Growing up in southern Minnesota, I always identified St. Peter as the geographic midpoint on our treks to the Twin Cities. It meant there were only two more towns before Belle Plaine, which was essentially “the cities” to us southern folk. After all, there were no stoplights in the town I grew up in (speaking of, remember all those stoplights along U.S. Hwy. 169?).
Courtesy of St. Peter Chamber
There was always something so serene about St. Peter while passing through, noses pressed to the window, watching the brick- and tree-lined Main Street go by. Since the highway runs directly through town, there’s no choice but to slow down and admire the effortless, small-town feel and generations of families navigating their safe little corner of the world. Fast-forward three decades, and I’m hard-pressed to think of a more Minnesota place for a day of exploration or peaceful weekend escape.
St. Peter’s roots run deep, tracing back to the early 1850s when Swedish immigrants settled in the area. While the town is small, it played a pivotal role in the early history of Minnesota, even earning a place in the conversation about the state’s capital—before St. Paul was solidified as such, St. Peter was a serious contender due to its central location along the Minnesota River. It was even recommended as the capital by some of Minnesota’s early political leaders. However, a last-minute maneuver in the state’s legislative branch prevented the change (a chairman actually hid the physical bill to stop it from happening), and St. Paul kept the title.
Though it didn’t turn out to be the capital, St. Peter’s historical importance is undeniable. The city played a pivotal role in one of the most consequential events in Minnesota’s history: the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux in 1851. This treaty, signed just a few miles from St. Peter, marked a defining moment in the relationship between the United States government and the Dakota people. Under pressure, the Dakota Nation ceded about 24 million acres of land to the U.S., which included much of what would become southern and central Minnesota. In exchange, the Dakota were promised annuities, lands, and rights, though these promises were never fully honored.
The land that had been home to the Dakota for centuries was quickly transformed, accelerating the state’s settlement and expansion. St. Peter, positioned as it was along the Minnesota River, emerged as an important regional center during this transition period.
Courtesy of Paddlefish Brewing Co.
A Walk Through Time
St. Peter’s historic charm is evident in its beautifully preserved downtown area, where visitors can stroll past buildings that tell the story of the town’s Swedish heritage and early American settlement. The Treaty Site History Center, the headquarters of the Nicollet County Historical Society, is a perfect place to start your journey through the area’s history. With exhibits that delve into the town’s founding, Native American heritage, and notable local figures, the museum is a great way to connect with the area’s rich past. Nearby, the Convent of the Sisters of Saint Francis stands as a striking example of the town’s historical architecture. Its serene presence adds a touch of peace and beauty to this already picturesque downtown.
St. Peter also boasts quite a few places listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the E. St. Julien Cox House, a Carpenter-Gothic-style house built in 1871. The house was owned by one of St. Peter’s earliest settlers, Eugene Cox, who was an attorney, St. Peter’s first mayor, and a representative to the Minnesota State House and Senate. Another historic building is the Church of the Holy Communion, a Gothic-revival architecture built in 1869. Still an active parish, the bell from the original wooden church built in 1855 on this site has rung on the death of every American president since Abraham Lincoln.
Courtesy of St. Peter Chamber
Arts and Adventure
If you’re looking for a dose of local art and creativity, stop by the St. Peter Arts Center. This lively cultural hub showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions, from visual art exhibits to live performances. Whether you’re enjoying a local artist’s latest exhibition or catching a theatrical production, the Arts Center is always buzzing with creative energy. The center also offers classes, workshops, and events that allow visitors to dive deeper into the arts scene of St. Peter. It’s a fantastic spot to experience the town’s rich artistic traditions while also supporting local talent.
Or check out the Hillstrom Museum of Art at nearby Gustavus Adolphus College. With exhibits that highlight national, regional, and international artwork, the museum is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the arts while taking in the beautiful college campus. Gustavus’ Arboretum is also a must-visit, essentially a beautifully maintained outdoor laboratory for students—and a space to escape.
Courtesy of St. Peter Chamber
For shopping, boutiques quaintly line the city’s main drag—and they’re worth perusing. My all-time favorite shops in St. Peter are Generations Boutique and Her Happy Place. Both offer trendy, affordable, and size-friendly women’s apparel, accessories, and home decor. Swedish Kontur Imports is another local favorite and is one of the oldest continually operated Swedish import retailers in the U.S.
Courtesy of Her Happy Place
For outdoor fun, a visit to the Minnesota River Trail is an absolute must. Spanning 18 miles, this trail winds along the scenic Minnesota River, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are popular activities here, especially in the spring and summer when the river is full and wildflowers blanket the landscape. As you traverse the trail, you’ll encounter quiet spots perfect for pausing and soaking in the peaceful environment, while also catching glimpses of local wildlife.
Courtest of St. Peter Chamber
A Cozy Stay—and a Storied Past
In 1890, William Konsbruck moved to St. Peter from Le Sueur and purchased a building to start a hotel, expanding it throughout the 1890s with additions like a barber shop. After selling the hotel in 1901, Konsbruck returned in 1916 to restore its former prestige and ran it until his death in 1927. His wife and daughters continued the business, known for home-cooked meals, until it closed in 1930 due to the Great Depression. The daughters lived in the building until their deaths, and later, the Red Men Club acquired part of the original bar lounge, which exists today.
The Konsbruck Hotel stands as an award-winning establishment, blending modern amenities with old-world charm—including clawfoot tubs and exposed brick walls. Located downtown, it was recently voted “Best Hotel in Southern Minnesota,” receiving a five-star award of excellence from TripAdvisor. It remains a romantic getaway destination, where each room is named after a St. Peter governor, honoring the hotel’s rich history while offering contemporary comforts.
Where to Eat
When it comes to dining, St. Peter offers a great selection of eateries that showcase the town’s hospitality and unique character. Once you arrive in St. Peter, start your morning off with a maple latte and an organic caramel roll from River Rock Coffee & Tea, located in a historic brick building right on the main drag. River Rock’s industrial light fixtures, worn brick walls, and large front windows make for a peaceful, cozy coffee-drinking experience. Grab a seat by the windows and make sure to Instagram your beautifully crafted beverage.
Located right below the Konsbruck Hotel, 3rd Street Tavern offers a delicious blend of Southern classics like smoked ribs, brisket, and cornbread. Known for its mouthwatering comfort food and creative cocktails, the tavern also boasts an impressive bourbon selection.
MN Wing King is your ultimate destination for wings and barbecue, offering 69 mouthwatering wing flavors and some of the best barbecue in the state, smoked fresh daily. Try bold flavors like Minnesota Honey Crisp BBQ, Lemon Basil Thyme, and Hot Garlic Dill Pickle.
Patrick’s on Third is a classic Irish tavern serving up delicious burgers, pizza, Mexican fare, cold beers, and cocktails in a cozy, old-school setting—plus it’s known for its “World Famous” Patty Melt.
Paddlefish Brewing Co., the town’s first brewery in over 80 years, opened in 2023 and offers a range of craft beers, including the popular Cream Ale, brewed by owner Luke Dragseth. Paddlefish Brewing is quickly becoming a community hub, where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a cold beverage, share stories, and celebrate St. Peter’s growing craft beer scene.
