Faribault Woolen Mills
Faribault Woolen Mills is a wool weaving facility in Faribault, Minnesota that has produced textiles since 1865. The brick and concrete building spans multiple stories with large parking areas surrounding it and sits directly along the Cannon River.
The mill was founded in 1865 and grew into one of Minnesota's largest wool weaving operations. The company supplied blankets to soldiers during World War I and World War II and experienced peak prosperity in the 1970s before closing in 2009, then reopening in 2011 under new ownership by two cousins.
The mill takes its name from the city of Faribault and has long been central to the local economy. Visitors can see today how the machinery operated and what role skilled labor played in community life.
The site has ample parking on the east, south, and west sides and sits at the edge of Faribault's residential area. Visiting can be done on foot, with interior spaces showing large open areas with timber beams and brick walls that make it easy to explore the work areas.
The building burned down three times but was rebuilt each time with more fire-resistant materials, showing how determined the owners were to keep the business running. These setbacks shape the site's story today and show how vital this factory was to the local community.
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