Minnesota is the kind of place where a frozen pond and a pair of skates are basically a birthright. We call it the State of Hockey, and honestly, we aren't being humble about it. But for decades, there's been this weird, gaping hole in the center of our hockey culture. We’ve had the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame tucked away up in Eveleth, which is cool and historic, but it’s always felt a bit broad. It’s national. It’s "American." It’s not just us.
That’s why the recent push for a dedicated Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame has everyone buzzing. It’s about time we had a spot that doesn't just mention Herb Brooks as a national hero, but celebrates him as the guy from St. Paul who changed everything. This isn't just another museum. It’s a 120,000-square-foot statement of intent.
The Big Move to Inver Grove Heights
For a while, people were guessing where this thing would actually land. Would it be downtown St. Paul near the X? Maybe Minneapolis? Well, the news finally dropped late in 2025, and the winner is Inver Grove Heights. Specifically, they've picked a 40-acre site right off I-494 and Argenta Trail.
It's a smart play. You’ve got the Vikings’ TCO Stadium right there, making that whole area a massive sports corridor. Natalie Darwitz—yeah, the same Natalie Darwitz who is basically royalty in this state—is the CEO of this project. She's been vocal about how this needs to be a "living" building. It’s not just old jerseys behind glass.
What’s actually going inside?
The plans are pretty massive. We’re talking about a $70 million facility that includes:
- A 30,000-square-foot museum with five different exhibit wings.
- An NHL-sized ice arena for actual games and training.
- A 20,000-square-foot performance hall for ceremonies (and probably some loud concerts).
- A hockey-themed restaurant and taproom. Because, obviously.
Construction is slated to kick off in 2026. If everything stays on track—and let’s be real, construction in Minnesota always has its "surprises"—the grand opening should happen in late 2028.
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Eveleth vs. The New Project: Clearing the Confusion
Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Some people hear "Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame" and immediately think of the one in Eveleth.
Technically, the Eveleth site is the United States Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s been there since 1973. It’s got the world's largest hockey stick. It’s legendary. But there’s also been a lot of drama lately about whether the Eveleth museum should pack up and move to St. Paul to get more foot traffic. The Minnesota Wild have been pushing for that move, and the board is split.
The new project in Inver Grove Heights is a separate entity entirely. While Eveleth focuses on the whole country, the MNHHOF is laser-focused on our 10,000 lakes. It’s about the high school dynasties, the Gophers, the Bulldogs, and the local legends who never made it to the NHL but are gods in their hometowns.
The Legends Who Built the State of Hockey
When you walk into a place like this, you expect to see the heavy hitters. You can't talk about Minnesota hockey without mentioning the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team, which was basically a Gopher-heavy squad led by Herb Brooks.
But the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is meant to go deeper. It’s for people like John Mayasich, the Eveleth native who many still say is the greatest to ever play for the U of M. It's for the pioneers of the women's game like Krissy Wendell and Winny Brodt.
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Honestly, the list of potential inductees is exhausting. Think about the names:
- Neal Broten: The Roseau kid who won a collegiate title, an Olympic gold, and a Stanley Cup.
- Lou Nanne: The man who is Minnesota hockey, even if he was born in Ontario.
- Willard Ikola: The coach who turned Edina into a powerhouse.
- Henry Boucha: The "Warroad Warrior" whose impact on the game and his community is immeasurable.
Why Does This Matter Right Now?
You might think, "Do we really need another building?"
Fair question. But look at how the landscape is shifting. With the PWHL (now the Minnesota Frost) bringing professional women's hockey into the mainstream and the high school tournament still pulling in 18,000+ people a night, the "State of Hockey" brand is more than just a marketing slogan. It’s an economy.
The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame isn't just about the past. It's designed to be a "hub." Natalie Darwitz has mentioned it will be a place for grassroots programming and youth education. It’s about making sure the next generation of kids in Warroad or Edina or Rochester knows exactly whose shoulders they’re standing on.
The Reality Check: Funding and Feud
Nothing this big happens without a little friction. The city of Inver Grove Heights is putting up a lot of capital—around $8.7 million just to secure the land. The rest of the $70 million has to come from private donations, sponsorships, and probably some state grants.
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They’ve already started the "Founders' Puck Wall" campaign where you can literally buy your way onto the wall. It’s a classic move, but it shows they need community buy-in to make this work. There’s also the ongoing tension with the Eveleth board. If the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame does eventually move to St. Paul, will we have two major hockey museums within 15 minutes of each other?
Maybe. But in Minnesota, is there really such a thing as "too much hockey"? Probably not.
How to Get Involved or Visit
Since the physical building is still a few years out, you can't exactly buy a ticket yet. But that doesn't mean you can't engage with the history right now.
- Track the Progress: Keep an eye on the Inver Grove Heights city planning meetings. They’re the ones handling the zoning and the boring stuff that makes the cool stuff possible.
- Support the Legacy: The MNHHOF website is active for donations. If you've got a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you can get a gold puck on the wall.
- Visit the North: In the meantime, go to Eveleth. See the museum that started it all. It’s a three-hour drive from the Cities, but if you're a real fan, you've probably done it already.
The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is finally becoming a reality. It’s going to be a massive, expensive, and absolutely necessary shrine to the sport that defines us. Late 2028 can't come soon enough.
To stay updated on the construction milestones, check the official City of Inver Grove Heights development portal or follow the MNHHOF social channels for the next round of inductee announcements.