The Mooseum would usually open once every year, but Klossner said it has been viewable by private tour only since 2019. While COVID-19 was a factor, it was not the only one. As her collection grew to 21,333, she needed more space for everything she had and wanted an office closer to the people who came to visit.

For this, she had a 16 by 32 foot addition constructed. Her office is 8 by 16 feet, and is separated by a wall from the rest of the room. Klossner was able to spend the day happily greeting all of the guests who came to see what she had.

Cows in all shapes, sizes, and forms were available to see. One section was specifically for cow memorabilia from different countries. A kids section featured cow toys and cow-centered children’s books. Another hit with kids was a cow which resided in the fridge. When the fridge was opened, it mooed.

Klossner’s love of cows came from her upbringing.

Rick Hoffman and Chris Pfeiffer (L-R) look at the children’s books and toys at Ruth Klossner’s Mooseum.

“I’m a dairy farm girl,” she said. “I’ve loved cows from the time I could walk. There’s a picture in the office of me with two of my calves from the 1950s. I didn’t start collecting till mid 70s I went to a household auction and I bought a statue of a cow and calf because I liked it. I got another piece, and another and another. The rest is history.”

Some attendees were not just there to look. Some come looking to potentially add to her collection. Klossner said she was given around six new cow items in the first hour of the open house.

Even though she has over 21,000 items in her collection, Klossner said her keen memory makes it a rarity she gets duplicate items. But in five years, she had enough to fill up a card table’s worth. Those who came were invited to bring one of these items home, free of charge.

“Some of them will look a lot alike,” Klossner said. “Sometimes you don’t know for sure. Friends give me pieces that are duplicates. The gal that was just here brought me four pieces. One of them was a duplicate and she said fine, so it went out on the table.”

For those looking to beat the heat and satisfy their sweet tooth, milk and cookies were available. They were served by Nicollet Princess Emma Herrley and Nicollet County Dairy Princess Mackenzie Moline.

This cow saucer was a gift to Ruth Klossner from Tippi Hedren, a New Ulm area native who stayed with Klossner when she came for Lafayette’s centennial celebration.

Klossner said one of the pieces with a big story is a silver-colored cow cream dispenser. It was a gift from area native Tippi Hedren, who stayed with Klossner when she was in town for Lafayette’s centennial parade. In 2014, Hedren donated some pieces to the collection.

“[Hedren said] ‘I’ve got one more for you,’” Klossner said. “‘You’re gonna have to wait for it, I’m gonna leave it in my will.’ She went back to California and she called me. She said ‘The cow and I talked it over. She wants to come live with you now.”

Though she already has so many pieces in her collection, Klossner said she has not slowed down in her pursuit and the well of cow-related items has not run dry. She has no plans to stop anytime soon, and she’s betting on being around for a good long while.

“I plan to live here for a while,” Klossner said. “My dad lived until he was 95. I figure I got a good 20 more years.”

The Mooseum is available for tour by appointment. To do so, or for more information, email [email protected] or call (507) 240-0048.