An impressive sign welcomes visitors to New Prague, Minnesota.
DO YOU EVER HOLD expectations of a community that, in reality, are not what you envisioned?
Minnesota Highway 19 runs through the heart of New Prague’s business district.
Such was my impression of New Prague, a southern Minnesota community of about 7,500 rooted in the Czech, Bavarian and Bohemian heritages. I expected a well-kept downtown burgeoning with lovely shops.
Beer bottles sat on windowsills and stoops at several downtown bars on a Sunday afternoon.
Instead, on a Sunday afternoon, I found a Main Street that needs a facelift or, at a minimum, an attentiveness to appearance. Cigarette butts littered on sidewalks and beer bottles perched on window sills and doorsteps outside bars did not give me a positive first impression.
J. T.’s Hideaway, one of several downtown bars.
Uneven and pitted sections of sidewalk made me wary of tripping. I noted worn steps and many weary looking buildings, with bricks even missing from the facades of some. I wasn’t purposely looking for these things. But they were noticeable enough that I noticed.
The old hardware store, right, has great historic character inside and out.
I also noticed many empty storefronts. Peering through the expansive front windows of the former Rynda Hardware, I spotted the loveliest of wood floors in a space that holds great potential for a business.
Looking up at the ornate architecture on the former First National Bank.
To the right of the old First National Bank is the former Prague theater, now DalekoArts.
Another view of the bank and theater buildings along Main Street.
That’s a key word here. Potential. Downtown New Prague, with attention to visual presentation and detail, could really shine. The many historic buildings are an asset to this community. Some, like the former First National Bank, now home to an optometrist’s office, have been well cared for and stand as examples of what this downtown could be.
Another building with space to rent.
It takes money, and a strong desire, to improve the physical appearances of buildings to create a cohesive and inviting downtown. And I realize business owners are likely just getting by and don’t have extra funds.
This tasteful awning adds a punch of color without overwhelming.
But I see what can be done with a few simple details. Bargain Betty’s Consignment Shop, for example, sports an eye-catching pink, white and black striped awning with pleasing graphic signage that makes me want to shop there, except shops aren’t open in New Prague on Sundays. That’s understandable given these mom-and-pop business owners need a day off, too.
Love this sign suspended from a downtown wine tasting business.
Prairie Pond’s inviting patio, closed on Sunday.
The Prairie Pond building is an example of a beautifully restored structure.
Prairie Pond Vineyard and Winery, in an exceptional restored building, has also created an outdoor patio oasis, complete with water features, between downtown buildings. My husband and I planned to sample wine there on Sunday, but found the place closed for a private party. It’s not typically open on Sundays, a disappointment.
This stunning windowbox punches natural color and life into the downtown.
A mural of the 1906 Bohemian Brass Band adds artsy interest to the side of a building. However, the mural, painted in 1989, could use some freshening.
This weathered covered wagon atop the Prairie Saloon draws attention to the business and gives it character.
Green spaces in the heart of a Main Street always please me. So do window boxes and planters brimming with flowers. And art. Downtown New Prague has some, but could use more. Again, it’s the seemingly simplest of details that can make a difference in how a downtown business district appears to visitors, whether they stop or continue driving through town.
I definitely want to visit this ethnic bakery. Businesses like this rooted in the town’s heritage are sure to draw customers.
I don’t want New Prague folks and business owners to take my comments the wrong way, to be discouraged. Rather, I hope my observations are useful. I’ve often thought communities could benefit from an outsider’s first impressions. I’ll return to New Prague, but next time on a Saturday, when shops are open. I want to experience Main Street from the inside, too, not just the outside.
BONUS PHOTOS:
Doing something with the vacant lot next to the Prairie Saloon (right in photo) would enhance the downtown.
The Corner Bar is aptly named. Cigarette butts litter the sidewalk here as they did at other bars.
A close-up look reveals that the Corner Bar offers karaoke by Billy. This is what I love, local character.
Another view of Main Street.
A variety of businesses line Main Street. If only all of the buildings could be restored to their former appearances, both in exterior and in subdued signage.
New Prague has a definite advantage over many other communities as a major state highway runs right through the downtown business district.
© Copyright 2015 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Visiting many of these small towns on a Sunday, following a pleasant (weather-wise) Saturday evening, will oft times result in a badly littered “landscape” as many of the bars’ patrons overflow onto the sidewalks during that time frame and leave their many ‘calling cards” that, for some reason, the owner of the establishment feels they are under no obligation to clean up!!!!!
I, also, agree that small shop owners do need a day off, but (like it or not) the weekend (including Sunday) are the days when ppl take time to relax and explore. If a business, such as the winery, has a clientele profile that is totally made up of “locals” then no problem with the Sunday closures BUT I highly doubt that this is the case and do wonder if it wouldn’t be in their best interest, business-wise, to open on that day. IMHO……..
