Visiting Le Sueur

Lodging
Dining, Drinks & Entertainment
Historical Buildings
Parks and Recreation
Shopping
The Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway

HISTORY

Le Sueur Museum
709 N. Second St
Le Sueur, MN 56058
507 665-2050

This was once a Le Sueur school building and has been converted into a museum. It features a complete history of the Green Giant Company - noted worldwide for the famous Green Giant vegetable products. It also has excellent displays of veterinary medicine and an "old time" drug store. Other exhibits available at the Le Sueur Museum: Radio Room, Early Schools and Hotels, Post Office, Agriculture in the Valley, Art Exhibit, Military Display and Bands in Le Sueur.

The Family Research Center has helped many families from Le Sueur and the surrounding area gather information about their ancestors. The Research Center includes microfilmed records of Le Sueur newspapers from the late 1800s as well as other helpful resources.

The Museum is open and staffed on a seasonal basis and year round by appointment. For information call 507-665-2050. Donations are appreciated.

We welcome your visit. When you enter the City of Le Sueur from either exit, you will run into Main Street to Elm Street. Go East on Elm for one block to Second Street. You will find the Museum at 709 N. Second St, just behind Davisco.

W.W. Mayo House
118 N. Main St.
Le Sueur, MN 56058

Costumed history interpreters explore the life and time period of Dr. William Worrall Mayo and family in the home hand built by the "little doctor" in 1859. Birthplace of Dr. William James Mayo. The Doctors Mayo founded the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1903. Between 1874 and 1920, the home was lived in by a founder of the Green Giant Company, C.N. Cosgrove. His son and grandson, who became company presidents, were born in the home. From 1936-1967, the Le Sueur Public Library was housed in the home. It has been restored and warmly furnished to the 1860 period. It is a Minnesota Historical Society Site.

Little Stone Church
Ottawa, MN 56058

The village of Ottawa was a prospering community on the Minnesota River in the 1850s-1880s. Many of the buildings were made of stone from the limestone quarries in the area. Although the town fell into decline during the 1890s, seven of these buildings still stand and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ottawa itself has been placed on the list of Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Minnesota. The Methodist Stone Church, built about 1869 and one of the oldest Methodist churches in the State, has been restored and is open to the public.

Self Guided Tour brochure of the Ottawa Historic District is available at the Ottawa Town Hall kiosk

PARKS AND RECREATION

Americal Legion Park

Legion Park is located adjacent to Park Elementary School and the Le Sueur Community Center. Legion Park has a large shelter with restroom facilities, a playround, an outdoor swimming pool and public gardens. It is the site of the annual Giant Celebration in mid summer and is home to a war memorial and flagpole. City football and baseball fields are adjacent. The American Legion Park shelter may be reserved by calling the Community Center at (507) 665-3325.

Hospital Park

Hospital Park is located in a residential area next to the Minnesota Valley Health Center Complex (Hospital) and the Joint Services Building (Ambulance, Civil Defense and Paratransit garage). This is the city softball park. There is also a concesssion stand with restrooms, a concrete basketball court and a playground.

Mayo Park Arboretum

Mayo Park is located off County Road 26 just north of Le Sueur near the north Hwy. 169 exit ramp. Mayo Park has a beautiful brick shelter with restrooms, a horseshow arena, a playground, a small gazebo and an aboretum and extensive floral display areas. The Mayo Park shelter may be reserved by calling the Community Center at (507) 665-3325.

River Park

River Park (not shown) is located off Hwy. 93 at the west entrance to Le Sueur. A popular fishing spot, it has a boat launch, restroom facilities and nature trails. This is the only Le Sueur park in which overnight camping is allowed. For more information on camping in river park, contact the Le Sueur Police Department (507) 665-6401.
Mini Parks

Le Sueur also has numerous mini-parks throughout the city which contain art sculpture, historical data, floral displays, and seating areas for quiet relaxation.

Canoeing the Minnesota River

Click here for information about canoeing the Minnesota River

SHOPPING

Valleygreen Square Mall and Merchants Located Throughout the City
(See The Le Sueur Business Guide for Details)

Also be sure to see the Event Calendar for a listing of big events.