We will be updating this page regularly to keep members and supporters aware of how the various projects on our building and grounds are progressing. Your patience during this time is appreciated. If you have any questions about the work as we move forward, call us at 320-632-4007 or email: mocohistory@gmail.com.
WEEKLY TIME LAPSE
Week 1 (October 14-18, 2025)
Week 2 (October 20-24, 2025)
Week 3 (October 27-31, 2025)
Week 4 (November 3-7, 2025)
Week 5 (November 10-14, 2025)
Week 6 (November 17-21, 2025)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25
Work will continue this holiday-shortened week, with wrap-up scheduled for early next week — tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 4.
With the Little Falls Christmas Tours kicking off this coming Friday, November 28, visitors are asked to be mindful of the equipment still present in the parking lot. There is plenty of space, just try to steer clear of the backhoe, dump truck, bulldozer, dumpster, et. al.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17
We’ve gotten questions about whether or not all the work will be completed this fall. The short answer is – no, it will not.
The long answer is – work will continue until weather conditions dictate it stops. We always knew this was a project which would continue over to next spring. How much will be done at that time will depend on how much can get done this fall.
The parking lot phase will most definitely be done next spring. As a result, guests will see either caution tape or barricades or similar limiting areas of the previous lot due to the construction disruptions.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Digging and moving of dirt on the hillside continues. We again ask folks to please stay behind the yellow tape and away from the equipment, rock piles, and dirt piles. If anyone has questions please feel free to contact us. For the next few days, this will be the theme — Digging dirt. Moving dirt. Dumping dirt. And repeat.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
We’ve gotten a few questions about why the removal of all the trees. Simply put, the nearly vertical slope of the bank made it impossible to reconstruct it without removing them. Yes, it was definitely sad to see them go. The new slope will eventually be green with foliage as that is a component of its reconstruction.
There are also large piles of dirt, rocks, and tree remnants on the north part of the property. We ask that folks refrain from using them as climbing obstacles as they are not stable. We also ask that people stay back from the hill — behind the caution tape — as while it’s a cool view, we don’t want anyone taking a tumble into the river.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28
There are large piles of rocks and boulders on the north side of the property now. These are for building the jetties at the base of the bank to create fish-spawning habitat. We ask that folks do not crawl around on them or the large piles of tree trunks and branches as they are not necessarily stable. Parking situation remains as before. We will likely be placing cones in certain areas to keep vehicles away from the equipment. Please be aware of them if they do show up.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
Work on the gutters/downspouts should be completed today. The heavy lifting on the excavation side is ongoing construction of rampways on the hillside. We ask that patrons try to steer clear of the hill as the drop to the river from the top is long and sharp.
Watch also for updated vids from our on-site cameras.
And many thanks to Lakeland Public Broadcasting for their piece last night on our construction work. It can be viewed here.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
Installation of the gutters and downspouts began yesterday afternoon and continues today. Excavation along the hillside to create a ramp to accommodate installation of the river jetty’s continues also. Parking situation is same as previous days. Try to stay on the west side of the lot and along the building. Our contractors know that we are open to the public and are making every effort to accommodate patrons.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Roof work is completed, what remains on that is the gutter and downspout installation. Tree removal is in full swing. Visitors will notice a jarring difference on the hillside with the removal of the trees. Parking is still available — we encourage visitors to park along the driveway and give the equipment operators a wide berth. If you need assistance in parking, let us know and we will guide you to a good spot.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Pretty much same as yesterday. The roofers are trying to get wrapped up with their finishing touches and grounds cleanup. The tree removers are plugging along the hillside. Excavation work will commence once the hill is clear of foliage. Today is a staff work day and not open to the public but if you have any questions please let us know.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
Roofing continues, with work hopefully concluded by tomorrow (Tuesday). Tree removal on the riverbank starts today; should take a couple days. Again, we ask patrons to be cognizant of the movement of equipment around the property. Parking will be available close to the building.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
More of the same from Thursday — front door available, just navigate around the pallets of roofing materials. The crew is progressing nicely and should have all the work done by Monday.
The parking lot will have equipment moving about, esp in the morning.
There will not be any update tomorrow (Saturday) or Monday. We’ll be back updating next Tuesday.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
Access to the building through our front door will be available today though patrons will have to navigate around pallets of roofing tiles. Parking is limited so please try to avoid the equipment and trailers and park right along the back side of the “berm”. Roofing work is scheduled to last through next Monday or Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15.
With the disruption being caused today by the roof removal, we had to make the difficult decision to not be open to the public today. This was not ideal but the teardown is creating a hazard by our entry, thus the closure. Our goal is to be back open tomorrow (10/16). Please check back for updates.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
The heavy equipment began arriving today. Tree removal starts tomorrow (10/15), and should last about two days. The roof removal will also begin 10/15.
We again want to remind folks that access to the building will not be blocked, but areas of the parking lot will be. Just try to steer clear of the work crews and all will be well.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
The tiles for the roof arrived a couple days ago. Dumpsters are scheduled to arrive either Monday or Tuesday. Roofing crew scheduled to begin in earnest on Wednesday (10/15). They hope to be done in four to five days.
A pre-construction meeting was held for the riverbank restoration yesterday (Friday). There will be some activity beginning Monday (10/13), with full activity beginning Wednesday (10./15). When that starts, be ready to see large earth moving equipment traversing the grounds. The parking lot *will* be accessible but some of the space will be restricted to allow movement of that heavy equipment.