The Charles A. Lindbergh State Historic Site, Little Falls, MN

The story of Charles A. Lindbergh did not start on his historic solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927. He was born in Detroit in 1902, but grew up on the banks of the Mississippi River in Little Falls, MN. The early home of Charles A. Lindbergh has been preserved as the Charles A. Lindbergh State Historic Site in Little Falls, MN. His early life in Little Falls shaped his life and prepared him to conquer the air for over fifty years.

Born the son of a Congressman and a chemistry teacher, Charles grew up in what can be characterized as a workshop environment. There was plenty to do around the property, and young Charles quickly became adept at operating and maintaining mechanical equipment. He set up a makeshift laboratory and workshop, and often slept on the porch to be nearer to the outside world. He even saw his first airplane approaching town from Fargo, ND in 1911 while looking out the attic window. Charles also dabbled in selling farm machinery and repairing cars. These experiences around the family property honed his natural mechanical abilities that would be critical for life in the budding aviation industry.

The Charles A. Lindbergh State Historic Site maintains an accurate representation of Lindbergh's childhood home and property, including period furnishings. Charles Lindbergh himself assisted in the design of the house displays and the welcome center. The site represents what former Director Donald Westfall described as a base from where Lindbergh had developed his ability to live independently and go out to the world for his adventures. He lived a nomadic life after leaving his home to: University of Wisconsin (short term), Lincoln, NE for pilot training, Barnstorming across the Midwest, flying the mail from St. Louis to Chicago, California to pick up the "Spirit of St. Louis" from Ryan Airlines, to New York and Paris and around the world! Even through all his travels and work in the aviation industry, Lindbergh still called Little Falls, MN home, and appreciated the experiences he had when he lived there.

The site is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Thursday - Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm, closed Monday through Wednesday except for holidays. After Labor Day the site will be open for living history and holiday special events. 1620 Lindbergh Drive South (320) 616-5421 (Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society.

Thanks to Mr. Donald Westfall and Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site for information within this article.