Preston in Fillmore County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Preston Overlook

Photographed by McGhiever, October 5, 2025

1. Preston Overlook Marker obverse

Inscription.

In 1937-1928, during America's Great Depression, the Preston Overlook was built as a project of the federal National Reemployment Service (NRS). The NRS operated an employment office in each county to certify manpower for the many work-for-relief programs.

The impetus to create the Preston Overlook came from the Preston Women's Civic Improvement Club, which had lobbied for more than two years for a highway beautification project. The Preston Overlook is one of the highest points along the bluffs, providing long views of the river valley, distant farmland and city residences, the Milwaukee Elevator, and the Fillmore County Fairgrounds. From the overlook, the land quickly descends to the South Branch of the Root River 90 feet below.

The Preston Overlook is a well-preserved example of the depression-era roadside development work of the Minnesota Department of Highways. It is an excellent example of the National Park Service Rustic Style and the masterful interpretation of that style by prominent Minnesota landscape architect, Arthur R. Nichols.

The mosaic patterned wall and flagstone walk are constructed of limestone

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from the Olson Quarry that was located below the overlook. Fifteen men per day worked 4 1/2 months totaling 11,000 man-hours to construct and landscape the site. It is likely that, Walter Joseph, stone mason and lifelong Preston resident, was recruited as foreman for the project because of his experience. When the project was completed laborers had quarried hundreds of cubic yards of stone and planted 220 trees and 2,500 shrubs.

The Preston Overlook was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Milwaukee Elevator was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

Erected by the Preston Historical Society with funds provided by the 2005 Sesquicentennial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 43° 40.411′ N, 92° 4.413′ W. Marker is in Preston, Minnesota, in Fillmore County. It is on U.S. 52 east of St. Paul Street NW, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 584 U.S Route 52, Preston

Preston Overlook Marker reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, October 5, 2025

2. Preston Overlook Marker reverse

MN 55965, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota

and in Greater Rochester.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s 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: Preston All-Wars Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Agriculture and Angling (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Preston (approx. 0.3 miles away); Welcome to Preston: Area Attractions (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Heritage of Downtown Preston (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Milwaukee Road in Preston / A Day on the Railroad (approx. 0.3 miles away); Preston Public Library (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jesse Potter Nehring (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Preston.

Preston Overlook and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, October 5, 2025

3. Preston Overlook and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 11, 2025, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.