Learning History in Thief River Falls

Nov 12, 2021

When talking about the development of a town and the identity of its citizens, few places have a past as unique as Thief River Falls. With the woods and wonderful wilderness as a landscape, the area has inspired writers like Gary Paulsen to create the classic novel “Hatchet” and was central to the lumber market and industrial growth. Thief River Falls has several notable historical landmarks and a legacy that locals celebrate daily. Read on to learn about some locations within Thief River Falls that can help you learn about the city’s history and celebrate its success and growth.

Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024

Front engine on a train labelled 1024 — Image via Flickr by Dave Shaver via CC BY 2.0

Pennington County, named for Edmund P. Pennington, president of the Soo Railroad, claims Thief River Falls as its county seat. As home of The Soo Line RR Depot and Steam Locomotive #1024, Thief River Falls cherishes the historic Soo Line Railroad Depot, which was instrumental in molding Thief River Falls into the town it is today. Located on US Highway 59 in downtown, the Railroad is marked on the National Register of Historic Places. First developed as a lumber town, Thief River Falls was dependent on the Soo Line Railroads to bring commerce, increase town prosperity, and make it central to shipping wheat.

From 1914 until 1967, the depot served as a hub for activity and travel almost 24 hours a day. At the apex of its use, around 13 passenger trains would go through the depot daily. When passenger service was terminated in 1967, the depot went through a period of silence. However, many citizens interested in preserving a chunk of Thief River Falls’ history worked diligently on a fundraising campaign called “Save the Depot” to renovate, remodel, and restore the depot. The project was completed, and a Soo Class L-4, 2-8-2 MIKADO, the steam locomotive #1024, sits on permanent display outside the original and restored depot.

The Depot, which now serves as the city hall, features historic photographic panels open for public viewing Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Located at 405 3rd St. E, the depot’s importance is reimagined and preserved as a central component to the county and of Thief River Falls. You can contact city hall for information at 218-681-2943.

Minnesota’s First Birding Trail

The Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail is home to a tremendous variety of birds. With habitats ranging from pine forests, deciduous woodlands, sand dunes, native tallgrass prairies, marshes, bogs, parkland, and lakes and rivers of all sizes, the transition zone serves as a natural refuge for over 275 species of birds and other wildlife. The trail offers over 51 sites for guests to view and learn about birds and spans over 200 miles in length.

The Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail is an ideal destination for novice and experienced nature photographers to capture birds in their most natural states. For bird watchers, we suggest you grab a powerful pair of binoculars to get a good glimpse of the colorful and majestic creatures on the trail. Some species bird watchers can expect to view are the chesnut-collared longspur, the great-prairie chicken, the American woodcock, the snowy owl, the yellow rail, and the ruffed grouse.

A favorite trail site is Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area Bird Trail. A prime time to visit this location is between the months of April through October when birds such as the sandhill crane and black-crowned night heron frequent the area. For information call 218-222-3747.

Peder Englestad Pioneer Village

The Peder Englestad Pioneer Village is a sort of living museum that includes 19 buildings, a museum, a Victorian house, a schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, a church, seven log houses, and two railroad depots preserved in history for guests to visit and understand the struggles of the past. See machinery used to harvest fields and visit the carefully crafted exhibits for an in-depth look at the community’s history.

The Peder Englestad Pioneer Village is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll find this village of the past at 825 Oakland Park Road. A visit here is a grand learning opportunity and fun for all ages. Call 218-681-5767 for information regarding upcoming events at the Pioneer Village Museum.

The Riverwalk

Thief River Falls, the place where “two rivers meet,” is a phenomenal area to get out and about, catch some sun, be active, and learn. Through Hertz Park visitors can stroll Riverwalk Trail, share some time with your four-legged friend, and spot some deer. As a shared home with many wildlife, Thief River Falls remains a constant supporter of preserving nature. Cross the bridge, or use your bike and traverse Greenwood Trails. The trails boast 48 acres of paved and unpaved trails for both experienced hikers and those just starting out. In the winter, this is a great trail for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Thief River Falls and the Unique Name

Thief River Falls, a city in and the county seat of Pennington County, has an interesting tale to accompany the unique name. Thief River Falls, commonly abbreviated at TRF, gets its name from the falls of the Red Lake River and its joining with the Thief River. The river’s name is a loose translation of the Ojibwe phrase, “gimood-akiwi ziibi” that means “secret-earth river.” The French erroneously translated the phrase to mean, “stealing river,” thinking it referred to the way the stream washed out the banks. Later, the name was altered to “Thief River,” and remains so to this day.

So there you have it. Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC has delivered historical information about Thief River Falls and some places you can visit to take in and appreciate the storied past of this “Secret River” place. What do you think of the suggestions and information we’ve included? Did we miss your favorite historical fact about Thief River Falls? If we did, let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to include your ideas on our list.