Throughout history, certain hotels have stood not only as places of rest but as silent witnesses to the evolution of society, such as the St James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota. Book your stay in a stunning structure that has stood the test of time during its 150th-year anniversary. Our Red Wing hotel’s story is woven into the very fabric of American history. Today, we take a closer look at the history and legacy of one of the most historic hotels in Minnesota!
Historic Minnesota Hotels: Celebrating 150 Years
Join in a yearlong series of themed events, historical exhibits, and guest experiences designed to honor our historic Minnesota hotel’s rich past and inspire the future. Central to this commemoration is the newly unveiled 150th Archive Room, a rotating exhibit in collaboration with private donors, the Goodhue County Historical Society, and the Red Wing Shoe Company Corporate Archives, showcasing treasured artifacts and stories from generations of guests. Our monthly “Surprise + Delight” initiative gives one lucky guest 1875 pricing and exclusive perks!
The Birth of One of Minnesota’s Most Historic Hotels
The St. James Hotel stands as one of the most historic hotels in Minnesota, embodying a legacy of excellence that spans 150 years. Opened on Thanksgiving Day in 1875, it was born from the vision of 11 civic-minded businessmen who saw the need for a grand lodging destination in Red Wing—then the wheat-trading capital of the world. Quickly becoming the social and commercial hub of the Red Wing, the St James Hotel hosted travelers from across the country, including President Rutherford B. Hayes, whose visit underscored its national prominence.
Now owned by the Red Wing Shoe Company and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the St. James Hotel continues to offer its guests the timeless charm, luxury, and service that made it a centerpiece of Red Wing society more than a century ago.
Explore a Masterpiece of Victorian-Era Architecture
The U.S. Department of the Interior recognizes the historic St James Hotel as one of the last remaining large “river town” hotels in Minnesota, praising it as a major architectural landmark that reflects Red Wing’s historical importance for our beloved states’ early history. Designed in the early 1870s by architect Edward P. Bassford, our Red Wing hotel is one of Minnesota’s best standing Italianate structures.
Historic Minnesota Hotels: A Living Legacy
Today, the historic St James Hotel stands as more than just a building. Our Red Wing hotel is a living piece of Minnesota history. Visitors are drawn not just by the promise of a comfortable night’s stay but by the opportunity to step back in time into a building that has witnessed over a century of American history!