The Fairibault center point is approximately 12 miles southwest of Carleton College and 15 miles north of Owatonna Hospital.
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.
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.
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.
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.