Tucked away between the serene waters of Lake Pepin and the sprawling beauty of Frontenac State Park lies a hidden gem – Frontenac, MN, a town steeped in both natural beauty and rich history.
Frontenac is an unincorporated community in Florence Township, Goodhue County, MN. It sits between Frontenac State Park and Lake Pepin, a natural widening of the Mississippi River. With a small population of around 282 residents, Frontenac maintains its quaint charm while boasting a history that spans over 160 years. In fact the entire community is on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1854, the Garrard brothers bought large amounts of land in what is now Frontenac, and in 1857 the community was established under the name Westervelt. The Garrard brothers renamed the town Frontenac in 1860 after a French colonial governor in Canada.
Frontenac was a station for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad. The houses along the north-south railway line are known as Frontenac Station, while the residences in the bluffs are known as Old Frontenac.
If you drive along the small roads in Old Frontenac, you will see some interesting architecture. You may also notice the large cottages on the river are white with green shutters. At first this may make you wonder, but these used to be resorts on the river. Winona Cottage with its rock wall was built in 1858. Frontenac also contains St. Hubert’s Lodge, Lewis Garrard’s House, and a purple house that used to be a hotel.
The old Frontenac Inn was a resort hotel from 1865 until 1939, and had since been used as a church retreat.
Frontenac State Park is 2,300 acres with hardwood forests, restored prairies, and pristine wetlands. There is RV, tent, and cart-in camping. Hiking, snowmobiling, and cross country ski trails are plenty. There is also a scenic vista overlooking Lake Pepin. It is just steps away from the parking lot.
All in all, Frontenac has a lot to offer, no matter what your interests are. If you want history and architecture, visit Old Frontenac. If you want outdoor activities and beautiful views, check out Frontenac State Park. And if you just want a bite to eat at a reasonable price, check out the Whistle Stop Cafe on Highway 61/63 in what is considered Frontenac Station. Any way you cut it, this community and state park should not be missed!