hooper-bowler-hillstrom house at court square park

The Hooper-Bowler-Hillstrom house, was built in 1871 by Sandford Hooper, a Belle Plaine businessman. It was bought in 1886 by Samuel Bowler, a founder of the State Bank of Belle Plaine. Mr. Bowler added rooms and a two-story outhouse to accommodate his large family. The Alfred Hillstrom family moved into the house in 1901. Members of the Hillstrom family lived in the house until it was purchased in 1975 by the Belle Plaine Historical Society. The City of Belle Plaine now owns the house and grounds, and it is maintained by the Belle Plaine Historical Society. The house is well furnished in thre periods-1850's and '60's, Victorian and early 1900's to depict what a house may have been like in the early periods of Belle Plaine. Also on the grounds is the Carriage House Museum with it's display of artifacts relating to Belle Plaine history, including may memorabilia items from the Albrecht family's days in the circus.

An open house Christmas party is held the first Sunday of December each year, a Flea Market-Craft Sale is held the third Sunday of August and a Salad and Casserole luncheon is held in February or March.

The house is open for visitors and tours 1:00-4:00 p.m. every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and other times by appointment. Appointments may be made by calling 952-873-6109, 952-873-4433 or 952-873-2963.