History of Lumbertown U.S.A.
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You may not have realized it, but you are standing in the “streets” of historic Lumbertown U.S.A. Though it is now a relic of the past, Lumbertown U.S.A. was a shining attraction at Madden’s for nearly 40 years. In 1955, Lumbertown U.S.A. opened after Jack and Peg took a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. The idea was to create a life-size, interactive replica of lumber-era Minnesota, complete with streets and buildings like a schoolhouse, sheriff’s office, jail, livery stable, and more. They spent the winter looking for artifacts and were able to find many historic buildings and original equipment from the 1800s.
“Re-discover the old lumbering days of this area in this typical lumber town of the 1870s. Re-live the history of the area by visiting thirty buildings that line the streets. You’ll see the oldest print shop in the state, the general store, the “Last Turn” saloon, the blacksmith shop, the firebarn, livery stable, harness shop, tonsorial parlor, Maggie’s Millinery, the photographer’s shop, a cobbler’s shop, Sugar Bush syrup, and much more!”
Excerpt from a Lumbertown U.S.A. brochure (view full brochure here)
Attractions at Lumber Town U.S.A. included the Blueberry Belle, a 32 foot, 2-story steamboat that circled around the Blueberry River in the center of the resort, and the Old N.P. Railroad Train. There was also a wax museum featuring historical figures such as Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt. Guests could also enjoy a family-style dinner served in the Lumbertown Dining Room.
Lumbertown was removed in 1997 and many items were auctioned off, but there are still some relics on property. The horses near the Stable Gallery are 2 of 8 original horses from the Livery Stable, which was a replica of the stable owned by Jim and Jack’s grandfather. What is now the Ice Cream Shoppe was once the Trading Post/General Store, and the brown Sales & Marketing building was the Lumbertown entrance and housed the Ice Cream Parlor in the lower level.
You can also find some of the artifacts at the Cross Lake Log Village.
