Park Rapids in Hubbard County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
This Building
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 2025
1. This Building Marker
This building was once biiwaabik-iron. That's to say, it was a part of the Mesabe Iron Range, the land of the Anishinaabe. Between 1883 and 1906, Andrew Carnegie became the richest man in the world from the exploitation of Anishinaabe iron ore-bliwaabik. Then, he ceased mining and became a philanthropist and donated the money to build almost 1,700 libraries across the U.S. and another 800 worldwide.
In 1908, Carnegie donated $5,000 for this building (about $165,000 in 2023 dollars), which became Minnesota's 42nd Carnegie Library. It opened in 1910 and served Park Rapids until 1994, when a new public library opened at 210 1st Street West. It served other enterprises including a law office and a Native art gallery.
Enbridge, the Canadian multinational pipeline company bought the building in 2015 to carry out the Line 3 Pipeline project.
In 2022, Akiing, an Anishinaabe community organization, with support of Honor the Earth, purchased the building. This is now the Giiwedinong Museum.
Giiwedinong is Ojibwemowin for, "...In the North." Welcome.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 46° 55.278′ N, 95° 3.536′ W. Marker is in Park Rapids, Minnesota, in Hubbard County. It can be reached from the intersection of 2nd Street West and Park Avenue South (U.S. 71), on the right when traveling west. The marker is behind the left post at the entrance to Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 2nd St W, Park Rapids MN 56470, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Northland. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Park Rapids Public Library (here, next to this marker); Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Fuller's Tackle Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Park Theater (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bishop's Department Store (about 400 feet away); Park Rapids Post Office (about 600 feet away); Tourism (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rice Flour Mill Grindstones (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Park Rapids.
Also see . . . Minnesotas first treaty rights, and culture museum. Right in the heart of the 1855 treaty territory of the Anishinnabeg.
(scroll down to read information about Giiwedinong)(Submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.)
Giiwedinong Treaty Rights & Culture Museum
0Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 20252. This Building Marker behind the left post next to the main entrance to Giiwedinong
Open Menu
May - Waabigoni Giizis
In Ojibwe, May is known as "Waabigoni Giizis," which translates to "Blossom Moon" or "Flower Moon," referring to the time of year when flowers and plants bloom abundantly. The moon also encourages exploration of one's spiritual side, as all plants display their "Spiritual sides" during this time.
Floral artwork by Bizaanideewin, Caitlin Newago, Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Bizaanide'ewin is an Ojibwe word, meaning peace of heart.
You may have heard the word Treaty. What does it mean?
Do you know what it truly means to be in Treaty with someone?
What does it signify to be in a deep and meaningful relationship that lasts forever and transcends time?
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Giiwedinong pronounced (Gee-Way-Den-Nong)
Minnesotas first treaty rights,and culture museum.Photographed by Mark Parker, June 26, 20253. Full view of Giiwedinong Treaty Rights and Culture Museum
Right in the heart of the 1855 treaty territory of the Anishinnabeg.
Giiwedinong will serve as a destination for all those interested in the history of this land, including both settler and native agreements, treaties, and its waters. We will highlight historic exhibits alongside emerging artists to engage our youth, elders, and communities. In 2022, Akiing.org, an Anishinaabe-led organization focused on restoration and community development, purchased the former Carnegie Library, previously an Enbridge office, to create a Museum of Culture and Treaty Rights in downtown Park Rapids, Minnesota. Giiwedinong is the first museum of its kind dedicated to sharing the treaties, stories, and education of the Deep North, which extends from Wisconsin and Minnesota to North and South Dakota and beyond within Turtle Island.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 86 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 14, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
