Unlocking History: The Oldest Buildings in Minnesota

I'm kind of a history nerd so when I came across a piece about Minnesota's oldest restaurants, I couldn't resist clicking on it.

One of them is the Hubble House in Mantorville. It's been dishing out meals for almost 80 years, but its story goes back even further. Built in 1854, way before Minnesota became a state, it started as a hotel. After reading about the old eateries, I went down a rabbit hole to find the oldest buildings in the entire state.

What Is The Oldest Building in Minnesota?

The Round Tower at Fort Snelling is recognized as the oldest building in Minnesota. It was constructed in 1820. During the Dakota War of 1862, the fort functioned as the main hub for United States government forces.

The Oldest Buildings in Minnesota

In Mendota, the Sibley House was built in 1835, it holds the distinction of being the oldest stone house in Minnesota, once home to Henry Hastings Sibley, a prominent figure in the state's early development.

The Norway Lutheran Church, initially constructed in Wisconsin in 1844, was dismantled and moved to St. Paul in 1904. It proudly holds the distinction of being the oldest Protestant church in Minnesota.

Meanwhile, Saint Peter's Church in Mendota Heights takes the title of the oldest church built in Minnesota, dating back to its construction in 1853.

In 1852 the Town House School was built in Taylor Falls. This was the first public school in the state.

In Excelsior, Sheldon Hall, affectionately known as The Beehive, was originally used as a dormitory for the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. It was relocated in 1857 and now stands as a private residence. See more historic buildings here.