Jim Hillestad, owner of the Toy Soldier Museum in Cresco, makes history come alive with his spectacular dioramas created to portray important events in history.
Jim has meticulously hand-built the displays, some of which are more than 20 feet long, to be as historically accurate as possible. Throughout the tour of the two-story building, we will see dioramas featuring miniature figures caught in action in battle scenes such as Vicksburg, Yorktown and San Juan Hill, parade scenes of Scottish bagpipers, a polo match in India, a coronation ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the Tuileries Gardens of 1809, and the streets of New York in 1902. The displays are constantly changing, and there is always a work in progress. The museum also features artifacts of British military history, including more than 70 full-size mannequins dressed in full British Regimental uniforms, and artifacts of the British royal family starting with Queen Victoria.
Hillestad began his collection when he was a young child growing up without the distractions of television and computers. After taking a hiatus from the miniatures to attend college and participate in corporate life, he resumed his hobby in 1984. Today, he has one of the largest collections in the United States. His museum is a treasure trove for toy soldier collectors, military historians, and anyone with an interest in history and a curious mind.
Please note that stairs restrict accessibility, and there is no seating available. The museum is not appropriate for children under the age of 12; however, a number of Hillestad’s small dioramas are on display nearby at the Cresco Railroad Station and the Theo B. Price Country Store in Cresco.
Reservations are required for the tour, which is free for members and $5 for non-members. Please contact Karen Tetor at ktetor@gmail.com or 570-350-7165 to let us know you will be attending.
