Friends of Fort Juelson

The Friends of Fort Juelson (FOFJ) is a formally organized group that operates in accordance with By-Laws adopted January 12, 2009. The mission of this group is to cooperate with Otter Tail County, the owner of Historic Fort Juelson, and to preserve, interpret, and enhance this site.

Approximately twenty-five members belong to this group.

Fort Juelson is located in the SW 1/4th of Section 3, Tordenskjold township about 2 miles east of Underwood, MN. A flag pole may be seen on this site north of Highway 210. This earthen fort was built in July of 1876 in response to rumors that the Indians were on the warpath and had already killed settlers in the Foxhome, French, and Fergus Falls areas. Fear of harm at the hands of Indians resulted in a number of settlers leaving the area to go to Alexandria, Herman, and elsewhere. A storekeeper, Mr. Dolmer, who had a log store near present day Tordenskjold Church suggested the settlers band together and build a defensive fortification under leadership of the Civil War veterans, Hans Juelson and Berge O. Lee.

The remains of the sod barricade are still visible on this site. It is testament to the threats and trials the early settlers faced and their courage and resourcefulness in preparing for their own defense.

Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Fort Juelson

Enjoy celebrating 150 years with the Friends of Fort Juelson on June 26th, 2026. The historic Underwood Shuttle tour- covered shuttles pulled by tractors- will start at the Underwood Schools and make about 20 stops along the way, including: The Foss Log Cabin, Bass Lake, Bicentennial Park, Underwood Veterans Memorial, and more!

Option A Tour: A tour of 21 historic sites in the Underwood, MN area plus the celebration at Fort Juelson plus an Underwood Lions pork chop and water. The tour on covered wagons starts at 2:00 pm at the Underwood School parking lot with the celebration program at Fort Juelson at 4:30. Fee: $10

Option B Tour: A narrated tour of the Pederson Homestead, the first post office and the first schoolhouse, plus the celebration program at Fort Juelson plus an Underwood Lions pork chop and water. The tour on covered wagons starts at 4:00 at the Sverdrup Lutheran Church parking lot with program at Fort Juelson at 4:30. Fee: $10.

Registration Form – Fort Juelson tours

Hours:

Park Season (May-October): 6am-10pm

Off- Season (November-April): Park Grounds are open on a limited basis as weather permits