Before modern hotels, rail networks and interstate highways, Minnesota's earliest visitors depended on pioneer inns, riverfront lodging, trading establishments and small community hotels.
This archive contains historic photographs, early Minnesota hotels and independent historical reference information for Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Historic properties are identified solely for educational and research purposes. No lodging establishment is recommended or endorsed by Taxi Minnesota.
The following archival images document early Minnesota hotels and historic buildings. Image dates and building dates may differ.
Built in 1857, Winslow House was associated with the development of St. Anthony, now part of Minneapolis.
The original building was demolished in 1886.
Historical Image Source
Central House was an early lodging building associated with Minnesota's territorial government.
The archival record identifies the building before its use as a territorial capitol.
Historical Image Source
Sherman House stood near Sibley and Fourth Streets during Saint Paul's nineteenth-century commercial development.
The image is associated with photographer William H. Illingworth in archival records.
Historical Image Source
Built around 1839–1840, this early limestone building was associated with trader Jean-Baptiste Faribault and was used as a residence and inn.
This is a modern documentary photograph, taken in 2006, of the historic building.
Photograph and AttributionMinnesota officially became a state on May 11, 1858. Several early inns and hotels were established before statehood in communities along the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix rivers.
The following are among the earliest documented establishments. They are not claimed to represent a definitive statewide ranking.
The Faribault House was associated with early trader Jean-Baptiste Faribault. The building served as a residence and was also used to accommodate travelers.
Its location near the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers placed it within an important early trading and transportation area.
The construction period is documented, although its precise first date of commercial inn operation remains uncertain.
Henry Jackson's early activities near Saint Paul's Lower Landing included a store, saloon and hotel. River travelers used the area as an arrival and commercial center.
The precise formal name and opening date of the lodging establishment require further historical confirmation.
Anson Northrup is identified in early historical accounts with construction and operation of Stillwater's first hotel in spring 1844.
Stillwater was developing along the St. Croix River as logging, lumber trade and river commerce attracted workers and travelers.
Early tavern activity is documented near the Saint Paul House property around 1845. Jacob W. Bass operated the Saint Paul House in 1847.
The dates reflect different phases of the property's early history rather than one conclusively established opening date.
Each historical record below includes a short description of the establishment's origins, architectural history or relationship to the surrounding community.
Some are original hotels. Others occupy buildings that were originally residences, warehouses, government facilities or commercial establishments.
These distinctions are part of their history. No listing is a recommendation or advertisement.
Wisconsin's historic hotels developed around trading communities, river towns, industry, railroad connections and growing cities.
The following historical summaries identify original uses and documented developments where records are available.
Readers may independently investigate these establishments through historical societies, library archives, newspapers, Google, DuckDuckGo or other sources.
This page is provided by Taxi Minnesota for general public information, historical education and independent research purposes only.
Hotel names, dates, photographs and historical descriptions are supplied as references to Minnesota and Wisconsin lodging history.
Inclusion does not constitute advertising, endorsement, recommendation, sponsorship or representation of any hotel or property owner.
Taxi Minnesota does not book hotel rooms, arrange lodging reservations, receive commissions from listed hotels or represent any of these establishments.
Some buildings may be closed, demolished, renamed, privately owned or no longer used as lodging establishments.
Google, DuckDuckGo, Wikimedia Commons, historical societies and other linked organizations operate independently. Taxi Minnesota does not represent, sponsor or act on their behalf.
Readers remain free to select their preferred research sources, accommodations and transportation providers.