Exploring Faribault, MN: The Inn At Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Cupcakes, A Cathedral & More

This Minne-RoadTrip series of posts is sponsored by Visit Owatonna, Visit Faribault and Visiting Northfields. This chapter was hosted by Visit Faribault. 

Let’s go back to Faribault. . .

In the fall, when it wasn’t sub-zero and snowing. It’s been five months since I took the Minne-RoadTrip and I’m still sharing photos and experiences of places I haven’t told you about. Here’s another Faribault edition of where I stayed and sites with more of a historical interest:

Bluebird Cakery, Faribault
Bluebird Cakery began as a farmers market stand in Faribault. Through crowdfunding and community support, the bakery has grown to two locations in Faribault and Mankato. The Faribault is located in the same building as The Cheese Cave. Read about my visit here.

In addition to cupcakes, you’ll find other sweet treats like scones, cookies, and sweet rolls. There’s also a large selection of hot and iced coffee and tea drinks. The featured photo above shows cake jars offered near the register .

Shattock-St. Mary’s, Faribault
Shattock-St. Mary’s is a private, co-ed school for middle-high school students. The current school is a merging of three schools throughout the decades dating back to 1858. According to the website’s “Fast Facts” 488 students attend the school and about two thirds of the students live on campus. Class sizes are small at about 12 students.

The campus is beautiful and sprawling. It’s dotted with historic buildings and homes where staff live.

For a unique lodging option, consider The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s.  The Inn is actually the oldest building on campus. In 2014, the school renovated this building and transformed it into a small hotel and retreat center with 12 rooms.

The space includes a banquet room that fits 200 people and a boardroom for business meetings equipped with wi-fi, projectors and screens, and microphones.

Downstairs, a continental breakfast is offered each morning. I appreciated the full-sized fridge on my floor stocked with beverages and treats (offered on the honor system). Guests are welcome to store their leftovers in the fridge. The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful. The Inn-keeper and front desk staff will care about your stay.

Cathedral of our Merciful Savior
My Minne-RoadTrip contact set-up a tour at the Cathedral with the organist.  He had a vast knowledge of the building and history of the church. It’s the oldest Episcopal cathedral in the state founded by Henry Whipple, the first Episcopalian Bishop in Minnesota. Whipple’s tomb is located in the basement beneath the altar. There are also more historical photos and artifacts displayed.

My guide explained that what makes a church a cathedral is that a cathedral contains a Bishop’s seat.

Whipple is noted for his relationship with the Dakota and Ojibwe communities. During Whipple’s lifetime, the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and Dakota Trials occurred in which 39 Native men were executed in Mankato. Whipple had appealed to President Lincoln about the policies that targeted Native people and removal from their land and unjust Dakota Trials.

The stained glass windows make the inside of the church glow. I enjoyed getting to see the bell tower at the end of the tour.

Rice County Historical Society
If you are curious about Rice County history, you’ll want to stop by the Rice County Historical Society. I spent part of the afternoon with Susan, the society’s Executive Director who provided a guided tour of the museum and Alexander Faribault House. She is so passionate and knowledgeable.

One of my favorite parts of the tour was spending time around the big topographical map near the entrance. This birds eye view provides an interesting way of looking at how the land and rivers and lakes influence the cities. For example, this stretch of the Cannon River used to power many flour mills in the late 1800’s, making Rice County a major flour producer.

The museum includes exhibits showcasing artifacts from people native to Rice County, notable residents and inventions, and a main street recreation.

Fleck’s Brewery operated in Faribault for 108 years. This exhibit displays Fleck’s memorabilia, noting the city’s ideal brewing location with its proximity to bluffs, water, and grain production. Although Fleck’s is long closed, you can visit F-Town Brewing Company.

Tilt-A-Whirl
The Tilt-A-Whirl was invented in Faribault by Herbert Sellner in 1926. Rice County was home to many resorts. Before he invented the Tilt-A-Whirl, he also invented waterslides and other contraptions. In the display at the Historical Society, there’s a photo of a person laying on their stomach, spinning headfirst towards the water on one of his inventions.

Seller Manufacturing began producing Tilt-A-Whirls in Faribault from 1926 until 2011 when the family sold it to Larson International.

A Titl-A-Whirl featured on American Restoration sits at the corner of Central Ave and 2nd St NW.

Feel free to leave any thoughts on these places or Faribault below in the comments.

The Places:

Bluebird Cakery
318 Central Ave N #101
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 573-2253
bl****************@gm***.com
Open: Mon-Sat, 6:30–8:00 pm, Closed Sundays

The Inn at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School
1000 Shumway Ave
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 333-1900

Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior
515 2nd Ave NW
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 334-7732
co***@q..com
Office hours: Mon-Thurs, 8-4 pm
Sunday Worship: 10 am

Rice County Historical Society
1814 2nd Ave NW
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 332-2121
Open Mon-Fri, 8-4 p.m.
Admission: $1 Ages 12 and under, $3 Adults, $2 Seniors.
Weekend and evenings may be available by appt.

Restored Tilt-A-Whirl
Located at Central Ave and Central St. NE in downtown Faribault

Thanks again to Kelly and Visit Faribault for sponsoring this chapter of the Minne-RoadTrip!