FOURTEEN YEARS AGO, I wrote a magazine feature story on The Dam Store, a rural southern Minnesota business serving up food, bait and tackle. People travel for miles to buy a burger and a slice of homemade pie here. It’s the kind of place that appeals to me—unpretentious and welcoming. Cozy, homey and comfortable, with great food.
The small eatery is located by the Rapidan Dam, a dam which has been in the news all week due to its possible imminent failure. Thus far, the dam has held. But the roaring, overflowing Blue Earth River carved a path around the dam to the west, eventually claiming the Hruska family’s riverside home. They run the nearby cafe.
The Dam Store sits a short distance away, close enough that it could possibly be overcome by floodwaters. At least that’s my non-professional opinion. And if that worries me, I can only imagine how the family feels.
This place is a treasure. A destination. A slice of Americana run by folks who care deeply about their customers. People rave about The Dam Store. I read that in comments filling a notebook when I was there back in 2010. I feel the same. To dine here is an experience, a step back in time to days when life seemed simpler.
The scene unfolding today in Rapidan is decidedly one of concern and watchfulness. And for many, one of hope. Hope that The Dam Store will remain standing, untouched by floodwaters. The building has been there since 1910, the eatery in the Hruska family for more than 50 years. This is their history, their life, their livelihood. Their home. Their place.
The Rapidan Heritage Society has established a relief fund for the Hruska family with donations accepted at MinnStar Bank offices in Mankato and Lake Crystal. Click here for more information.
Now, until The Dam Store reopens—and I’m being optimistic that this will all turn out OK—enjoy these photos taken in 2010. I think you’ll understand why this place is so popular, so loved.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I hope all is well with the Dam Store. That rhubarb pie made my mouth water.
It’s a day-by-day thing at this point. The major concern is also the integrity of that bridge given the riverbank erosion. That could affect the supports for the bridge. If that goes…
like you, this is a place I’d love to visit and have a piece of pie and a coffee. I’m so sorry for this family with all they are going through, the loss of their home, and the ongoing and very real worry about their store. my thoughts and prayers to all .
The family has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support of the community. Rapidan is not a town, but it is still community. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for all affected along the Blue Earth River.
Let’s hope that, once the water drops, the west bank can be stabilized enough to let the Dam Store stay open. But there are concerns about the stability of the nearby bridge that also need to be addressed and discussions about the future (or not) of the dam itself that are still ongoing. It may take years to deal with the damage that raging water did in only a few days.
Yes, there are many issues involved here with the major concern being the stability of the bridge right now.
Thinking about the people and sending prayers. The weather is on a tear lately and can cause quite the upheaval. There is just something about MN and the small town places to eat, the meat markets, and the bakeries that I truly miss at times. That sense of community and connection to the community that one forms in a smaller town too. Take Care ((((((loveandhugs)))))))
I fully agree. Small towns are special places.
Wow, amazing you have this experience there! Thanks for sharing this.
You are welcome. Is the flooding situation in Worthington settling a bit?
Yes, much better. Hoping the new rain isn’t an issue. I have friends in Windom who havn’t been home in days.
That’s good to hear, Gretchen. I hope your friends are able to get back into their home soon.
It was so terribly sad to watch their home tumble into the raging river. I hope their store will be safe. It’s encouraging to hear how their community supports them.
For sure the Hruska family has gotten lots of support. I know that will continue long after the floodwaters have subsided.
I brought family and friends to the Rapidan Dam Store twice last summer. It was the first time we had been there. So it was with much concern that we all started following the flooding. We felt bad but can only imagine how devastating this is to the Hruska family as well as all the people in the area who enjoy it as a special place.
Colleen, I’m glad you had an opportunity to eat at The Dam Store. It’s such an icon and so loved.
I saw a video online that looked so dangerous and not too hopeful for your historic store.
Yes, it’s really close to the eroded bank of the Blue Earth River. We got another inch of rain overnight, just what we did NOT need.