Built in 1888, the Larson House was one of the very first homes in Fosston. Lewis William Larson, originally from St. Olaf, Iowa, constructed the house for his wife Johanna and their three children—Bessie, Phinney, and Lillian.

At age 34, Mr. Larson set out west in search of gold, but along the way he changed his mind. Drawn instead to northern Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi, he was inspired by stories of abundant fish and wildlife. Eventually, he chose to settle in Fosston, where he built and furnished the house before sending for his family to join him.

Though modest in size at first, the home was expanded as the family grew. Today, the Larson House has been carefully restored and serves as a repository for historical furnishings, books, photographs, and documents, offering a glimpse into the lives of Fosston’s early settlers.

Information taken from Fosston Heritage Center History written by Gregory J. Brickell