City History
The
Zumbro River, first explored by Major Stephan Long in 1817, was named
the “Riviers des Embarrass” or River of Difficulties. A point on this
river was used as a ford for the Territorial Road going from Lake City
to Rochester. In 1855 Zumbro Falls, not having a name at that time, was
first settled by the Tibbetts brothers. They built their homes on each
side of the river for the purpose of running a ferry across the river
where the ford had been. They ran their ferry for three years, at which
time it was sold. After this, the town expanded on the south side of
the river. In 1866, Benjamin Clark moved to town and built a gristmill
and dam above the rapids. The dam created a small falls and the town
received the name Zumbro Falls. The town grew enough that the Midland
Railroad ran tracks through the town in 1877 and a depot was built. By
1896 some of the village residents were demanding to become an
organized town. The county board granted the incorporation of Zumbro
Falls on February 28, 1898. Since that time many changes have occurred.
The community now observes an annual celebration in May. This
celebration is known as Ripplin’ River Daze. During the 3rd annual
celebration on May 16, 1998 the town celebrated its 100th year
celebration. At that time a book titled The Zumbro Falls, Minnesota
memoirs 100 years plus…then and now was created. The book contains
pictures and the history of the businesses and buildings that make up
our village. Copies of the book are still available and you can obtain
one by contacting the Ripplin’ River Daze committee.