Two years ago, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) did what no other state has ever done: opened three new Veterans Homes at the same time. Located in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston, the three Homes have established themselves in their local communities as desired skilled nursing facilities for Veterans and worthwhile recipients of support from volunteers and donors during these first two years.

We have created strong community partnerships with local Veteran Service Organizations such as American Legion posts and VFW posts and others, as well as community organizations such as Chambers of Commerce. Our on-site events attract many local community members who help out and create fun times for the Residents.

The Homes are recognized for both their beautiful designs and the high quality, family-like care provided to the Residents. While the popularity of the Homes has resulted in waiting lists for Veterans seeking to live there, the Homes are actively recruiting additional staff to support an increase in census at each location.

Here are a few highlights from the last two years.

Bemidji Veterans Home

Administrator: Kevin Gish
Favorite Memories:

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• Every day at the Bemidji Veterans Home is filled with memorable moments, each one contributing to connections among Residents. Outside activities such as fishing on Lake Bemidji, enjoying the beauty of local parks, competing with other Residents in bowling, taking scenic rides to take in fall leaves, and other field trips have broadened horizons and brought joy. Internal activities like weekly bingo, Friday non-alcoholic happy hours, Super Bowl parties, billiard room competitions, art projects and more build bonds among Residents. Family members have observed that their Veteran doesn’t spend as much time in their room as they did before and they are more engaged in activities.
• Support from local and statewide groups and organizations will never be forgotten. Gifts of exercise equipment, recreation therapy gaming consoles, outdoor benches and theater seating, as well as venison dinners, pheasant feasts and fish fries show Residents they are remembered and appreciated.

Montevideo Veterans Home

Administrator: Ashley Bormann
Favorite Memories:

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• Fall was one of our favorite seasons at the Veterans Home. We celebrated with a fall festival filled with games, great food, prizes and time spent with family and our community. One highlight was enjoying a steak fry under our brand-new pavilion. We also spent time husking sweet corn and enjoying it fresh, followed by a fun and delicious pie social.
• Community engagement is one of our favorite moments year-round. Each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, we welcome the community in for coffee and cards. We also love getting out into the community, including shopping, going out to eat and participating in local parades. These moments of connection mean so much to our Veterans and truly make this feel like home.

Preston Veterans Home

Administrator: Dave Dunn
Favorite Memories:

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• In 2025, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston was proud to continue offering meaningful activities that brought our Residents together while strengthening connections with our community. These events created opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and shared traditions that truly enriched the year.
• Our annual Pheasant Dinner in February was a winter favorite, bringing together Residents, MDVA leadership and American Legion partners for a hearty meal filled with conversation, laughter and camaraderie.
• In June, Residents enjoyed a trout fishing outing at the accessible Sylvan Park Ponds in Lanesboro. Thanks to the Minnesota DNR Lanesboro Fisheries team, Conservation Officers and dedicated staff, two days of fishing and fresh air created smiles and lasting memories.
• July featured the 14th Annual Veteran Fun Day Golf Tournament where more than 100 golfers—with each foursome including at least one Veteran—came together for friendly competition and community connection.

MDVA continues to receive amazing support from partners all across Minnesota and are grateful for all the donations we have received in 2025. Our first two years wouldn’t haven’t been as successful without this support!

Check out a video tour of each of the new Veterans Homes on the MDVA website:

• /mdva/homes/bemidji/virtualtour.jspBemidji Veterans Home video tour
• /mdva/homes/montevideo/virtualtour.jspMontevideo Veterans Home video tour
• /mdva/homes/preston/virtualtour.jspPreston Veterans Home video tour