Crookston, Minnesota, has a rich history and a variety of attractions that highlight its cultural and natural heritage. The area's history traces back to the early inhabitants, the Sioux and Ojibwa Indians, with significant change beginning in 1862 when the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad announced plans to extend to the Canadian border, prompting waves of immigration. Non-Indian settlement took hold around 1872, leading to the area’s incorporation in 1879 as "Queen City," later renamed Crookston in honor of Colonel William Crooks, the railroad's chief engineer. The city's early growth was bolstered by the railroad, lumber, and agriculture industries. Today, Crookston offers numerous attractions, including the Polk County Museum, which houses the world's largest ox cart, and the historic Grand Theatre, once the country’s longest continuously running theater. The Red Lake River provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, enhancing the community's outdoor offerings. The University of Minnesota campus in Crookston, featuring an agricultural research station, further underscores the region's farming heritage. Other community amenities include a swimming pool, a multi-use sports center, and a newly renovated public library. Additionally, the Polk County Historical Society, located on US Highway 2, showcases the area’s history through a collection of antique tools, farm machinery, and fire-fighting trucks. Crookston City Hall, part of the downtown historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984, adds to the city’s charm. Each August, the community comes together to celebrate Ox Cart Days, a popular week-long event that reflects Crookston's vibrant heritage.