Former Foundation
I'm standing in the empty pit that was once the foundation of the Mudcura Sanitarium at Seminary Fen Scientific & Natural Area in Chanhassen/Chaska, Minnesota. Yes, the building is gone, but the pit is full of wildflowers. It kind of creeps me out to walk in it, though.
This was originally the site of the Mudcura Sanitarium, a world-famous spa that was opened in 1909 and operated until 1951.
Per MNOpedia, in 1951, the sanitarium was sold to the Black Franciscans, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, from Louisville, Kentucky. They named it Assumption Seminary and the site became linked with both the Colleges of St. Catherine and St. Thomas in St. Paul.
The Seminary remained in operation until 1970 and then sat vacant for many years, becoming a popular hangout for teens and other thrill seekers. The main building burned and was demolished in 1997.
The land is now home to a Minnesota DNR Scientific & Natural Area that protects the rare calcareous fen that is now the star of the show here.
Former Foundation
I'm standing in the empty pit that was once the foundation of the Mudcura Sanitarium at Seminary Fen Scientific & Natural Area in Chanhassen/Chaska, Minnesota. Yes, the building is gone, but the pit is full of wildflowers. It kind of creeps me out to walk in it, though.
This was originally the site of the Mudcura Sanitarium, a world-famous spa that was opened in 1909 and operated until 1951.
Per MNOpedia, in 1951, the sanitarium was sold to the Black Franciscans, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, from Louisville, Kentucky. They named it Assumption Seminary and the site became linked with both the Colleges of St. Catherine and St. Thomas in St. Paul.
The Seminary remained in operation until 1970 and then sat vacant for many years, becoming a popular hangout for teens and other thrill seekers. The main building burned and was demolished in 1997.
The land is now home to a Minnesota DNR Scientific & Natural Area that protects the rare calcareous fen that is now the star of the show here.