Old Town Mankato Walking Tour Preview

By 1853, just one year after it was founded, Mankato was named the county seat for Blue Earth County. There was already a burgeoning downtown, including a hotel, two stores, two lawyers, two tailors, a quarry, a saddler, a millwright, warehouse, and school. There were about 20 families in Mankato, with housing ranging from rough shanties to sturdy log cabins.

The 1880s were boom years for much of Minnesota, and Mankato was no exception. Railroads had augmented (and eventually eclipsed) river traffic, allowing for the easy transport of the area’s rich agricultural commodities. Turn of the century downtown Mankato was a vibrant and busy place. The business district stretched close to a mile down Front Street, in comparison to most Minnesota river towns, where the central business district typically encompassed no more than two to three blocks.

The North Front Street area was the early industrial and commercial center for Mankato and became the shopping area for the working families who lived northeast of Main Street in the Washington Park neighborhood. The businesses supplied the needs of permanent and transient labor associated with manufacturing, building, transportation and service trades.

The advent of the suburbs, coupled with easy automobile access, led to an extensive relocation of area retail in the 1960s. Although some businesses continued to offer their services downtown, many of the commercial buildings were altered or eliminated as part of Urban Renewal in the 1970s.

This area represents the most extensive remaining architecture of Mankato’s Front Street after Urban Renewal in the 1970s. Due to the downtown development in the 1970s, the 100 and 200 blocks of North Front Street have been leveled and the street name was changed to Riverfront Drive to connect Pike Street to North Front Street. The east side of the 300 and 400 blocks of North Front are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic commercial district. The historic commercial district includes 19 properties built between 1877-1928.

Title: Silo Art

Artist: Guido Van Helten

Location: 200 N. Riverfront Drive, Ardent Mills Silos. Visit 201 N. Riverfront Drive outside main entrance of Bridge Plaza for viewing spot with additional information.

Artist Statement:

This artwork specifically addresses the existing diversity as a source of pride for the Mankato community. The concept was derived from a summary of experiences and discoveries in colour and culture as part of the Mahkato Powwow and Education Days in 2018 and 2019.

This mural brings together the shared ideals of community, diversity, inclusion, and participation. In consultation with various Native and non-Native community representatives, the artwork took shape and allows for an open interpretation as the viewer takes in all angles in one of the largest murals completed by the artist to date. The artwork is part of a growing trail of monumental murals painted by the artist throughout the Midwest including works in Faulkton, South Dakota and Fort Dodge, Iowa.

There has been a tavern at this location since a hotel was built here in 1858. The original hotel was a log building known as the Minnesota House which included rooms and a livery stable where horses could be kept and rented out to settlers moving their goods throughout town.

In 1873, it changed owners and was renamed the Stahl House; it remained the Stahl House until the 1950s.

The building you see today was built in 1893. When it re-opened, it had 41 sleeping rooms, parlors, a dining room, a bar room and apartments, with gas, water and electricity, all modern amenities.

The Wine Café has operated here since 2007.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

This modern building was built for American State Bank in 1955. The separate drive-in bank teller windows opened in 1956.The bank was established in 1906 as the German-American Bank. The word “German” was dropped from the bank’s name during the First World War.

At this location in 1878, Wendel Hodapp built and operated a drug store; one of the first apothecaries in town. It remained a drug store until 1906.

Today, this building is vacant.

Henry Fricke Boots and Shoes operated at this location from at least 1900 to 1920. Henry Fricke lived upstairs and operated his business on the first floor.

From the 1920s until the 1950s, it was home to a wide variety of restaurants.

Cactus Tattoo has operated at this location since 1999.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Henry Fricke Boots and Shoes operated in this building before the 307 North Front Street building was built.

From the early 1930s through the 1950s, this building was operated as dry goods store, grocer and meat market.

Encore Consignment and Bridal Boutique Shop has operated here since 2003.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

During the building’s first years, Frederick Kron Dry Goods and Groceries operated in this two-story brick building. Kron would later go on to build The Leader Department store on the corner of Front and Main; that store would later become Salet’s.

