Most People Don't Know That Charles Lindbergh's Childhood Home Is Found Right Here In Minnesota
By Trent Jonas|Published December 04, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
The Land of 10,000 Lakes has produced a disproportionate share of major figures across many different disciplines. These include noteworthy celebrities like Prince, Bob Dylan, and Judy Garland, celebrated novelists Sinclair Lewis and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and political figures, such as Hubert H. Humphrey and Walter Mondale. Of all the famous Minnesotans out there, one of the most significant was the son of a Congressman from Little Falls: Charles A. Lindbergh II.
Charles A. Lindbergh II gained international fame and global notoriety when he became the first person to fly non-stop from New York to Paris, landing on May 21, 1927, after flying for more than 33 hours.
Technically, he was born in Detroit, on February 4, 1902, when his mother returned to her childhood home to give birth, attended by her physician uncle. But as soon as she and baby Charles were healthy enough to travel, they returned to the family's home in Little Falls, Minnesota.
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It was there that Lindbergh grew up and graduated from high school.
More importantly, though, he developed a fascination with all things transportation - especially flying. Lindbergh would later publish a book about his Minnesota childhood, titled Boyhood on the Upper Mississippi.
In 1919, a New York hotelier, Raymond Orteig offered a $25,000 prize to the first person who could fly non-stop between New York and Paris.
By 1927, nobody had claimed the prize, and Lindbergh with his custom-made Spirit of St. Louis was one of several contenders. On May 21, 1927, he was able to lay claim to the prize.
Lindbergh was honored as a hero in Europe and back at home in the United States. In the ensuing years, he faced tragedy - including the kidnapping and death of his son - and scandal surrounding his stance on World War II.
Today, Lindbergh's boyhood home on the Mississippi River in Little Falls is the centerpiece of a museum centered on the aviator and his contributions.
Hopefully, Lindbergh's childhood will continue to inspire generations of Minnesota youth to dream higher and reach farther.
The home is adjacent to a state park named in Lindbergh's honor, which exemplifies his later-in-life dedication to preserving and protecting our natural environment.
A visit to this Minnesota Historical Society site and state park should be on your bucket list. Visit the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum webpage for hours and visiting information. Check out AllTrails for hiking maps and suggestions in Charles A. Lindbergh State Park. If you’d like to dive even deeper into Lindbergh’s childhood in Minnesota, his book on the subject was republished in 2002 as Lindbergh Looks Back: A Boyhood Reminiscence – it’s a fascinating read that I highly recommend.
Did you know about Charles Lindbergh’s Minnesota history? Have you visited his boyhood home or namesake state park? Let us know in the comments!
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