Knife River Heritage & Cultural Center
History worth preserving
Photo: Scott Shelerud
Aerial photo of the KRHCC site taken during the inaugural 2026 regional quilt art show.
About us
The Knife River Heritage & Cultural Center (KRHCC) became a non-profit in 2018 after locals voted to establish a history center at the endangered Knife River train depot and freight building.
The depot was an icon of Knife River, along with the fish tug, CRUSADER II, which had been gifted to the town by the Lake County Historical Society in 2016. The tug had a long history with Knife River since it was christened by Crown Prince Olav of Norway in 1938.
The depot and fish tug were restored almost entirely by volunteers from May of 2019 through November of 2025. The entire site is ADA-compliant and barrier-free.
Our Mission
To engage the public in preserving, presenting and valuing the history of the Knife River area. We inspire people to make a personal and emotional connection to the past through exhibits and programming. This helps us understand the past, connect with the present, and prepare for the future.
Our Vision
To preserve the history of the Knife River area from its indigenous peoples through copper exploration, logging, railroading, boat building and commercial fishing.
Photo: Todd Lindahl
The Knife River train depot was in danger of falling down until rescued and rebuilt by volunteers.
Photo: Paul von Goertz
The restored depot
Photo: Jim Allert
The iconic Knife River fish tug, CRUSADER II, built in 1938, under reconstruction in 2024.
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Photo: Jim Allert
The rebuilt fish tug