The McLean County Historical Society, organized in 1967, preserves the history of McLean County and North Dakota and shares it with the public at the museum located in Washburn, the McLean County seat.
In November 1968, the Society opened the McLean County Museum in the 1905 Courthouse.
In 1969, the Society researched and built Fort Mandan (a replica of where Lewis and Clark wintered in 1804) , west of Washburn. This was the first project of the historical society. Construction of the fort was completed in 1972 and opened to the public.
It has many collections and displays of historic items of McLean County and North Dakota. Exhibits include geological, wildlife, Native American, Missouri River, musical, education and military displays to name a few. The museum also has a research area for those interested in doing research on McLean County and family history.
The Mclean County Historical Society also owns the Nettle Creek one-room schoolhouse (1st schoolhouse in McLean County) and the Joseph Taylor Cabin.
There is a lot to see in Washburn and at the Mclean County Museum.
