The Prospect House, a Georgian-style “mansion”, is a treasure in its own right. Cap Colehour built the first house in 1882, based on architectural drawings from his home in Chicago. In 1886 Cap built an addition onto his house and began to offer his home, which he then called “The Prospect Inn”, as a seasonal resort. The Prospect Inn was perhaps the first and largest resort in the lakes area, operating for 38 years. Cap’s daughter, Kathrina, and her husband, Ernest Wilkins, remodeled the interior five years later, in 1929. The house’ furnishings and décor have not been changed since that time.
Continually inhabited by descendants of Cap Colehour since 1882, the Prospect House features the Civil War Museum in the lower level. You can follow the Civil War trail and trials of James Allison “Cap” Colehour through his three year enlistment. Century old trees define the grounds where the Prospect House was originally built and remains today as a historical site in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Historical markers around the yard tell the story of the Prospect House.
Tours
Tour the Prospect House and the Civil War Museum. Guided tours take 45-90 minutes. Please register in advance.
Events
We host several events throughout the year including a Civil War reenactment, featured artists, concerts and holiday events.
Education
The Civil War & Minnesota is an educational program that has been uniquely created for Minnesota 6th grade students and was developed upon Minnesota State Social Studies Standards regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction 1850-1877.
Get in Touch
Prospect House Museum v2
403 Lake Ave N
Battle Lake, MN 56515
218) 864-4008
prospecthousemuseum@outlook.com
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© 2019 Prospect House & Civil War Museum | 403 Lake Ave. N., Battle Lake, MN 56515 218-864-4008
Prospect House Museum v2 