Tours

The Sibley Historic Site includes four limestone and brick buildings that are among the oldest still standing structures in Minnesota. These buildings help tell the history of the region's fur trade and Sibley's involvement in Minnesota business and politics, as well as his role in the US-Dakota War of 1862.

Guided tours

Take a guided tour through the restored buildings. Discover how Mendota became a major center of the fur trade in the 1800s and the roles of Henry Hasting Sibley and Jean Baptiste Faribault in early Minnesota history.

One-hour tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:00 pm.

Highlights

  • Dupuis House - Originally built in 1854 for Henry Sibley’s secretary, the brick house was expanded several times before becoming the Sibley Tea House from 1928 to the 1970s.
  • Sibley House - Built in 1835 as the office of Henry Sibley, the state’s first governor, the house is the oldest private residence in Minnesota. At various times it sheltered Catholic nuns, schoolchildren, and art students.
  • Faribault House - Home of Jean-Baptiste Faribault and his family, this house was built shortly after the Sibley House in 1839, and later operated as a hotel and warehouse.
  • Cold store - This building was used to store and keep furs and other goods cold during summer months. Inside you’ll find a recreated American Fur Company post with hands-on learning.

Self-guided tours

The grounds are open to the public. Walk the site to learn about existing and demolished structures of the1800s fur trade.

Have a group?

Call 651-452-1596 or email sibleyhistoricsite@mnhs.org for pricing and scheduling.

Shopping

The store in the Dupuis House carries gifts and souvenirs, including history-themed toys, collectibles, posters, historic reproductions, and books on a variety of subjects, including biographies of Henry Sibley and histories of Minnesota's fur trade and Native Americans.

Shop online

Find great goods anytime at shop.mnhs.org.

Members always save

Minnesota Historical Society members receive free general admission and a 10% discount on purchases in MNHS stores and in our online store. Become an MNHS member today!