Event Information
History Center of Olmsted County
1195 W Circle Dr SWRochester, MN 55902
About
On Wednesday, September 25, 2019, participants travel by trolley to hidden sites in Viola. Along the way, storyteller and History Center volunteer Dana Knaak narrates the history of this once thriving township. Viola resident and local historian, Laurie Meyer, will be the step-on guide, sharing stories about the origins and demise of Viola. Stops include Oak Hill Cemetery, North Church, the "old" creamery and landmarks only locals know about. "Viola had 40 businesses at one time," says Laurie. "Train whistles were often heard, with three trains going north and three going south, every day."
With a population of 600, Viola isn't technically a ghost town. And the town's occupancy swells for one day in June each year for the Gopher Count, a festival that celebrates farmers' battles with the crop-destroying burrowing rodent. Trolley tour participants will learn all about the history of the Gopher Count.
Dates
The dates for this event have passed. No future dates are available at this time.The Township Trolley Tour to Viola is from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 25th, departing from the History Center of Olmsted County located at 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester, Minnesota. Meet at the History Center at 9:45 am.