original depot housing a collection that depicts the area’s historical railroad, agricultural, industrial and resort eras.
Resource Documents at the Museum
The Dickinson County Museum is home to an extensive collection of primary source materials providing insight into the life and work of Dickinson County residents through the years. Whether it be vintage photos, maps, newspapers, periodicals, obituaries, local history books, or files highlighting specific area topics - we have them ready for your research and enjoyment. And, we’re happy to help you as you search!

Newspapers:
Spirit Lake Beacon 1873-1985
Milford Mail 1890 and 1910-1969
Okobojian 1956-1999
Dickinson County Mail News 1975-1976

Court and Recorder Records:
Dickinson County Chattel Mortgage books 1890’s
Dickinson County Tax List 1915-1921, 1923
Dickinson County Sheriff’s Docket and Fee Book 1930’s
Dickinson County Township Assessor’s Roll 1927
Miscellaneous Wills and Other Legal Documents
Iowa Documents 1878-1911

Periodicals:
Okoboji Protective Association Bulletins 1908-1940
Palimpsest
Okoboji Magazine 1989-present
Visitor Magazine
On the Go Magazine
Vacation Okoboji Magazine
American Heritage 1959-1965
Lakes Area Maps and Brochures

Books and Resources for Historians and Genealogists:
We own the largest collection in the area of history books - local and state, early atlases and maps, platbooks, family histories, obituaries, letters, early photos, and many files of information pertaining to the area.

Miscellaneous Records:
Early Township Records
County School Records
Church Records and Scrapbooks
Cemetery Records
Roster of Iowa Soldiers 1861-1865
Ledgers, Appointment Books, Guest Registers from Area Businesses
Histories of Dickinson County Organizations and Clubs
Yearbooks from Milford, Terrill, and Spirit Lake

Online Records:
Searchable Dickinson County Newspapers
Genealogical databases