The idea of a fishing museum began in 1990. AL BAERT (of Sartell, MN.), was researching one of his "old lures", a 1912 Surf Oreno, manufactured by the South Bend Bait Company. Looking at the 4" wooden lure in his hand, he realized it was not the value that was so meaningful, but rather, the history and memories from a past era.

     Al contacted his long-time friend, MORRY SAUVE (of St. Cloud, MN.), and they began to lay the foundation for the Minnesota Fishing Museum. Flyers were printed and mailed out to friends, requesting donations of old fishing memorabilia. Items flowed in from all over Minnesota as people realized it was better to donate items to the museum where others could appreciate its history than to keep it in the garage or basement collecting dust. For the donors, it was a chance to give recognition to their favorite fisherman who is a part of this great history.

     By 1995, Al's basement took on the look of a 1940's tackle shop! Items occupied every square inch of available space. It was now time to find a permanent home.

     In 1998, the Little Falls City Council unanimously welcomed the Minnesota Fishing Museum and donated the first "temporary" site in the north end of the historic Cass Gilbert Depot building, shared by the Little falls Area Chamber of Commerce offices. After 6 months we outgrew our small space and moved to our current site at 304 W. Broadway, Little Falls, where we have over 7,000 square feet to display the thousands of donated artifacts.

     MFM staff say: "Every day is like Christmas here. We never know what is going to come through the door - a motor, lure, homemade spear, tackle box, fishing prints or magazines, a snowmobile, boats, fish mounts,etc. It's exiting!"