The facility is built on land the state has managed and maintained since 1879 when it was founded as, "Minnesota Experimental School for the Feeble Minded."

[citation needed] In 1894, the location added a school for girls (130 students) called, "Sunnyside" (later changed to Chippewa).

[citation needed] In 1900, a hospital opened on the location, named the "Oaks", which specialized in the treatment of epileptic boys beginning in 1901 (total population 889 in 1902).

[citation needed] Due to a number of deaths at the facility, a cemetery was created on the south side of the main campus, with the first residential burial taking place in 1905.

[3] Between 2005 and 2008, the Minnesota legislature funded a $129 million expansion and modernization program, which included the construction of four new 416-bed living units.

The minimum security unit, outside of the main prison's medium-security double fence, provides housing and supervision for community work crews.