With 12 acres, over 40 historic buildings and 400,000 artifacts there is something for everyone to explore at Bonanzaville, from the Cass County Museum to the many attractions in the Pioneer Village. Be sure to stop by the Bonanzaville Gift Shop to purchase Bonanzaville, Cass County and North Dakota souvenirs.
Cass County Museum
Start your visit to Bonanzaville in the Cass County Museum. Open year round, the museum highlights the history of the Native Americans of the Red River Valley, bonanza farms and homesteading and the modernization of North Dakota. Additionally, the Cass County Museum houses a rotating exhibit gallery that features special exhibits throughout the year.
Pioneer Village
The Cass County Historical Society has been collecting historic buildings from around the county since 1967.Today 43 historic buildings and museums collected by the CCHS make up Bonanzaville’s Pioneer Village.
Pioneer Village Highlights
Dahl Car Museum
Explore a collection of vintage automobiles spanning from a 1904 Holzman Car to more modern examples. Many vehicles within the museum are in working condition and often used in nearby parades.
Eagle Air Museum
The Eagle Air Museum’s holdings include a collection of aircrafts and aircraft related artifacts as well historic vehicles. 20 aircrafts dating from 1911 to the 1980s and a collection of aircrafts built and restored by Charles David Klessig, a pilot from Page, North Dakota are on display. Featured vehicles include a Douglas C-47 used during World War II.
Horse Drawn Carriage Museum
The Horse Drawn Carriage Museum houses Bonanzaville’s impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles and equipment. See buggies, sleighs, farm wagons, drays and a milk wagon. Highlights within the museum include a replica of a Well’s Fargo stage coach, also known as a Concord Coach and the horse-drawn hearse used during the Fredrickson and Brakke Funeral.
Law Enforcement Museum
The Law Enforcement Museum, maintained by the Fargo Auxiliary Police Association and other law enforcement agencies, is a tribute to law enforcement in North Dakota. Spanning from the initiation of the Dakota Territory in 1873 to the present, the museum provides an educational opportunity for the general public to view and comprehend the functions of law enforcement, their historical significance, mission and memorabilia.
Medical Display
Bonanzaville’s Medical Display is housed within a building donated by the Maier family. Within you will discover a collection of medical and dental equipment from the 19th century.
Melroe Tractor Building
The Melroe Tractor Building shares the rich history of American agricultural innovation. See agricultural machinery made by manufacturers such as Hart-Parr, Rumley and Allis Chalmers J.I. Two of the earliest steam engines made by Case, a prolific steam engine builder, are also featured in the building.
Moum Agricultural Building
Discover early agricultural technology as well as more recent agricultural inventions in the Moum Agricultural Building. Farm machinery implements, from threshing machines to seeders, walking plows and diesel-driven tractors are just some of the items featured in the building.
Telephone Museum
Housed within the former hardware store building from Tower City, North Dakota, the Telephone Museum interprets telecommunications throughout the 20th century. See receivers, switching equipment and line insulators made of glass.
- Bonanzaville is ADA complaint.
- Costumed interpreters throughout Bonanzaville will be happy to provide you with information on the historic buildings throughout Bonanzaville and additional background information on the area’s history.