Perusing merchandise at the recently reopened Faribault Woolen Mill retail store.
RUSTIC. SIMPLISTIC. MINIMALIST.
Those words wash over me as I step into the Faribault Woolen Mill Company’s recently re-opened retail store.
I could have strolled into an art gallery for the artsy vibe of this place. It has that feel, that sense of style and creative energy, which tells you this is no cookie-cutter retail outlet but someplace special.
The retail store has a comfy, relaxed and trendy feel.
From the white-washed paneled walls to the utility spools brushed in crisp white paint to the shelves leveled upon a ladder to the uniform white cubbies, the décor here is bare bones basic. It’s perfect for showing off the woolen blankets hung and folded ever so precisely in this historic woolen mill along the banks of the Cannon River in Faribault.
Faribault Woolen Mill blankets/throws are artfully hung on a simple pipe.
Crisp white cubbies, ever so perfect for showing off blankets/throws.
Jean Moody is tending the store on this recent hot and humid Saturday afternoon in May when the thought of purchasing a wool blanket seems not even a remote possibility. My curiosity draws me inside the store, into this building where I’ve never set foot even though I’ve lived in Faribault for nearly 30 years.
A wall once located near bathrooms has been incorporated into the retail store, behind the check-out counter, to showcase a name etched in wood in 1931.
An American flag on a wall in a meeting room, visible through floor to ceiling glass in the retail store, emphasizes the Woolen Mill’s dedication to “American made” products.
On this afternoon, Jean welcomes me, obliging my request to photograph a meeting room and also a wall behind the retail counter. I have no idea she is the wife of Paul Mooty, who purchased the foreclosed mill and reopened it in 2011 with his cousin, Chuck Mooty, until she introduces herself later.
She’s friendly and engaging and genuinely interested in connecting with Faribault residents and grateful for the warm welcome given to her family.
An historic 1895 circa photo from the mill, among those featured in a mini wall of Woolen Mill history.
After the sudden closure of the mill in 2009, locals seem delighted with the Mooty cousins’ revival of the mill which dates back to 1865.
In its labeling, the mill promotes itself as “Purveyors of Comfort and Quality” with its products “Loomed in the Land of Lakes.”
The Faribault Woolen Mill’s mission, according to the company website is “to provide the finest quality goods made only by American craftsmen here in Faribault, Minnesota.”
Wool blankets with a definite Northwoods feel are sold in the retail store.
Fine examples of that craftsmanship are presented to the public in the woolen blankets and throws so artfully displayed in the store which, according to Jean, has a Ralph Lauren/Northwoods look.
I’d agree. Comfort. Simplicity. Americana. All qualities in Ralph Lauren’s signature fashion style exist in this mill store which seems destined to once again become a must-see destination for visitors to Faribault, one of Minnesota’s oldest and most historic cities.
The historic Faribault Woolen Mill sits along the banks of the Cannon River.
FYI: The Faribault Woolen Mill retail store holds its grand opening from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14. A ribbon-cutting is scheduled in conjunction with the Faribault Heritage Days Mayor’s Reception.
Tours of the Woolen Mill, located on the banks of the Cannon River at 1500 Second Avenue Northwest near the Rice County Fairgrounds, will be offered as part of the Heritage Days celebration at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, and again on Friday, June 15. Preregister by calling (507) 334-2064.
For more info about the Faribault Woolen Mill, click here to link to the company website.
A replica of an original sign is now in the Woolen Mill’s historic display area.
Even this Woolen Mill conference/meeting room possesses an inviting, rustic appeal.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Note: These photographs were shot one month ago.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Chris and I will have to stop in again sometime! We visited a couple years ago and walked around the town and thought it was such a great place with so much history. Your pictures make me want to come visit!!!! Thanks for sharing!!! So much history and beauty!
We would love to welcome you and Chris to historic Faribault. Gretchen (from A Fine Day For an Epiphany) and her family were here last weekend. I’d love to meet another blogger. Let me know when you’re heading this way.
Brings back huge memories of visits long ago!! So glad it is, once again, welcoming visitors. A definite historic treasure!
Yes, the mill is absolutely an historic treasure. I especially love that the retail store has been opened in the mill and not located down the street in a modern building as it was for many years.
So totally agree:-D
I remember visiting the mill many, many years ago. I think it’s time for another trip to Faribault! Do they have mittens for sale?
I also remember a huge field of mums (a grower probably). Is that still in Faribault?
If there’s a huge field of mums, I don’t know its location. However, Mums of Minnesota (Faribault Growers) is based in Faribault so there are mums somewhere, perhaps inside greenhouses.
I did not see any mittens for sale in the store. But I may have missed them or they may not be on shelves yet. I would suggest contacting the store.
I remember going here as a child with my mom and grandma – thanks for the trip down memory lane:) Have a Great Day!
So glad I am bringing back Faribault Woolen Mill memories for readers like you.
Does the mill have a little outlet store. We do visit a little place there in Fairbault that has all the blankets and things, it’s over by the ball fields (Alexander Park). I’m not sure it’s the same place featured in your blog but it does have something to do with the woolen mill company. I Love the clean, simple look, it’s very inviting.
Ah, Jackie, you’ve probably been in the previous Woolen Mill store, which was also located by Alexander Park. Was it in a big and newer building? It, of course, closed when the Woolen Mill shut down several years ago. This new retail store is located within the mill which gives it that authentic charm and character.
I think you’re right, it was newer looking building, I hope to check this one out this summer.
Let me know when you’re in town and bring your husband. Come on a weekend when we’re around and Randy and will have you over for supper like we did blogger Gretchen and her family. Be sure to bring your camera so I can see your take on the Woolen Mill store and on Faribault.
Love that “US flag” made of wool spools.
Wish I was close enough to tour the place and get a blanket from the store.
Ah, Ken, you can order a blanket from the Faribault Woolen Mill online.
My mother and grandmother both worked in the office of the Woolen Mills. I lived in Faribault for a few years and still have close relatives that live in Faribault. I remember going with my grandparents fishing close to the mills. I have been in the old store and need to visit the new one. Thanks for the pictures!
You are welcome, Bruce. The Mooty family has done much to revive the Faribault Woolen Mill. I run across print and other stories quite often about the mill’s blankets. Yes, you most definitely need to visit the “new” store with that artsy, down-to-earth vibe.