Minnesota Vikings Training Camp in Bemidji series: 50 years later

Fran Tarkenton at BSU — The Minnesota Vikings held training camps on the campus of Bemidji State University from its inaugural season in 1961 until 1965. This early 1960s Vikings promotional photo provided by Gale Falk of Bemidji show quarterback Fran Tarkenton. The images were taken at BSU. Submitted Photo.

By Pioneer staff reports

August 20, 2011 11:00 PM

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The Minnesota Vikings held its training camps in Bemidji from the inaugural season in 1961 to 1965 on the campus of Bemidji State University. Hall of Fame Vikings players, Minnesota legends and Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys came to town. From the practice field to the nightlife, the experiences left memories for those who played the game and the locals in the region who embraced the team.

Read the series by Pioneer Sports Writer Eric Stromgren by browsing the related content on this page to the lower right. Past Pioneer coverage on the 1961-65 training camps from the Bemidji Pioneer can be viewed by accessing the PDF file.

Read Part I: Vikings assemble in Bemidji, lay foundation for big upset over Chicago Bears

Read Part II: Brutal Vikings camp, wild nightlife and the Dallas Cowboys come to Bemidji in 1962

Read Part III: North Dakota rookie Dave Osborn survives last Bemidji Vikings camp in 1965

Vikings practice at BSU in 1962 — The Minnesota Vikings practice at Bemidji State University in 1962. Image courtesy BSU Photo Services.

Minnesota Vikings Training Camp in Bemidji series: 50 years later

The Minnesota Vikings held its training camps in Bemidji from the inaugural season in 1961 to 1965 on the campus of Bemidji State University. Hall of Fame Vikings players, Minnesota legends and Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys came to town. From the p...