before it's set up as well as get trained on our sales software, sign up for shifts, and receive admission tickets.
https://signup.com/go/yYXUXBy
08/23/2024
Timbre Junction, a MN bluegrass band, is back again this year at the MN Territorial Pioneers' Log Cabin at the MN State Fair!
They'll be delighting the crowds from 5-8pm both today, August 23rd, and again tomorrow, August 24th.
Make sure to drop on by and enjoy their spirited shows!
Timbre Junction Home page of Timbre Junction, a bluegrass group from Minneapolis. One of the finest Minneapolis, Minnesota based Bluegrass bands.
08/20/2024
If you're interested in hearing behind-the-scenes stories about the MN State Fair, we recommend listening to the Info Booth Ladies Podcast! Their episodes are filled with loads of insider information about the MN State Fair as well as stories about the people that work hard to make it all happen.
Check out the link below for our featured episode and don't forget to stop by the MTP Log Cabin at the MN State Fair from August 22 to September 2, 2024!
Can't wait to see you all!
Emilie Casebolt: Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Cabin! | Info Booth Ladies The Minnesota Territorial Pioneers Cabin has been on the fairgrounds since 1897!
07/22/2024
The 2024 MN State Fair is just a month away!
We can't wait to see our regulars as well as some new faces this year.
As always, we're looking for volunteers! No need to be a member of the MTP, just a positive attitude and willingness to chat with visitors. Check out our sign up sheet for available shifts: https://signup.com/go/gOJFSrC
Specifics are as follows:
-Admission ticket provided
-Shift 1: 8:45am-2:30pm (shifts can be modified depending on who is working - please inquire)
-Shift 2: 2:15pm-8:00pm
-30-ish minute break
-Limited free parking located at our office; only a 5-10 minute walk away! A mobility scooter can be arranged from the lot to the building, if requested.
If volunteering at the Cabin during the Fair is not your speed, we also need volunteers for clean-up and set-up both pre-Fair and post-Fair. Sounds like a lot, but it's fun (dirty!!) and very casual. Tasks include:
-Dusting
-Wiping down surfaces
-Hanging pictures
-Moving artifacts
-Packing artifacts away for storage
-Laundry - dust covers and curtains.
2024 MTP MSF Volunteers SignUp.com makes it easy to coordinate school events & classroom activities, fundraisers, snack schedules, potlucks & more!
07/19/2024
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Gene Ewer, the "Paper Doll Cutter", passed on June 29th, 2024. He was a staple of our Pioneer Log Cabin at the MN State Fair since the mid 1990s and gave away thousands of butterflies, worms, alligators, and so many more paper animals to fairgoers over the years. He gained a dedicated following over the years, with people of all ages making their annual pilgrimage just to see him and his craft.
He will be greatly missed by his MTP and MN State Fair family.
Eugene Claude Ewer - View Obituary & Service Information Share Memories and Support the Family.
05/01/2024
Please join us May 3rd-5th for our annual rummage sale!
***opening at 11am on Saturday 5/4 due to rain***
1000s of items: Books, puzzles, kitchenware, home décor, crystal, clothes, etc. *minimal electronics and furniture
Come by and find your next treasure!
All proceeds help support the MN Territorial Pioneers and our MN historical artifacts. For more information about our organization, please check out our website: https://www.mnterritorialpioneers.org/
Credit Cards/Apple Pay accepted. Cash or Venmo preferred.
Free and plentiful parking.
In case of rain, sales area will be under canopies.
If you're interested in donating items, please email [email protected].