LITTLE WATERFALLS, Minn. — Construction began Thursday on the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum at Camp Ripley.
The state contributed $32 million toward the design and construction of the 40,000-square-foot complex in Little Falls, just off Highway 371 and adjacent to the Little Falls State Veterans Cemetery.
The museum is more than halfway to its $10 million private fundraising goal, which it plans to use to furnish galleries, classrooms and collection spaces.
“The building will be both an educational destination for visitors and a tribute to Minnesotans who have served our state and country,” said Sara Du, project coordinator at HGA Architects, the firm responsible for the building’s design.
Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum
The planners visited top museums across the country and consulted Minnesota veterans in the museum’s creation.
Organizers hope the museum will be a place of remembrance, education and celebration.
“When this project is completed, it will honor all branches of service, both past and present. It will also truly represent a community effort, with funding from federal, state, community and private funding sources,” said Randal Dietrich, executive director of the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum.
The construction of the museum can be followed on the recently launched Instagram page.
The museum is expected to open in the summer of 2026.
