Looking for a historic river town with outdoor charm and artisan culture? Head to Faribault, Minnesota! Just 45 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Faribault offers rich history, scenic parks, and local craftsmanship. Whether you're kayaking, touring historic districts, or shopping for woolens, Faribault makes for a memorable southern Minnesota escape.
Faribault, MN Highlights:
- For Couples: Stroll through the Historic Downtown District – Explore 19th-century architecture, local art galleries, and cozy cafés hand in hand.
- For Families: Play and paddle at River Bend Nature Center – Hike family-friendly trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy outdoor education exhibits.
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak the Cannon River – Enjoy scenic paddling and riverside views with gentle rapids and wildlife sightings.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Faribault Woolen Mill – Visit one of the last vertical woolen mills in the U.S., making blankets since 1865.
- For Shoppers: Browse at The Cheese Cave and local boutiques – Sample artisan cheeses, shop local, and enjoy the flavors of the region.
🌤 When I like to visit Faribault, MN
The best time to visit Faribault is in the late spring through early fall (May to October). These months offer mild temperatures perfect for kayaking, biking, and enjoying the area's many festivals and outdoor activities. Fall foliage adds extra charm to the historic landscape.
🗺 My tips for getting to Faribault, MN
- If you are traveling by car: Faribault is located just off Interstate 35, about 45 minutes south of Minneapolis–St. Paul and 30 minutes north of Owatonna.
- By Plane: The nearest major airport is Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP), about 50 miles away.
- By Bus: Jefferson Lines offers limited regional service through nearby cities.
🏬 Where I like to stay in Faribault, MN
- Boarders Inn & Suites – Convenient, comfortable stay with free breakfast and pool access.
- GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, great for families or longer stays.
😍 Best Things to Do in Faribault, MN
1. Explore the Great Outdoors at River Bend Nature Center
Established in 1978, the non-profit River Bend Nature Center sits on more than 740 acres of land, consisting of the Straight River, wetlands, restored prairies, and maple basswood forests. The nature center offers activities for both the general public and schools in the area, events, recreational and conservation programs, and environmental education. Nature enthusiasts can explore the grounds of River Bend year-round, venturing down the ten miles of trails (video) or discovering the exhibits in the interpretive center. A great thing to do in Faribault for all ages, the River Bend Nature Center doesn’t charge any admission fees.
1000 Rustad Road, Faribault, MN 55021, Phone: 507-332-7151, Weather forecast
2. If You Love Live Performances, Visit Paradise Center for the Arts
The Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault, Minnesota is a non-profit arts center that brings art education, performing arts, and visual arts to the greater Minnesota area, striving to create an energetic, vivid cultural center for both the local community and the surrounding region. Located in the historic downtown district of Faribault, the Paradise Center for the Arts offers high quality performing and visual arts opportunities and showcases artists from Minnesota, with their season running from July to June. The center also started providing a great amount of family-friendly programming in 2019, including the “Family Fun and Film” series.
321 Central Ave N, Faribault, MN 55021, Phone: 507-332-7372
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
3. Discover Craftsmanship and Heritage at Faribault Woolen Mill Company
The Faribault Woolen Mill Company stands today as one of the country’s last vertical woolen mills. This historic mill, situated along the banks of the Cannon River, is still weaving a story around 150 years old. Founded back in 1865, the family-owned Faribault Woolen Mill Company is a testament to craftsmanship in the United States, transforming raw wool into accessories, scarves, throws, and blankets of excellent quality and comfort. Modern technology sits side-by-side with century-old machines in the company’s “new mill,” built in the year 1892. The archive of the mill offers inspiration for timeless, yet updated collections.
1500 2nd Ave NW, Faribault, MN 55021, Phone: 507-412-5534
4. Tee Off in Style at Legacy Golf
Legacy Golf is an eighteen-hole, 6,500-yard Championship golf course featuring a course rating of “71.5 – slope 136” in Faribault. Originally opened in 1998, the golf course is described as having three different kinds of holes: classic, slightly hilly, tree-lined fairway in the center; rolling greens with Scottish-style links and prairie grass to the north; and beautiful vistas to the south. The Legacy course was designed by Garret Gill, the nationally-accredited golf architect. This beautiful golf course was created with The Legacy project that also includes more than one hundred “uniquely different” golf community home sites.
1515 Shumway Ave, Faribault, MN 55021, Phone: 507-332-7177
🥗 Where I Like to Eat in Faribault, MN
- Depot Bar & Grill – Local favorite in a historic train depot, serving hearty American fare and weekend live music.
- Basilleo's Pizza – Family-owned Italian-American restaurant known for its pizza and warm service.
- The Cheese Cave – Sample award-winning blue cheese and enjoy locally inspired small plates in a stylish cellar setting.
🎟 My favorite local events:
- Faribault Heritage Days (June) – Parade, concerts, history tours, and family activities celebrating local pride.
- Blue Collar BBQ & Arts Festival (August) – BBQ competition, live music, and artisan vendors in downtown Faribault.
- Winterfest (December) – Holiday lights, ice sculptures, and downtown cheer to kick off the season.
🚙 My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Faribault, Minnesota:
- Northfield (20 min) – Quaint college town with bookstores, coffee shops, and the historic Jesse James bank raid site.
- Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail (starts nearby) – Bike or hike this scenic 39-mile paved rail-trail from Faribault to Mankato.
- Owatonna (30 min) – Visit the Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum and downtown art installations.
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (25 min) – Walk through maple and basswood forest to the hidden gem of Hidden Falls.
- Shattuck-St. Mary’s School campus (5–10 min) – Take a stroll through the picturesque grounds of this historic boarding school.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Why is Faribault, Minnesota a great travel destination?
- The city of Faribault, Minnesota provides a great destination for a pleasant family outing or vacation any time of the year.
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What outdoor activities are available in Faribault?
- In addition to the numerous lakes, visitors can find opportunities for fishing and camping.
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Are there other activities for visitors in Faribault?
- Faribault offers many other activities for tourists and locals alike.
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Where can visitors stay in Faribault?
- The Inn at Shattuck St. Mary's, located on the Shattuck-St. Mary's School Campus, is a lovely place to stay.
Map:
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