Minnesota is full of adorable small towns, and when you're on the road, if you're lucky, you pull into one with an awesome general store that's still around. Yes, general stores are somewhat of a rarity these days, but they're so much fun to browse! Here are a few general stores in our state that will definitely spark some nostalgic feelings.
Open since 1895, the store is open seasonally May – October and offers a wide range of goods. The store is operated by a non-profit and frequently hosts community events.
A Trip To One Of The Oldest General Stores In Minnesota Is Like Stepping Back In Time
Marine General Store in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota, is the state's oldest continually operating general store, offering a mix of historical charm and modern amenities.
Minnesota is full of history! But you don't have to visit historic sites or monuments to get in touch with the past. In fact, there are plenty of stores and restaurants that offer century-old charm. In the past, we've covered historic spots like the Hubbell House or Neumann's Bar. But if you've visited those, you still have more historic spots to consider! Today, we want to introduce the oldest general store in Minnesota. Take a trip back to the late 1800s when you visit the Marine General Store in Marine on St. Croix. Check it out:
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Marine General Store is a charming store in Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. This small community is about 40 miles northeast of Minneapolis or about 10 miles north of Stillwater. It's a lovely town right on the St. Croix River!
Marine General Store is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys Minnesota history. The store was opened in 1870, making it the oldest continually operating general store in Minnesota. Visiting is like stepping back in time!
Inside, you'll find plenty of evidence of the store's age. The main area has wooden walls lined with old memorabilia, antique tools, and more. You'll enjoy checking out all of the interesting trinkets here.
Despite the store's age, there are still plenty of modern touches. The general store happens to be a grocery store with all of the products you would expect.
Next time you're in the area, stop into this charming store for a dose of history, a bite to eat, and some local souvenirs. It'll quickly become one of your favorite spots!
There is little more powerful than a mother’s love. As a mother, there isn’t a thing I wouldn’t do for my daughter, and I’m positive Kristin Rohman Rehkamp, owner of La Vie Est Belle, would agree. Located in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, her gift boutique is the embodiment of love in its most unconditional sense.
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Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Founded in 2021 to raise awareness and serve as a resource for families experiencing youth mental health challenges, La Vie Est Belle is a brick-and-mortar shop in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, and an online shop focused on gifting.
“After our daughter experienced a mental health crisis in 2020, we found ourselves wanting to help other families on the same journey and raise awareness for children,” says owner Kristin Rohman Rehkamp. “Writing became my therapeutic outlet and led to a blog on our store’s website. A uniquely raw and poignant look into a mother’s journey with youth mental health, it provides a voice that is not heard elsewhere.” The collection of essays was curated into a book published in the fall of 2022, “Finding Us: A Mother’s Memoir of Braving Mental Illness with Her Young Daughter.”
Opening a boutique is a dream come true for Rohman Rehkamp. “With a background in interior design and retail, I had long envisioned my own boutique featuring unique and beautiful items. With the need to be home with our daughter and a high-level corporate career no longer realistic, the opportunity presented itself, and La Vie Est Belle gift boutique was formed.”
“At the time we wanted to start our business, our daughter was struggling with her mental health. She had multiple hospital stays. We helped one local youth mental health hospital raise dollars, design and prototype a beautiful 16″ Giving Bear by DEMDACO to be given to all youth admitted,” recollects Rohman Rehkamp. “A beautiful bear with a note from one child to another – a child that had previously stayed at the hospital letting another child know they are not alone, to be brave, and know they are loved.”
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Rohman Rehkamp asked her partners at DEMDACO if they would take a risk with a mom who wanted to start an online boutique, and they said yes. She bought her first 30 products – would sell a product, purchase another – until the boutique blossomed into the beautiful business it is today; “Our greatest asset (our capital) has always been and will continue to be our relationships. Small businesses are never successful without the support of the community and other small businesses/relationships. We are always stronger together.”
Rooted in the foundation of inspiring beautiful living and thoughtful gifting, La Vie Est Belle is your one-stop gifting solution for holidays, weddings, new babies, and more.
“We pride ourselves on providing personalized gifting solutions for all occasions. Every package is beautifully gift-wrapped and includes a hand-written card. We also offer complimentary doorstep delivery in the St. Croix Valley area of Minnesota and affordable shipping throughout the continental United States,” says Rohman Rehkamp.
A percentage of net profits are donated to youth mental health initiatives, and as a woman-owned business, La Vie Est Belle also supports other female-owned businesses and local artists. With few exceptions, all products sold are unique – and handmade by women, young girls, and local artists.
But La Vie Est Belle is so much more than a standard retailer – the shop is designed to be a gathering place “for women, young women, families, and our community to find joy, simply be, not over-think or over-plan… a place to gather, laugh, inspire, and find peace in the crazy busy of life,” according to Rohman Rehkamp.
Offering weekly events and classes with local artists and partnering with local food trucks to create a summer cafe on the front deck, La Vie Est Belle is a true community cornerstone.
“Our little boutique would not be possible without all the support, kindness, and love of our family, friends, partners, customers, community, and other small businesses we admire and learn from,” muses Rohman Rehkamp. “Small businesses are truly the heart of every community. Every small business owner should be applauded for their strength, courage, and determination. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart… but certainly for those with the biggest of hearts.”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Kristin. For more information or to do a little online shopping, visit the La Vie Est Belle website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram. Thank you to Kristin Rohman Rehkamp for sharing her incredible story with us. Here's to the continued success of your magnificent small business!
