Ghost TownUSA

Ghost Town · Minnesota

Topelius

A ghost town of unknown status in Minnesota.

By the Ghost Town USA research team Last reviewed September 2026

Topelius doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Topelius (also called Dopelius, Amboy, or Benton's Crossing) is a ghost town in Otter Tail County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota.

02

The story of Topelius

Minnesota's ghost towns are lumber camps and Iron Range locations, most of them already half-digested by the north woods.

Topelius (also called Dopelius, Amboy, or Benton's Crossing) is a ghost town in Otter Tail County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota.

03

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Topelius is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

04

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Topelius is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Topelius is roughly 46.4792, -95.2861 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

05

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

06

Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

07

Topelius FAQs

01Where is Topelius located?
Topelius is in Minnesota, mapped near 46.4792, -95.2861.
02What county is Topelius in?
No county is recorded for Topelius in the sources used for this directory — it's listed under Minnesota.
03What is the history of Topelius?
Topelius (also called Dopelius, Amboy, or Benton's Crossing) is a ghost town in Otter Tail County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota.
04What remains at Topelius today?
The on-the-ground condition of Topelius is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
05Can you visit Topelius?
Here's the honest truth: access to Topelius is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Topelius is roughly 46.4792, -95.2861 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Sources: account based on Wikipedia (“Topelius, Minnesota”), CC BY-SA.

08

Nearby in Minnesota