Visit the Historic Depot & Visitors Center
The Historic Depot & Visitors Center is open daily from spring through fall, weather permitting.
Visitors Center Hours:
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (hours may vary based on weather conditions and volunteer availability)
Museum Hours
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour
Explore Rushford’s rich history with a self-guided tour featuring historic churches, homes, commercial buildings, and government landmarks throughout the community.
The Historic Depot in Rushford is believed to be the only surviving two-story railroad depot still standing in its original location along the former Southern Minnesota Railway line between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Austin, Minnesota.
Passenger rail service ended in 1975, and the last freight train departed Rushford in 1980. In 1988, the abandoned railway corridor adjacent to the depot was transformed into the Root River State Trail, one of Minnesota’s most popular recreational trails. Today, the depot’s former freight room serves as a visitor center, welcoming travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
The depot grounds also feature several historic structures, including a limestone jail, the Grinde One-Room School, a chapel, and a log cabin. These buildings can be viewed year-round from the outside, and visitors may tour the school’s interior when the museum is open.
Whether you're exploring local history or enjoying the scenic Root River Valley, the Historic Depot offers a unique glimpse into Rushford’s railroad heritage.
Discover the Rushford Peterson Valley
Nestled among scenic limestone bluffs and along the Root River, the Rushford Peterson Valley is a vibrant community where residents, businesses, and visitors thrive. Home to nearly 3,000 people across three cities and surrounding townships, the valley offers the essential services, opportunities, and amenities that support everyday life.
Whether you're visiting, relocating, or looking to grow a business, you'll find outstanding outdoor recreation, quality housing, employment opportunities, excellent schools, healthcare, public safety services, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Take Root in the Rushford Peterson Valley and experience an exceptional quality of life.
