Grimm Farm Historic Site

Just a short drive west of Minneapolis, you’ll find the Grimm Farm Historic Site, where visitors have the opportunity to experience Minnesota's agricultural heritage. It is often called the birthplace of the Dairy Belt thanks to the successful seed saving practices of the Grimm family, which resulted in the first winter-hardy alfalfa in North America. The farm house is part of a restoration project aimed at returning the site to its original state.

Carver PDF Maps

Find printable maps of Carver on the Carver Park Reserve page.

All Programs & Events

See upcoming programs and events at Grimm Farm.

Grimm Farm History

In 1859, immigrant German farmers Wendelin and Julianna Grimm purchased a plot of land in northern Carver County. Among the possessions they brought from their native land was a small wooden box containing the seeds of everlasting clover, which they planted on their farm.

For the next fifteen years, Wendelin Grimm religiously collected and planted seeds from the plants that survived the harsh Minnesota winters. This selection practice, called seed saving, resulted in the first winter-hardy alfalfa in North America. Today, Grimm alfalfa is the source of all modern varieties of alfalfa grown on more the 25 million acres in the United States and valued at $10 billion annually.

Take A Virtual Tour

The Three Rivers Blog

January 09, 2019

Lowry Nature Center turns 50 years old in 2019. Discover how the dream of one man became a reality and how Goodrich Lowry helped shape the future of what is now Three Rivers Park District.

A Grimm Dairy Tale

By: Bill Walker

July 30, 2018

Did you know that we wouldn't have locally made ice cream, butter, cheese curds and other dairy products if it wasn't for one determined farmer who settled in Carver County in the 1800s? Read on to learn about Minnesota's great dairy tale; alfalfa will never look the same.

Newsletter

Sign up for email newsletters to stay up-to-date on the latest in exploring history.

Similar Areas

Historic Pierre Bottineau House

12600 James Deane Parkway
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-694-7700

Noerenberg Gardens

2865 Northshore Drive
Wayzata, MN 55391
763-559-6700

The Landing

2187 Highway 101 E
Shakopee, MN 55379
763-694-7784