In 1883, railroad industrialist James J. Hill purchases 3,300 acres encompassing what is today the community of North Oaks. Hill used his North Oaks Farm to produce advances in cattle raising and other agricultural practices to complement his burgeoning Great Northern Railroad. 

In 1989, The Hill Farm Historical Society was organized as a 501c3 non-profit organization to be responsible for the three remaining buildings: The dairy, granary, and the blacksmith/machine shop on 5.6 acres of land that was part of James J. Hill’s North Oaks Farm.

The North Oaks Company was plotting the land for residential use and wished to save the buildings. It was estimated that exterior restoration would cost $150,000. The buildings and land would be given to the Hill Farm Historical Society if they raised $150,000 within a year.

This was was an opportunity to preserve history and a challenge for North Oaks residents. A campaign started with the placing life size replicas of Hill’s pedigreed cows that he purchased in Europe at each of the four entrances to North Oaks. The money was raised! A contributor panel was placed near the dairy building to honor the 250 residents who made it possible.

Today, the Hill Farm Historical Society preserves Hill's legacy of innovation. The buildings are on the Register of Historic Places. The Hill Farm Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated by a volunteer working Board of Directors.  We rely on volunteers to carry out our programs throughout the year.  We welcome your involvement, contributions, and suggestions!