Historic Pierre Bottineau House
Step back in time and explore the restored 1854 Pierre Bottineau House, located near the chalet in Elm Creek Park Reserve. Experience what the site has to offer by taking part in public programs or scheduling a visit where you can explore exhibits that highlight the life and times of the legendary Pierre Bottineau. Learn how his varied roles as hunter, trader, entrepreneur and founder of cities affected Minnesota's early development.
Open during scheduled programs and by appointment only.
Interactive Map of Elm Creek
All Programs & Events
See all upcoming programs and events at the Historic Pierre Bottineau House!
Pavement Project
This summer and fall, a construction project will take place at Elm Creek Park Reserve to repave the existing parking lots and roadways, build two new parking areas and conduct accessibility improvements within the existing parking lots and accessible routes.
Pavement Project Work Schedule & Temporary Closures
Pavement work is anticipated to take place between June and November. The parking lot work will occur during the following time periods shown on this map and noted below.
Temporary Facility Closure Dates
Affected areas will be closed for public use during the following construction windows:
- Operations Center | Summer 2025
- Eastman Nature Center – Parking Lot Expansion | Summer–Aug. 15, 2025
- Winter Rec Area Parking Lot Expansion | July 7–Sept. 15, 2025
- Eastman Nature Center – including entrance road | Aug. 18–Sept. 19, 2025
- Summer Rec Area | Aug. 18–Nov. 2025
- Entrance road (north of Winter Rec Area) | Aug. 18–Nov. 2025
- Bottineau House | Sept. 15–Oct. 30, 2025
- Entrance road (south of Winter Rec Area) | Oct.–Nov. 2025
- Elm Creek Road Trailhead | 2026
Additional Parking Lot Construction
In addition to the repaving, two parking lots that previously were natural surface are being paved: the overflow lot at the Winter Recreation Area and the overflow lot near Eastman Nature Center.
Paving of these lots will allow for additional year-round parking at these popular facilities.
Tree & Vegetation Removal
To accommodate construction of the two parking lots, removal of some trees and vegetation will be necessary.
Removal of trees and vegetation is expected to begin the week of February 11, 2025, and will be completed by April 1.
Bottineau House History
Built in 1854, the Bottineau House was the first wood-framed house built in Maple Grove Township. It has been moved at least four times since it was first constructed. In 2009, the house was moved to its current location in Elm Creek, which replicates its historic natural setting.
Pierre Bottineau was born in 1817 and known primarily as a frontiersman and guide, leading expeditions and founding towns throughout what is now Minnesota and North Dakota. He built this house when he founded nearby Osseo. Restored to its original 1854 appearance, it is used today as a museum and interpretive space to connect park visitors with the story of Bottineau's life.
Virtual Tour
Elm Creek PDF Maps
Find printable maps of the park on the Elm Creek Park Reserve page.
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