The Prospect House

The Prospect House is a Georgian-style mansion that served as a resort and private residence in Battle Lake, Minnesota. James Allison “Cap” Colehour built the first house on the property in 1882 from the architectural drawings of his home in Chicago. In 1886, Cap built the Georgian mansion as an addition to his house to found the Prospect Inn. Tourists came to the season resort from all over the country and often stayed for weeks at a time. He closed the resort in 1924 and retired at the age of eighty-two. Cap’s daughter, Kathrina, and her husband, Ernest Wilkins, remodeled the interior five years later. The house’s furnishings and décor have not been changed since.

Civil War Museum

Follow the Civil War trail and trials of James Allison “Cap” Colehour through his three year enlistment.

James A. Colehour enlisted for Civil War service in 1862, along with his brother, with Company I, 92nd Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served until the end of the war. You can view his uniform sleeves with the visible holes where he was shot twice. You will be able to follow the map of his unit during the war including the Battle of Chickamauga, where he was wounded, and Sherman’s “March to the Sea”. Cap’s collection of Lincoln memorabilia shows his patriotism to our 16th President. You will be able to view Cap’s collection of Civil War items and many pictures and articles. This Museum is the highlight of the tour!