CONSTRUCTION UPDATE PAGE 2.0
WEEKLY TIME LAPSE
Week 7 (April 28-May 1, 2026)
TUESDAY, MAY 19
And this is why we use the phrase “weather permitting” — the final layer on the parking lot will now be done tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20. It will need a day to cure, then striping will be put down. Access to the lot will be permitted — weather permitting — on Friday.
Following that, there will be additional landscaping, installation of a parking barrier, and rehab of the ‘prairie’ on the north end of the property. That work will likely be done next week following the Memorial Day holiday.
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Parking is allowed in the newly-paved lot for today and tomorrow. Weather permitting Knife River will put down the final lift on Monday. Central MN Electric is working to install pads for the lot lights which were removed last fall to accommodate construction vehicle traffic.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
More parking lot news — the initial coat was put down yesterday afternoon. As a result, the lot will be blocked off for the day to allow the asphalt to set. Vehicle traffic will be allowed beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 15. We appreciate your patience during this time.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Oh my how quickly plans can change — Knife River is now scheduled to be in tomorrow (Thursday, May 14) to begin paving. As a result, the lot will be inaccessible through the remainder of the week. Weather permitting, work on the lot will be completed next Monday. One note to visitors — the lot will feature a different look when finished and will have an up-to-code handicapped parking space.
UPDATE – Paving began today, so please use caution when approaching the lot.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
Knife River will be completing the grading of the lot on Wednesday, May 12. This work might run all day. Please park across the street in the Smuda property driveway. Asphalt paving is scheduled for next week, weather and contractor schedule permitting. Please watch here and our social media for updates.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
The parking lot and driveway have been completely removed. The parameters of the new lot are all staked out. Paving has been rescheduled until next Wednesday, May 13, at which time we will be open but no entry to the lot is allowed. Visitors are asked to park across the street. As always, please call us at 320.632.4007 if you have an questions.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
Today’s activities include surveyors marking the new parking lot boundaries, Northern Ecological working on more vegetation matting and aeration, and most importantly, Knife River will be back to remove the remainder of the asphalt in the parking area. They hope to lay down the new asphalt on Monday, May 11, weather permitting. Some of the fencing was installed by Grassland Solutions, with the remainder of the guardrails to be put in after the lot is paved.
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Both Northern Ecological and Sunram are winding down their primary phases in the next day or so. Knife River will be milling our parking lot either Thursday or Friday of this week. If you approach the lot and see their equipment going at it, we ask you park across the street in the driveway of the former Smuda property. Knife River hopes to accomplish that work in one day.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Northern Ecological Services is in the process of installing the matting which will anchor the vegetation installation on the new bank. This will be a fascinating process to watch unfold as not many restorations like our have utilized this process. Early next week we will have up on our YouTube site the first timelapse video of the spring. Thanks again for everyone’s patience as we get through this complicated work.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
With the rain yesterday (Monday), serious work began today. The snow fencing is coming down and gradually the protective covering on the bank will be removed. Once again a reminder for patrons that parking will be severely restricted. We ask that if possible to park across the street from the museum on the former Smuda property. If you need any assistance, contact us using the info below.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
Work is scheduled to re-commence on our riverbank restoration project beginning Monday, April 27. Be mindful that there will be equipment rumbling about the property, and the parking lot may have restrictions as to where folks can park.
As always, please call us at 320-632-4007 or email mocohistory@gmail.com if you have any questions.