Parker College
Parker College​
In 1887, Parker College was established in Winnebago, attracting over 100 students in its first year who studied music, speech, business, and trade. The college brought esteemed professors to the area, many of whom made their homes in the community. Notably, Parker College was home to Bobby Marshall, the country’s first African American football coach. To accommodate the growing student body and faculty, large homes were built along Cleveland Avenue and 'Jackson Road' (1st Ave. NW). Some of these homes served as dormitories, and a few still stand today. Due to financial struggles, the college closed in April 1924. Today, the site is home to Heartland Senior Living at Parker Oaks, Assisted Living. Be sure to check out the early typewriters on display.
Curling​
In 1866, a group of Scots settled near Bass Lake after relocating from Mapleton and brought with them their cherished tradition of curling. They formed a curling club that gathered regularly at Rice Lake, Bass Lake, and neighboring town rinks, keeping the spirit of the sport alive in their new community for many years.
Add Cards
This row of advertising cards once adorned the counter of Lee Zabel’s barber shop, a local hub of conversation and community. Lee, a World War I veteran, served as a barber for 48 years before retiring in 1971. The cards promoted local businesses and silently bore witness to decades of gossip, politics, and stories shared by townsfolk in his bustling shop.
Roll Top Desk
& Cash Register
This corner highlights the lumber yard, a vital and thriving industry during the city's early development. It also reflects the broader world of business in a pre digital era, featuring tools like feather pens, inkwells, and a gas lamp. The ornate cash register is a special piece, engraved with the owner's name—a mark of pride, as it was purchased outright with cash.
Address
16 Main Street South
P.O. Box 595
Winnebago, MN 56098
Opening Hours
​Sun & Mon
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 am – Noon
Wed - Sat
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm