Welcome to Faribault, a dynamic, growing community of 20,818 residents situated at the confluence of the Cannon and Straight Rivers in Southern Minnesota. Located along Interstate 35, just 25 minutes south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, our community enjoys the advantages and conveniences of being near a major metropolitan center while providing the livability of small town Minnesota. Faribault offers an atmosphere of planned, well-managed growth against a rich historical backdrop.
Alexander Faribault, an early fur-trader and entrepreneur, founded the town site in 1852 to take advantage of its scenic qualities, abundant resources, and strategic location. In the 1860's, Faribault gained national recognition as an educational and religious center due in large measure to the efforts of Bishop Henry Whipple in developing a system of interrelated churches and schools. This, along with the establishment of the highly acclaimed State Academies for the Blind and Deaf, led Faribault to be known as "Athens of the West". As the community flourished, a number of homes, churches, and public buildings were constructed with outstanding architectural design features. As a result, Faribault is blessed to contain more than 40 individual properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Faribault boasts a vibrant business community, excellent educational opportunities, and a wide variety of recreational and cultural offerings, combining to make the community a great place to visit, work, and live.
FAST FACTS:
Faribault: Named after its founder, Alexander Faribault
Founded: 1852
Location: On Interstate 35, 25 minutes south of the Twin Cities metropolitan area
County: Rice
Form of government: Council-City Manager with elected Mayor
Renowned businesses: Sellner Manufacturing, maker of the "Tilt-a-Whirl" Faribault Woolen Mills Turkey Store products Faribault Foods/Butter Kernel products
Land Area: 12.86 square miles
Elevation: 1,015.55 feet above mean sea level (at City Hall)
Within one-hour of: Downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Rochester and the Mayo Clinic, Mall of America, and other top attractions, 8 State Parks and over 100 recreational lakes ,Boundaries with Iowa and Wisconsin
Meetings 6 p.m.
The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month
City Hall
208 1st Avenue NW
Council Chambers
Faribault, MN 55021
