Assumption Chapel

Assumption Chapel is a stone building set on one of the highest hills in Stearns County, surrounded by trees that overlook the Minnesota landscape. The structure is easily accessible from State Highway 23 and Chapel Hill Street.

The chapel was built in 1877 following a grasshopper plague that affected the region, but the original wooden structure was destroyed by a tornado in 1894. The building was later reconstructed and has shaped the landscape since then.

The chapel serves as a gathering place for the local community and is used regularly for celebrations, particularly for the Feast of the Assumption in August. The annual Mass draws visitors who continue the tradition established by the area's first residents.

Parking is available at Chapel Hill Street and provides a convenient starting point for a visit, though visitors should be aware the hill can be steep and tiring to climb. The outdoor setting is best enjoyed during warmer months when the views are clearest.

A wooden statue of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, carved by Joseph Ambroziz, survived the destructive 1894 tornado and remains on display today. This rare wooden artifact is a quiet testament to the resilience of this rural community.

Location: Cold Spring

GPS coordinates: 45.45580,-94.41420

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:11