THERE ARE MANY REASONS to appreciate Plainview. It’s small town Minnesota friendly. It offers a variety of home-grown shops. It centers agriculture in Wabasha County. It was the boyhood home of noted Minnesota author Jon Hassler. Its downtown features some beautiful old brick buildings. That’s the short list. I expect if you’ve visited, or live here, you could add to Plainview’s positive qualities.
During my brief mid-May stop in this southeastern Minnesota community of 3,340 just northeast of Rochester, I found so many things to love about Plainview. And I wrote about those in a series of blog posts over the past several weeks. Today I end that series with a photo focus on some of the historic buildings I saw downtown.
My appreciation of aged buildings runs deep. I live 60 miles from Plainview in Faribault, which boasts a downtown filled with architecturally-interesting, historic buildings.
In Plainview, I saw a collection of mostly well-kept brick buildings, too, and felt inwardly grateful to those who understand their value. I realize it takes money, time and effort to invest in maintaining these aged structures. But it’s so important to do, to maintain the character and history of a community.
Could more be done? Certainly. That applies to both Plainview and Faribault. Again, I understand financial limitations, especially in these times of high inflation. At the core, I see that locals care about keeping these historic buildings. That is a reason to celebrate. They are helping retain community character in a way, which if destroyed, can not be rebuilt or replaced.
Thank you for joining me on my tour of Plainview. Even if you never visit this southeastern Minnesota community, I hope I’ve given you reasons to appreciate it and to appreciate all those small towns that, together with our cities and farms, create the fabric of America.
FYI: To read my previous posts from Plainview, click here.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love everything about this town, it could be a movie set, it’s such an authentic American town.
“Authentic American town” is such an accurate description. Thank you for appreciating the parts of Plainview I featured in my post. I know there’s more to see.
You know I love the little free library!
Absolutely. I was happy to find that LFL in the heart of downtown Plainview.
I’ve enjoyed accompanying you on the tour of Plainview and you know I love historic buildings. Yes, funds are required snd they seem scarce. Good to document the places that may disappear.
Thank you, Ruth. I’m glad you enjoyed my tour of Plainview, especially the historic buildings.
After reading all your blogs on Plainview I have decided to take a road trip some day to check out this cute town and I ordered some Owl cards from the International Owl Center!!!!! Thanks
Thank you, Roxanne. Just be sure to plan your Plainview visit for a day when most shops are open. Note that I missed some shops, so there’s definitely much more to see. Thank you for ordering owl cards.