Vasa Children's Home

Vasa Children's Home was a residential care facility in Goodhue County that began in 1865 in the basement of Vasa Lutheran Church. The original buildings have since been converted into private residences and event spaces, while the restored barn now operates as an antique shop.

The facility was founded in 1865 and became an important center for orphaned and abandoned children of Swedish descent. A tornado in 1879 destroyed the buildings and resulted in several deaths, after which the community mobilized to rebuild.

The facility taught children in both Swedish and English while keeping close ties to Lutheran churches in the area. Over its long history, it cared for more than a thousand children from immigrant families.

The site is located in a rural area and is best reached by car, as the village has limited public transportation options. The buildings can be viewed from outside, but checking ahead for access to the antique shop or any special events is recommended to see the interior spaces.

During the destructive 1879 tornado, two infants survived unharmed in their cribs while buildings collapsed around them. This unusual survival story became a local legend and remains a remarkable part of this facility's story.