From the 1930s through the 1940s, this building was operated as a beverage shop.

Encore Consignment and Bridal Boutique Shop has operated here since 2003.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Title: To the Moon and Back

Artist: Jason Felton

Location: 311 N. Riverfront Drive, Encore back of building

Artist Statement:

Creating renewed energy and demonstrating a commitment to creative urban renewal and growth. Giving Encore and the surrounding neighborhood its own unique and creative identity. Inviting visitors from around the region to be inspired. Stimulating people from all walks of life, not just the people involved in the “arts” community.

Bernard Koehler Boots and Shoes operated here until 1894.

From 1934 through 1950, Nora Reedfield ran a costume shop here, living above her shop on the second floor.

Great Sound Audio Systems & Services was here between 1969-1971.

Edina Realty has operated here since 2019.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Anthony M. Klages operated a grocer at this location from 1902-1930. Note the advertising mural on the side of the building.

From 1930-1945, a confectioner of sweets was on the first floor.

From 1945 to the late 1960s, the building became Jack’s Tire Shop.

Artifact has operated here since 2017.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

The Hubbard Mill was built in 1878. It was made of local soft brick with a dolomite limestone trim and stood an impressive five stories tall. The building’s sixth level was later added in 1906.

In 1880, the first telephone in the city was installed at the Hubbard Mill. Its line extended between Mankato City Hall, the Mankato House, and the mill.

The mill used steam energy until 1951, then was electrified.

The smokestack was once taller; it was designed to carry smoke emissions away (the existing philosophy for reducing air pollution was to remove the noxious fumes away from one’s own vicinity). With the switch to cleaner-burning natural gas, the tall stack was unnecessary, so it was shortened.

The pump room at the base of the stack once provided the city’s water pressure.

The building continues to operate as a flour mill under the name Ardent Mills.

Artists: Various

Location: 324 N. Riverfront Drive, Ardent Mills Windows

Julius A. Heilscher worked as a physician in this building from 1928-1945.

From 1948 into the 1970s, the building operated as John's Barber Shop, a barber shop and beauty salon.

Sometime after 1980, the building was extended, matching the stucco and brickwork of the original building.

The Mary McClure Agency has operated here since 1992.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

From at least 1888 to 1914, this building was a meat market; and from 1927 to the early 1970s, Schwendler & Son Meats operated here.

Lau Insurance Services has operated here since 2020.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Wenzl Huettl ran a tailor shop from 1891 up until his death in 1908.

In 1924, a restaurant operated at this building.

From 1927-1930, Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. had a grocer here.

A barber shop and S&S Tavern occupied the building from 1934-1969.

The Coffee Hag has been at this location since 1997.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

From 1871-1889, this building was the Mathias Sontag Hotel. Mathias' brother, Jacob, operated a saloon next door at 403 North Front Street. Mathias was stepfather to the Sontag train robbers.

From 1927-1930, Snow’s Hatchery operated at this building. Earl and Nora Snow lived upstairs and ran their business on the first floor. An advertisement in the 1927 city directory noted that it was Minnesota’s largest and oldest hatchery. Baby chicks, feed and poultry supplies were available for purchase here.

Schmidt Roofing and Siding and Leo Dauk Jewelry took occupancy of the building in 1950.

Bonita! has operated from this location since 2022.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

From 1876-1908, this building had a saloon on the first floor and a hotel on the second floor.

Phillip Roesch operated a grocery store here and lived upstairs from 1927-1939.

Mankato Beauty Supply and the United States Postal Service dispatch office shared this space from 1945-1950.

In 1960, the building became Northwest Radio and Electrical Supplier.

International Grocery and Halal has operated at this location since 2017.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Benedict Bangerter sold boots and shoes here up until 1909, living upstairs.

From at least 1927-1934, Otto Paint Co. operated on the first floor. George E. and Emma Otto and George S. and Julia Otto lived upstairs on the second floor.

From 1938-1939, Empire Café was here from 1938-1939.

C&N Sale Company, a vending company, sold merchandise from the lower storefront from 1945-1950..

