Blog

Cruising Central A reflection by Kathleen Bauer Cap I feel the warmth of a summer evening breeze gently touching my face, softly blowing through my hair as we drive south on Central Avenue. We’re not in any hurry, as we cruise, drivers exchange a nod of acknowledgement and a coy smile from me greets theRead more

A piece of Faribault’s history, the restored Tilt-a-Whirl cars are back downtown!Read more

Story and photos by Audrey Kletscher Helbling When I consider historically-significant buildings in Faribault, I think first of the downtown historic district brimming with limestone and brick buildings constructed in the late 1800s. Or I think of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour or Buckham Memorial Library or the aged structures on the campus ofRead more

Built on the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault, MN, the Faribault Woolen Mill has been a historic staple in the community ever since its construction. Everything from the products it produces to the people who operate the machines are testaments of the Midwestern spirit.Read more

Historic Faribault Features: The Alexander Faribault House It should be no surprise to anyone that deciding where to live has changed a lot since the 1800s. It was during this time that the Midwest was populated by Native Americans and Fur traders looking to make their fortunes in the trade. Alexander set out from MendotaRead more

Historic Faribault Features the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour Standing high above the nearby trees of Central Park is the bell tower of the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour in Faribault, MN. The cathedral itself has been a landmark in the Faribault community for almost as long as the town has been around. Historic FaribaultRead more

Story & photos by Audrey Kletscher Helbling On a rather non-descript building at the intersection of Minnesota State Highway 60/Fourth Street and Second Avenue Northwest, a mural welcomes visitors to historic downtown Faribault. It’s the first of eight murals showcasing the rich history of this community.Read more

A number of scenes from the movie Grumpy Old Men (1993) were filmed in Faribault.Read more

Faribault is the birthplace of the Tilt-A-Whirl! Herbert Sellner, a woodworker and maker of water slides, invented the Tilt-A-Whirl in 1926, at his Faribault, Minnesota, home. Over the next year, the first 14 Tilt-A-Whirls were built in Herbert’s basement and yard.Read more

Faribault is home to one of the most renowned woodcarvers in the whole world! Ivan Whillock created his first wood carvings at the age of twelve in his father’s furniture shop. He received his art degree in 1959 and has practiced and studied with master sculptor Angel Lillo, and master carver Eduardo Gutierrez.Read more