Until 1745, the area now known as Faribault was occupied by the Wahpekute band of the Dakota tribe. The tribe was driven south after territorial disputes with the Ojibwe, a move which allowed settlers to enter and establish trade. The city is named for Alexander Faribault, the son of a French-Canadian fur trader and Dakota woman. Faribault fueled much of the area's early settlement beginning in 1826 when he opened a fur trading post by the Cannon River. Faribault used his knowledge of the Dakota culture and language to improve tribal relations and help more settlers move to the area.
Today, Faribault is considered one of Minnesota's most historic communities. The Alexander Faribault House was built in 1853 and is the oldest framed structure in the area, still in its original location on the edge of downtown. Faribault's economy relies on small-town services, retail shops, and light manufacturing. The city is located about one hour south of Minneapolis and offers easy access to Interstate 35 and Minnesota Highways 3, 21, and 60.
No matter your reasons for visiting Faribault, you'll want to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything this historic community has to offer.
When to Visit Faribault, MN
Although summer is peak tourist season, the best time to visit Faribault is from June to August when high temperatures hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Pleasant weather, farmers markets, and festivals attract many visitors who hope to experience Faribault's historic charm. Be sure to reserve your hotel well in advance to score the best deal.
If you'd rather not pay a premium for your hotel room, consider visiting Faribault in the spring or fall. The shoulder seasons can feel quite chilly, especially in the evenings, but wearing light layers will ensure you can enjoy the outdoors. To enjoy the best offseason weather, visit in May or September.
Minnesota receives much snow in the winter, which decreases the number of visitors to the state. If you find yourself visiting from December through February, however, you'll be happy to know that area businesses are still open despite the travel challenges. Even so, try to book refundable flights and hotels in case inclement weather cancels your plans.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Faribault, MN:
Faribault, MN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Faribault, MN. Browse these line graphs to determine the best time period to stay in Faribault for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Faribault, MN
4 Star Average Prices: £106.12
Prefer more upscale amenities in the Faribault area? You're in luck.
GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel is an ideal option for an extended vacation. Conveniently located in Faribault, this all-suites hotel offers an indoor pool, a children's pool, fitness facilities, a game room, gift shop, free Wi-Fi, a guest computer station, and ample self-parking. A complimentary full breakfast is also included with your stay. Guest suites feature kitchens with full-sized appliances and stovetops, not to mention 32-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and work desks.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Owatonna is a popular highway hotel close to the Medford Outlet Center and RAD (Reptile and Amphibian Discovery) Zoo. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, limited room service, a cooked-to-order breakfast (additional charges apply), an indoor pool, spa tub, fitness center, game room, newsstand, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms include microwaves, mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs with cable programming, desks, free newspapers, and phones that allow you to make free local calls.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Northfield is located only 11 miles from Faribault near the Northfield Historical Society and Northfield Arts Guild. Guest rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, hair dryers, complimentary toiletries, and ironing facilities. Upgrade to a room with a hot tub to enjoy even more in-room amenities. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and free parking for all guests.
Low-Cost Hotels in Faribault, MN
3 Star Average Prices: £91.91
Finding low-cost hotels in Faribault is easy if you know where to look.
Conveniently located on Highway 60, Regency Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly option that's among the city's most affordable accommodations. However, expect some noise from the highway. The hotel offers an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi internet access, a game room, a common area, and a complimentary breakfast. The guest rooms include a variety of amenities including irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs.
If you don't mind staying in nearby Owatonna, Super 8 by Wyndham Owatonna is a smart option for anyone traveling on a budget. Standard amenities include a 24-hour front desk, coffee in the lobby, ample self-parking, and a complimentary breakfast. Guest rooms are basic but include free toiletries, hair dryers, coffee makers, and flat-panel TVs.
Motel 6 Minneapolis South - Lakeville is a little farther out, but worth considering if you're trying to save money. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, free self-parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a pet-friendly policy. Every guest room features cable TV, daily housekeeping, and a phone that allows you to make free local calls.
2 Star Average Prices: £76.70
Best Discounts in Faribault, MN
If you qualify for a special rate, you can save more money on your trip to Faribault.
Seniors, AAA members, military service members, and government employees can receive special rates at most area hotels, including Americas Best Value Inn - Faribault. This affordable hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, business center, express checkout, free self-parking, a coffee shop, bar, designated smoking areas, and a free continental breakfast. The guest rooms feel a bit dated, but they offer microwaves, mini-refrigerators, cable TV, hair dryers, work desks, and toiletries.
AAA members can save around 10 percent at hotels such as AmericInn by Wyndham Northfield. Take advantage of the guest computer station, free newspapers in the lobby, complimentary breakfast, wedding services, lobby fireplace, indoor pool, and spa tub. Guest rooms include LCD TVs, cable programming, armchairs, work areas, and phones that allow you to make free local calls.
Military families will love Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Northfield, MN. Located slightly more than 12 miles from Faribault, this hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms with tasteful decor, 32-inch LCD TVs, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, desks, and phones that allow you to make free local calls. Standard amenities include a sparkling indoor pool, spa tub, free continental breakfast, 24-hour business center, and free newspapers in the lobby.
To take advantage of these discounts, be sure to book the hotel's special rate and present your proof of eligibility (such as an ID or AAA membership card) at check-in.
Best Hotels in Faribault, MN
You can find many midrange best hotels in Faribault that give you plenty of value for your money, helping you stretch your travel funds.
Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels provides a free breakfast, an indoor pool, fitness facilities, a spa tub, sauna, wedding services, ticket assistance, a business center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Relax in a guest room with a mini-refrigerator, flat-screen TV, coffee maker, ironing facilities, and neutral decor.
If you plan on frequenting the Faribault Golf & Country Club, consider a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Faribault. Standard amenities include an indoor pool, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, ample self-parking, free newspapers, and a complimentary continental breakfast. The recently renovated guest rooms are small but feature contemporary furnishings, ergonomic work desks, alarm clock radios, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs.
Comfort Inn Owatonna is another great option located about 10 miles from Faribault. This hotel offers on-site fitness facilities, an indoor pool, laundry facilities, free self-parking, and a 24-hour front desk. A complimentary breakfast buffet is included with your stay. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, irons, ironing boards, coffee makers, hair dryers, and work desks. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a more spacious room along with a sofa bed or whirlpool tub.
Best Historic Sites in Faribault
When visiting Faribault, you'll want to stroll around its historic downtown and note its many attractions. The downtown district has more than 100 businesses and more than 40 locations on the National Register of Historic Places. Park your car in one of the city's many public parking lots and enjoy a leisurely stroll around town.
To gain a better appreciation for the city's history, pay a visit to the Alexander Faribault House. Operated by the Rice County Historical Society, this historic home was built in the Greek Revival style in 1853 for $4,000, which was a considerable amount money at the time. Over the years, the house served as a private home and a civic center, and it was saved from demolition in 1944. Today, the house displays antiques belonging to the Faribault family and early Rice County settlers.
Faribault is also home to Minnesota's oldest cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. Built from 1862 to 1869, it was the first Episcopal church in the country designated as a cathedral. Historic tours are available during regular office hours, by appointment, or after Sunday services. While the tours are free, donations go toward the cathedral's upkeep.
Exploring Faribault and Minnesota's history is an adventure you'll never forget. Whether you're looking for an affordable place to stay close to downtown or a luxury hotel outside the city, you can find the right hotel to meet your travel needs and budget.
FAQs about hotels in Faribault