The Salvation Army was located here in the 1960s.

Bumbleloo has operated at this location since 2018.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Joseph Kron drug store was here before 1906.

From 1906-1930, Otto Kammerer operated a grocer on the first floor; Otto and Mary Kammerer lived upstairs.

Anthony Pollei ran a grocer and barber shop here in the 1940s while living upstairs.

Paul’s Products Company sold poultry here in the 1960s. The Record Shack opened in the building later in the 1960s.

Christy's Crystals now operates at this location.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Schorn Brothers Meat Market operated here until at least 1900.

In 1929, Johnson-Boman Co. Furniture relocated here from 413-415 N. Front Street.

Johnson Bake Shop opened here in 1938. They relocated to 311 N. Front Street in the late 1940s.

Valley News Company operated here in the late 1940s.

In the 1960s, C&N Vending occupied the building. They were previously located at 405 N. Front Street.

Sonny + Dot has operated at this location since 2024.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Local architect Henry Gerlach is reported to have designed the building, and J. E. Seidle, owner of Seidle Drug Company, built the building in 1893.

The first floor was used as a store while the front room on the second floor was used as the office of Dr. Julian Hielscher. The back room was Seidle’s residence.

From 1916-2005 Hagen Hardware operated here. The business was founded by John C. Hagen. It was the last of the old-fashioned hardware stores in Mankato.

Pond Road Market has operated at this location since 2021.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Title: Florp

Artist: James Mackey

Location: 411 N. Riverfront Drive Alley Dumpster

In 1893, Albert Silber operated Silber & Steiner, a dry goods store, in the lower storefront. They sold men’s furnishings, groceries, cloaks, furs, dry goods, and glassware.

In 1936, it was renamed Mankato Grocery Company, and in 1938 it became the Mankato Upholstered Furniture Company.

Through the 1940s, Mary Forseth owned and operated a restaurant here.

In the 1960s, the building was used by Oscar Burntess, a barber.

Currently this building serves as a downtown residential property.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

This building is a twin to 411 N. Riverfront Drive, but was built years later.

Krause Studio operated here in the 1910s.

During the early 1930s, the building operated as Zenus Nicholas Furniture.

Capitol Insulation Company was here in 1938.

From 1945 to the mid-1960s, Allie’s Leather Shop offered services here including leather repair.

Cassel Floors opened in 1969.

Hazelkin & Co has operated at this location since 2021.

North Front Street Historic Commercial District Contributing Property

Harold N. Timmons Auto Repair was here in 1955, and Marv's Garage in 1968.

This location is now the home to Bellissimo Paint & Coatings.

Title: Dream Weaver

Artist: Justin Ek with community

Location: 417 N. Riverfront Drive, side of building

Title: Dog Park

Artist: Amanda Jordan

Location: Bellissimo Alley - Dumpster

Hubbard Milling Company corporate headquarters built in 1967.

Today, Hubbard Building is used as office space for multiple businesses.

This building was built in 1921 with additions in 1940 and 1950.

In 1934 this location was home to Spring Standard Oil Company.

Hunds Standard Gas Station operated here in 1955.

This location was also a typewriter shop in 1968.

Travel & Cruise Center has operated at this location since 1970.

The Hub Food Park in Mankato is the city's only food truck park, offering a diverse selection of delicious meals on wheels. It is also a hub for Public Art.

This building was built for Minnesota Iron and Metal Co. in 1952.

From 1922-1960, Mankato Creamery manufactured dairy products and ice cream at this location. Wooden Spoon, formerly Friesen's, has operated at this location since 2014.

Title: Hero Brothers

Artist: Alex Ek

Location: 515 N. Riverfront Drive, Wooden Spoon front of building

Title: Rise Into Yourself

Artist: Kelly Murphy

Location: 515 N. Riverfront Drive, Wooden Spoon side of building

Artist Statement:

The purpose of this mural is to bring color and character to Old Town Mankato as well as visually represent the message of courage, strength, triumph, and healing by offering two beacons of light shown on the building as two women, one holding the sun and one holding the moon. I call these women the Guardians and they represent the triumph of overcoming hard things. The two magnificent light sources illuminate these women at night. The lighting of the mural allow it to be enjoyed all hours of the day and night.

