Sibley Historic Site

Sibley Historic Site is a property with four limestone buildings positioned on a bluff overlooking the Minnesota River in Mendota, representing early settlement in the region. The main residence now functions as a museum, while the auxiliary structures reveal the working infrastructure of a historic fur trading operation.

The main building was constructed from limestone in 1836 by a prominent fur trader and ranks among the earliest structures of European settlement in Minnesota. In the decades following the Civil War, Catholic sisters briefly occupied the house as a school and modified its interior.

The residents here were central figures in the region's early development, and the house became a gathering place for territorial officials and business leaders discussing the future of Minnesota. The limestone building itself reflects the blend of commerce, governance, and community ties that shaped the area.

The site is accessible during the warmer months and is explored through guided tours that provide insight into the rooms and their history. It is helpful to check ahead for available days and times to plan a comfortable visit.

The buildings are constructed from local limestone quarried directly from the surrounding area, demonstrating construction with limited resources during early settlement. The stone came from nearby sources and makes the site an example of resourceful building with materials at hand.

Location: Mendota

Inception: 1836

Part of: Mendota Historic District

Address: Willow Street

GPS coordinates: 44.88806,-93.16556

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04