Find peace, charm and a slower pace just outside Rochester.
If you’re craving a break from packed schedules, screen time and city traffic, here’s a suggestion: Mantorville, Minnesota. Just over an hour from the Twin Cities and 25 minutes from Rochester, this historic small town offers the kind of weekend that doesn’t rush you—one that invites you to breathe deep, sip slowly and rediscover the joy of simply being.
Picture this: limestone buildings, local shops, happy hour in a historic supper club, and a glamping tent lit by fairy lights and stars. It’s giving Stars Hollow energy—but with Minnesota nice.
Here’s how to plan a refreshing weekend in Mantorville where the only itinerary is: relax, explore, repeat.
Friday Evening: Check In, Unplug and Pour a Glass of Wine
Stay at Hidden Spring Hideaway
Tucked away on a wooded ridge just outside of town, Hidden Spring Hideaway offers a one-of-a-kind Minnesota glamping experience. The canvas tent includes a real bed, cozy lighting and a fire pit nestled into the woods. Pour a glass of wine and let the evening melt into crickets, stars and quiet.
Saturday Morning: Sip, Stroll and Step into the Past
Begin your morning in town with breakfast at County Seat Coffeehouse. Grab a latte or a classic cup of drip coffee and pair it with an omelet or pancakes.
The café sits in the heart of Mantorville’s historic district, just blocks from the Dodge County Courthouse, the oldest working courthouse in Minnesota. Built in 1865 from locally quarried limestone, it’s a true piece of state history—and still hosts court sessions today.
Once caffeinated, you’re ready to start exploring.
Tour the Historic Mantorville Buildings
For a town of fewer than 1,200 people, Mantorville is rich with stories. The Mantorville Restoration Association has preserved key landmarks, including:
- The Opera House – Still in use today and rumored to be haunted (friendly spirits, of course). Throughout the year, the Opera House hosts live plays and classic melodramas, keeping the town’s theatrical tradition alive in one of Minnesota’s oldest theaters.
- The Restoration House – A carefully preserved 1860s home showcasing what life was like in early Minnesota.
- The Log Cabin and Welcome Center – Learn about the area’s early settlers and Mantorville’s role as a frontier town.
If you time it right, you might catch a volunteer-led tour full of legends, ghost stories and pioneer grit.
Visit the Local Shops
Head to the Mantorville Art Guild, where local artists display pottery, watercolor paintings, handmade cards and crafts. It’s the kind of shop where everything feels one-of-a-kind—because it is.
Just down the street, you’ll find antique stores filled with vintage treasures, quirky décor and hidden gems. Whether you collect, decorate or just love a good find, there’s something charming about unhurried antique browsing in a town that values its past.
Need a pick-me-up? Visit the Chocolate Shoppe, where hand-dipped truffles, fudge and chocolate-covered goodies await.
Saturday Evening: River Views and Supper Club Classics
Before dinner, head to Riverside Park, a peaceful green space where the Zumbro River meanders quietly by. Sit on a bench, dip your toes in the water or simply slow down and take in the stillness.
For dinner, The Hubbell House is a must. This historic restaurant has welcomed guests since 1854—including Ulysses S. Grant and Mickey Mantle. Today, it’s known for steaks, seafood and Minnesota supper club charm.
Arrive early for happy hour in the bar—classic cocktails, local beers and discounted apps—then enjoy a meal in the elegant dining room. Try the prime rib or broiled walleye.
After dinner, if you’re not quite ready to call it a night, walk across the street to the Mantorville Saloon—another historic limestone building in town with cold beer and live music.
Head back to your glamping site and get the fire going. Wrap up in a blanket, pour that second glass of wine and settle in. The only thing on your to-do list now is to sit back and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Sunday Morning: Spa Morning & the Best Eggs Bennie
Start your final day with a little self-care. One of the highlights of staying at Hidden Spring Hideaway is their woodfired sauna and cold plunge experience—a simple, spa-like ritual that helps you feel refreshed and clear-headed before heading home.
Once you’ve packed up, head into town for breakfast at the Old School Café. Housed in a former schoolhouse, this local favorite is known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and comfort food.
If there’s one thing you should order, it’s the eggs benedict. Trust.
Why Mantorville?
Because it reminds you of what weekends should feel like.
It’s slow mornings and quiet streets. Friendly strangers and chocolate-covered detours. It’s limestone history and real conversation over coffee. It’s a walkable town with a pace you can breathe with.
And yes—if you’ve ever wished you could escape to Stars Hollow, this is about as close as it gets in the Midwest.