Title: Land of Memories

Artist: Gregory Wilkins

Location: 515 N. Riverfront Drive, Wooden Spoon back of building

Artist Statement:

Land of Memories is an art piece made in collaboration with Dakota elders, Dakota youth, and other creatives. It honors the past, celebrates the present, and creates a welcoming place for all as communities move toward the future.

Dakota people roamed the land of Mahkato/Mankato, Minnesota until the U.S. government forcefully removed them in 1863. Indigenous and settlers lives were lost. President Abraham Lincoln on December 26, 1862 approved the largest one-day mass execution of American Indian people in United States history.

We cannot erase our past. We can chose to forgive. Our collective future will be shared by everyone.

Title: Lovey

Artist: Justin Ek

Location: 515 N. Riverfront Drive, Wooden Spoon back of building

From 1923-1960, Mankato Creamery manufactured dairy products and ice cream at 515-521 N Front Street.

From the 1960s on, this location has been home to a wide variety of businesses including laundry services, sewing services, a bakery, a salon, a home improvement store, thrift stores, and more.

Pippi Lane Boutique & Branding Bar has operated in the building since 2024.

FRONT:

This building was built in 1896 as a meat market. From 1929-1930, it housed Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

By 1950, Jerry’s Plumbing and Heating, Howell Eden Beverages, and Rub-A-Dub Self Service Laundry shared the building.

In 1955, Hanson’s Dairy Café opened, with the laundry service still operating.

REAR:

In 1935, Joyce Hanson and Clement Olinger owned and operated an auto garage and repair shop at the rear of the building. In 1938, Blue Earth County Cooperative Oil Association moved into the building, working with Olinger to provide duel automobile services.

In the mid-1940s, Harold Timmons auto repair services and plumbing and metal shop operated here.

By 1960, a bait shop and clean towel service with a gas station began operating out of the building’s rear.

Whimsy and Weathered has operated at this location since 2016.

Title: Wings of Whimsy

Artist: Michael Cimeno

Location: 523 N. Riverfront Drive, Whimsy and Weathered, side of building

Since it was built in 1957, this building has housed a bar or restaurant including: Bodega Bar (1974-1984); The Still (1984-2002); and Midtown Tavern (2002-2017).

Title: Sounds of Old Town bench

Artist: Julie Dempster

Location: 525 N. Riverfront Drive, Old Town Park and parking lot

This building was built in 1896 and served as the Joseph Beinapfl cigar factory 1902-1936. Over the years, various businesses including restaurants and bars operated here. In the 1990s, the adjoining south wall was removed this building became part of The Still and Midtown Tavern.

Title: Coca-Cola Advertisement

Artist: Unknown

Location: 529 N. Riverfront Drive, River City Quilts, side of building

History: Between 1886 and 1959, the price of a 6.5 US fl oz (190 mL) glass or bottle of Coca-Cola was set at five cents, or one nickel, and remained fixed with very little local fluctuation.

This building was built in 1876. A saloon operated at this location from at least 1884-1900. Then, a meat store was here until at least 1914.

From 1927-1945, Frank Nitzkowski operated a meat store here. He lived upstairs with his wife Lena and their son, Norman. Nitzkowski later began selling beverages.In 1955, Norman took over the business, operating as Norman Nitzkowski Liquors. By 1960, the location became known as Kato Liquor Market.

River City Quilts has been operating at this location since 2018.

From 1884-1914, a dwelling was situated on this property with a livery to rear.

This brick building was built here in 1915, and from at least 1919 to 1930, Hugo Shirt Company operated here.

Kato Engineering Company, an electric specialties manufacturer, was here from at least 1938 to 1945.

Today, the Hugo Building serves as the home to many local businesses.

In the early 1900s, 601 N. Front Street was home to various businesses including Ziegler Saloon, a millinery shop and Lenertz and Hagen Grocery.

