In order to move into the future, a City needs to remember its past. In 1990, the City of Eden Prairie joined nationwide efforts to preserve and protect irreplaceable historic resources by enacting the Heritage Preservation Site Program and establishing the Heritage Preservation Commission.

The Heritage Preservation Site Program encourages Eden Prairie’s history to be remembered through the preservation of historic buildings, documents and sites. Eden Prairie has more than 200 historic resources and two properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Heritage Preservation Commission, a seven-member panel, provides a forum for increasing public awareness of historic buildings, structures, landscapes and objects.

All of the historical studies, files and records are open to the public. They are available for general viewing or for research by calling the City’s Planning Division.

Eden Prairie has two organized volunteer groups interested in local history and historical resources, the City's Heritage Preservation Commission and the Eden Prairie Historical Society. They have much in common but some agreed upon differences.

The private, non-profit Eden Prairie Historical Society is responsible for:

  • The acquisition, preservation, display and recording of historical artifacts
  • The recording, cataloguing and preservation of historical records and information
  • Furnishing the City-owned historic properties with artifacts and/or displays
  • Cosponsoring community historical events
  • Operating the Eden Prairie History Museum for the community

The City-run Heritage Preservation Commission is responsible for:

  • Ongoing identification, evaluation and protection of historic properties
  • Researching and recommending properties to the City Council for designation as Heritage Preservation Sites
  • Preparing preservation plans and providing technical assistance — for City-owned historic properties, the Commission is responsible for providing a site-specific treatment approach and maintenance guidelines
  • Provide outreach programs and educational information

The rich history of Eden Prairie is captured in the History Museum run independently by the Eden Prairie Historical Society. The museum is located in lower level of the City Center. 

Special thanks to the Eden Prairie Historical Society for the use of several historic photos on this Web site.

Eden Prairie History Museum
Director Marie Wittenberg (Historical Society)
952-934-0961

Hours of operation:
First Thursday of the month, 12:30-2 p.m.
Third Tuesday of the month, 7-8 p.m.
*Or by appointment

For questions about the City's role in heritage preservation programs, please contact:

Lori Creamer
Planning Division
952-949-8481