Faribault, Minnesota is situated at the juncture of two rivers and has been a home to people for many centuries. It was established in 1856 by Alexander Faribault, an Indian agent and fur trader. The city thrives as a cultural and economic center today, but its history goes back much further than that.
The town’s earliest inhabitants were Native Americans who lived along the banks of the Straight River and other waterways nearby. Later settlers built their homes on the hills near what is now Central Avenue. In the late 1800s, Faribault experienced tremendous growth due to its location between Minneapolis and St Paul, with railroads connecting these cities to each other and eventually to Chicago. Over time, this made it easier for immigrants from all over Europe to settle here permanently, bringing with them different cultures which are still visible today in Faribault’s architecture, festivals, restaurants, and more.
Visitors can explore some of Faribault’s most iconic landmarks such as Shattuck-St Mary’s School – one of the oldest private boarding schools in America; Alexander Faribault House – a historic building listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and Interstate State Park – featuring sandstone cliffs carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. There are plenty of things to do in this vibrant small city: strolling through Rice County Historical Society Museum or taking a leisurely walk around beautiful parks like Tilsen Bird Sanctuary & Nature Area.