It was later home to two used furniture stores; Gamble Store in 1945 and Arthur Mountain in 1950.

From 1955 through the 1960s, this location became Holland Furnace Company.

Dork Den has operated at this location since 2012.

Before the current building was built, this location was home to residences, as well as a furniture store from 1884-1900.

This building was built in 1950 occupied by Stizmann’s Wholesale Paint Supplies occupied the building.

In 1960s, C & S Supply Company operated here.

Urban Escape Salon has operated at this location since 2014.

This building was built approximately 1900.

RW Electric Co. operated here in 1968.

Superior Driving School has operated at this location since 2014.

In 1900 this building was built and Joseph Bienapfl operated a cigar factory here for a short time.

From 1927 through the mid-1930s, Joseph E. Schulte operated an automobile repair business here.

In 1939, Minnesota Nu-Lac Corporation opened at this location, selling feed.

From the mid-1940s-1960s, this location became Jack’s Places Beverages.

River Valley Running has operated at this location since 2015.

This building was built in 1881.

This location was Harold Klages Tavern in 1934.

It became Hennessey Sheet Metal in 1968.

Lakota Made has operated at this location since 2021.

Title: Free Spirit

Artist: Marian Anderson

Location: 606 N. Riverfront Drive, Lakota Made, alley dumpster

History: Marian painted during a school artist-in-residence at North Mankato's Monroe Elementary School in 1989. Limited edition prints of "Free Spirit" are available at www.MarianAnderson.com.

This building was built in 1936. From 1953 to the mid-1960s, this location was home to Schulte Body and Paint Company.

Harpie’s Bazaar was a community fixture at this location from 1971-2005.

Nicollet Bike Shop has operated at this location since 2012.

This building was built for the Mankato Radio Clinic in 1953 and was later home to Business Services Inc. in 1968.

Institute for Environmental Services has operated at the location since 1990.

Title: Seeds of Old Town

Artist: Ben Liebl and Justin Ek with community

Location: 610 N. Riverfront Drive, Institute for Environmental Services, side

This building was built in 1894.

Huettl’s Shoe Store occupied this space from the 1920s through the 1930s.

In the 1950s and 60s, Blatti’s Laundry was operated by Milton Blattie, who lived upstairs.

Divine Echoes has operated at this location since 2023.

This building was built in 1886.

From the 1920s through the 1930s, Earl St. Peter worked as a barber in the building and lived upstairs with his wife Ida.

By 1939, Thomas Keenan, a barber, and Myrts Beauty Salon operated within the building.

By 1945, Henry Leonard sold insurance in the building, living above on the second floor. Calvary Cemetery Office operated from the shared office. From the 1950s through the 1960s, Kunz Insurance Agency operated here. Midwest Engineering was also here in the 1960s.

Ember Wellness Studio has operated at this location since 2023.

This building was built in 1886. From the 1910s to the 1920s Frank Ario’s electrical shop existed here.

By 1950 Charles Anton opened a grocer here. This business operated until the 1960s.

Salvage Sisters opened at this location in 2013.

Title: Now Showing Nostalgia

Artist: Kyle Rose

Location: 615 N. Riverfront Drive, Salvage Sisters alley dumpster

This lot was residential before the current building was built in 1947. Michels Motors opened in 1950.

Diamond Vogel Paint Store has operated at this location since 1989.

In 1879, John Mahowald, opened a dry goods store at this location. Mahowald remodeled the store front and interior and built an addition to the rear where he, Catherine, and their ten children lived in 1894.

In 1911, Frank J. Mahowald opened a hardware store here. Later, in 1917, Frank and his son, Bert, turned the hardware store into Mahowald’s Cycle Shop selling Harley Davidson, bicycles and tires. In 1933, the building was remodeled again, taking over 624 North Front Street. 624 had been Frank’s mother's dressmakers’ shop in the 1880s. They also expanded to preset day Tune Town in the other direction. The expansion doubled the display windows, and they added modern overhead flood lights for night displays. At one time, the Mahowalds had stores in four different locations. This was the last store to close, closing in 1990.

