Academy Park

Academy Park holds a proud place in Minden’s history as the former site of the Minden Male Academy. Established in 1850 through the generosity of civic leader W.A. Drake—who provided both the land and the funds—the academy was one of two institutions born from the original Minden Academy founded in 1838. Just two years later, local leaders expanded the campus with an additional 80 acres, creating a thriving center for learning that welcomed students of all grade levels. Among its pupils were Minden’s own civic visionaries and several future U.S. Congressmen. The academy’s doors finally closed in 1898, marking the transition to Minden’s new public school system—but its legacy continues to shape the community today.