Many people, whether from the Martin County area or travelers passing by, are familiar with the Flying Goose Campground. However, it’s possible that people may not be familiar with the history of the campground dating back to its inception in the 1960s.

In the mid-1960s a local area farmer, Vincent Wilken, had the idea that building the “Flying Goose Tent and Trailer Campground” might be a worthwhile endeavor. His farm was on the north shore of Lake Imogene about four miles east of Fairmont on old Highway16, Highway 26 today. The idea for a campground developed because he noticed the many travelers passing by on the highway while he was working in the fields. As a result, he assumed that many of the travelers would welcome an inviting place to stop for the night at a quiet campground by a lake surrounded by trees.

ABOVE: Pictured is a view of the campground taken by the Sentinel’s Bob Schroeder in 1965.

With his farm being on the banks of Lake Imogene, Wilken believed that he had just the right location for such a campsite. Consequently, the “Flying Goose Tent and Trailer Campground” became a reality and opened for business in the summer of 1965.

The farm had previously been part of the White Feather Hatchery. As a result, Wilken was able to make one of the large buildings that had been utilized as a laying house for hens into a building that had showers, toilets, laundry, and a recreation room for campers. That would certainly seem to be a positive enhancement for the campground.

Wilken stated that “The area actually is two camp sites in one. He explained that people interested in electricity, sewer and water hookup may stay the night at the main camp area for $3.00. A second area, without modern conveniences, rents for $2.00 per night per unit.”1 He further stated that although the majority of the travelers are very nice and appreciate finding a location such as this, there are some who actually leave complaining about the price being too much to pay.

In addition to the campground, Wilken operated a 160-acre farm, of which 120 acres were tillable. This gave the campground ample room since only about ten acres were needed to accommodate up to 100 trailers. Wilken said campers came from across the United States, though he believed most were from the East or West Coast. He also recalled a visit from a former German prisoner of war who had been housed in Algona during World War II. That same German POW later returned to the area with his wife and spent a night at the campground.

ABOVE: The Flying Goose sign, circa 1965.

The campground has evolved considerably since the 1960s. Now known as the “Flying Goose Campground and Resort,” it seems to have become as much of a destination as well as a stop off for traveling campers. Flying Goose now offers two cabins, a general store, paved roads, swimming and fishing docks, floating rafts, kayak rentals, a laundromat, LP filling stations, playground areas, free Saturday night wagon rides, and much more. In addition, they also feature an event pavilion suitable for wedding ceremonies and receptions, corporate parties, and other types of events.

The park is currently owned by Gary and Greg Hanson. Their goal is to provide a fun, safe, and relaxing place where families can always count on having an enjoyable time.

The Flying Goose Campground and Resort is an example of growth and development in Martin County. Although it had its beginning in 1965, the original owners as well as the future owners took it upon themselves to further develop the business into something that has improved over time and is inviting to both area residents and travelers alike.

For more information on this topic, or to become a member, visit the Pioneer Museum in Fairmont or its website at martincountymuseum.com.