The first settlers came to our area in 1856, followed by the railroad in 1869.
Willmar was named for Leon Willmar, a Flemish land agent for the
St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.
Willmar is the home of the Kandiyohi County Fair. Held each August, this celebration offers a little something for everyone, from baking to flowers, livestock to antique tractors. The kids will love the rides and you'll enjoy all the food, music, and entertainment the locals have to offer.
Speedboat enthusiasts will enjoy the Mikkelson Boat Collection which houses the premiere collection of Falls Flyer speedboats in the world. From classic models all the way up to the modern muscle boats, this private collection run by Paul Mikkelson is open to the public on Saturdays from 9 to 4 or anytime by appointment.
Those who want a more intimate look at pioneer life should visit the Sperry House, a large farm house partially restored to reflect life in the 1890s, and provide a glimpse into the typical lives of a turn of the century pioneer family. The Schwanke Museum houses over 46 years of roadway and farm field history. 300 classic tractors, cars, trucks, and fire trucks call this museum home making it one of the largest collections in the state.
The arts are also alive and well in Willmar being anchored by The Barn Theatre and the Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra.
Willmarfest combines four distinctly different festivals into one unique downtown celebration. Aquafest features lakeside ski shows. Frameries Fest honors Willmar's two sister cities Frameries, Belgium and Valanka, Russia with food, music, and traditional crafts and dances. Kaffe Fest celebrates the cities coffee drinking Scandinavian heritage.
Willmar has over 300 acres of parkland, which includes 37 parks and a public beach at Robbins Island. Recreation abounds with 9-hole and 18 holes golf courses; 7 lighted baseball/softball diamonds; 27 tennis courts – 12 of which are lighted; a 6 screen movie theater; roller rink; 24 lane bowling alley; bike paths throughout the City; indoor shooting range and archery; racquetball and exercise facility and civic center arena.