Denco Lighting operated here from the early 1990s until 2024. Tune Town has operated at this location since 2010.

This building started as a saloon, originally owned by Adam Freundel.

In 1872, the building was sold to Joseph Eich. After Joseph’s death in 1887, his wife, Theresa opened and operated a grocery store here. Theresa Eich operated the store until 1917 when the business was taken over by her son-in-law and daughter, Ed and Julia Eich Enfield. Julia converted it into a confectionery store and ran it until her death in 1950.

There was a brick house built in 1858 on Second and Rock, directly behind this building. It is very possible that this building was here from that same time period, which would make this one of the oldest buildings in Mankato.

Mom & Pop's Ice Cream has operated at this location since 2012.

Title: Saturday Distractions

Artist: Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby

Location: 629 N. Riverfront Drive, Mom & Pops NOTE: due to Riverfront Drive construction, this piece is located on Rock Street next to Tune Town.

Artist Statement:

Saturday Distractions was the 2013 People’s Choice award winning sculpture from the City Art Walking Sculpture Tour.
The figurative bronze features a young, lanky, active boy lost in the wonder of his book. The dog adds an extra level of life and humor, patiently waiting for a drip from the ice cream cone. Sculptors Lee Leuning and Sherri Treeby met in college and started their own sculpture studio Bad River Artworks in 1989. They work collaboratively on art commissions across the United States.

Artist: Abby Daleki

Location: 629 N. Riverfront Drive, Mom & Pops building

Title: Sherbet the Octopus

Artist: Annie Noodle

Location: 629 N. Riverfront Drive, Mom & Pops

Artist: Andrew Hellmund

Location: 629 N. Riverfront Drive, Mom & Pops

Title: Hokusai Hardware

Artist: Kendrick Daum

Location: 117 E. Rock Street, Rock Street Auto

Title: Mahowald’s Mural

Artist: Amanda Wirig

Location: 630 N. Riverfront Drive, Mahowald's side of building

Title: Fantasmas

Artist: Justin Ek

Location: 630 N. Riverfront Drive, Mahowald's back of building

In the 1860s and 1870s, before the current building was built, a blacksmith shop was located here. In Mankato, as in any small-town, blacksmiths were plenty. In the 1871-72 City Directory there were 19 blacksmiths listed in Mankato.

In 1902, the current building was built by George Pass and Albert Schippel, and Henry Veigel opened a saloon here.

From 1914-1936, Gust Pollei ran a billiards hall and saloon, and then George Panter Beverages operated here from 1936-1953.

In 1953, The Oleander Café and Tavern opened. It was renamed Oleander Saloon in 1982.

The What’s Up Lounge opened on the second floor in 1989.

Title: Drink Mission Orange

Artist: Unknown

Location: 701 N. Riverfront Drive, Oleander side of building

History: Mission Soda was a former brand of soda that originated from the state of California in 1929. It isn't exactly known when Mission Soda was discontinued, but it was believed to be some time around 1970.

In 1881, Nic Petersen operated a business here bottling soda and mineral water. By 1916, Petersen’s business expanded and they became bottlers for Hamm’s and Schlitz beer. Most of Mankato’s breweries used them to bottle their products and all of the restaurants in town used them to supply their soda drinks and glassware. They even provided distilled water to the hospitals and pharmacies in town. In the 1940s, the business sold to Crown Bottling Company.

The Eagles Club has been at this location since 1955. This property is made up of the original 1881 building, a 1896 house and 1946 and 1978 additions.

This tour is presented to celebrate the rich history, art and vibrancy of Mankato's Old Town. History of buildings and historic images are provided by the Blue Earth County Historical Society. For more information about the history of a building or a historic image, please contact the Blue Earth County Historical Society.

Blue Earth County History Center | 424 Warren Street, Mankato | 507-345-5566 | www.BlueEarthCountyHistory.com

Love Old Town? Follow the Old Town Association for upcoming events, shopping specials and public art! www.OldTownMankatoMN.com