Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives, Tuberculosis sanatorium in Walker, Cass County, US.
The Minnesota State Sanatorium for Consumptives is a former tuberculosis treatment facility in Walker that occupies a large estate overlooking Shingobee Bay on the south shore of Leech Lake. The grounds contain numerous buildings constructed in different architectural styles and connected by pathways across the landscape.
The facility opened in 1907 and operated as a tuberculosis treatment center until 1962, caring for nearly 14,000 patients during that span. After closing as a sanatorium, it transitioned to serve as a nursing home and was repurposed for other uses.
The buildings blend Colonial Revival, Tudor Revival, and Spanish Colonial Revival styles that create a varied architectural character across the grounds. Visitors can see how these different design approaches work together throughout the complex.
The site sits on the shore of Leech Lake and is easy to reach by car, with buildings and pathways accessible for exploring the grounds. It is best to visit during warmer months when the paths are in better condition and the weather is more comfortable for walking.
The name Ah-gwah-ching comes from the Ojibwe language and means 'out-of-doors'. This name reflects the fresh-air philosophy that defined early 20th century tuberculosis sanatoriums of that era.
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