Your observations all seem valid to me. As do your suggestions.
Having been a business owner having a retail space in a very small town, whose vision for its identity is equally suspect, I can relate totally to your post!
Talk about really going down memory lane this morning! I grew up in this area and have not been back in many, many years and it has not really changed all that much. I remember the bakery the most due to the really, really good baked goods. My girlfriend has been to Prairie Pond and enjoyed it, especially having live music and being able to sit outside and unwind with a glass of vino. Happy Day – Happy July – Happy 4th of July Weekend – Enjoy & Be Safe 🙂
Thanks for your endorsements of the bakery and winery. I definitely need to return to New Prague. I find your observation interesting that things have not changed much since you left.
My dad lives in New Prague, so I know it pretty well. 🙂 If you go back, just off the main street there’s a cafe called Ettlin’s. It’s not much to look at on the outside, but the food is fantastic, everything homemade, best pancakes I’ve ever had, great Reuben sandwich, and a monthly Czech dinner buffet that’s really good.
Thanks for the tip. Amy. I didn’t walk down side streets nor did I cover the entire stretch of Main Street. So my visit was just an initial first impression. I need to return when businesses are open and do a follow-up post.
Also, there are lots of great places to get kolacky: http://heavytable.com/testing-kolacky-new-prague-area/ (That’s Dad in the last photo!)
Oh, yes, I’m sure. Kolacky. I love when a place like New Prague embraces its heritage.
I’ve always found main streets of small towns on Sunday afternoons to be sad places simply because everything is closed. I don’t like that empty, shut-down feeling. Never having lived in a small town, this is not something I’ve said out loud before. I wasn’t interested in insulting anyone with my outsider eyes. But perhaps you have a point about how these towns, like New Prague, appear to visitors and what that really implies for those who live there and own businesses there.
Kathleen, I understand your trepidation about expressing your thoughts on small town Main Street. I held the same angst in penning this post. But this was written with the best of intentions, to offer an honest perspective and suggestions. I think every community, big or small, can benefit from an outsider’s thoughts. Some communities even hire consultants to do this. Does New Prague deserve a second visit from me when shops are open? Yes. Yet, I can’t discount my initial impression, which includes both strengths and weaknesses in the section of downtown I toured Sunday afternoon.
Sometimes we drive through New Prague on our way home, but I haven’t in a long time. I guess I should again!
Yes, and stop. At the Czech bakery or the restaurant recommended by Amy.
I have to admit that the Pioneer Saloon and bank really caught my attention.
They are attention grabbers, aren’t they? I love that old bank building as well as the former hardware store.
People often speak of the ‘burbs (as in suburbs) but there are also the ‘burgs like New Prague, Northfield, Faribault, and Chaska to name a few. I can understand the failing business districts of far-flung downtowns – but the ‘burgs have so much more potential. Look what Redwing, Hastings and Stillwater have done.
Burgs and burbs. I like that. And I like that you point to specific communities with successful/thriving downtowns.
Small town Sunday ghost town I can relate having grown up in one but………now…………. I appreciate that slightly slower pace of life and is one of the reason I long to live in one. It is a time for locals to enjoy their time. I notice in the pictures that someone or some committee has been a sort of driving force obviously trying to improve the business area, notice the streetlights which I believe to be a newer addition to the downtown (or is it uptown) area. Your thoughts may very…………..
Given the style of lights, I do believe you are correct that this was a concerted effort to improve the downtown, to give it a yesteryear look. But I expect the lights have been around for quite awhile.
Just FYI, Don, New Prague has stoplights.
That picture of Main St. sends a picture to my mind of Mayberry (NC or SC?) and I fully expected to see Sheriff Andy Taylor and Deputy Barney Fife walking along near Floyd’s Barber shop. Oh, and with all of those drinking establishments, Otis should be staggering to his cell at the jailhouse momentarily. lol
Yes, I suppose New Prague could be Mayberry. I can see that.
Judging from your photos I really think your comments are valid. I like how you tempered your remarks with the word potential and how new Prague could better showcase their community as a thriving one. Perhaps not the best business decision being closed on Sunday since I suspect there are many people like you and Randy taking rambling drives through the countryside on a Sunday. But I suppose from an economic perspective makes sense. I liked your helpful observations on ideas on what could be done and hope there are some community members who follow your blog will take notice..
Thank you, Sue. I didn’t want to come down too hard on Main Street New Prague as it is not deserving of harsh criticism. But I think every community, no matter where, can benefit from unbiased observations and suggestions.