A living, working monument to a disappearing part of American industry, the Faribault Woolen Mill is a great revival success story. After being wrung out by an LBO gone wrong in the GFC 2008, the company was revived 18 months later by the Moody family, who recognized the opportunity to rebuild the brand based on quality craft production. Faribault (pronounced FAR-ee-bo) is a longtime supplier of wool blankets to the US Armed Forces. Our tour, led by Anne, was quite informative, albeit quieter than normal because we were there on Black Friday, one of the few days in the year when the mill is not in full swing. So the machines were idle, but we could hear all of Anne's commentary and got to get close up to many machines that would have otherwise been off limits due to gnashing gears and spinning rollers. Some of the machines date to 1904, and the longest tenured worker is 83 years old and has worked there since 1954!

Tours are offered on Fridays and Saturdays while the Mill production is stopped. You must have a reservation for the tour. Great experience to see how they produce finished blankets starting from raw wool. One of only two companies that still do so. They still use machinery from the 1800s while incorporating advanced weaving machines from today for some products. They also have a store with most of their products along with factory seconds and closeouts.

Worth the trip to Faribault. Seeing one of the last woolen mills in the world in production is inspiring. Everyone is passionate about the product and the process. Take the tour, you’ll become a believer. Also, the headquarters always has off-season and “extras” sales!

Beautiful, quality woven products made in-house. We have several Faribault wool blankets and they hold up to use extremely well. Just got a new BWCA themed throw today! Factory tours available, retail store has very friendly staff with a seconds/ clearance section. Definitely a worthy destination/detour trip!

Visited this place because I had time to kill in town. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in the history and manufacturing process of wool. Very informative. Photo is in the lobby waiting for the tour to start.

Lovely store with a wonderful wool collection. The building is clean and organized. There are many beautiful pieces ranging from gloves to bedding. It is an expensive store, but you pay for quality. Helpful and friendly employees who are ready and able to answer questions. There is a large parking lot and a long ramp to enter the building with easy access.

Wonderful wool blankets. And excellent customer service. I hope this factory keeps going and going.

What a wonderfully done store with friendly staff.