About Us
Experience Historic Mankato at Laven House
Step back in time at Laven House, a historic Victorian home in the heart of Mankato, Minnesota. Filled with architectural character and thoughtful details, our intimate inn offers a memorable alternative to a traditional hotel stay—combining the charm of the past with the modern comforts today's travelers appreciate. With four distinctive guest rooms and suites, Laven House offers a peaceful, personal experience away from the bustle of a larger hotel. Each room has its own character, inviting you to settle in, slow down and enjoy a stay that feels uniquely Mankato.
Conveniently located, Laven House is an ideal home base for exploring Mankato. Guests are close to downtown restaurants and shops, Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Minnesota State University, local attractions and area events, whether visiting for a weekend getaway, business trip, university event or special occasion.
Laven House is more than a place to stay. Our beautiful historic spaces also provide a warm and distinctive setting for bridal and wedding showers, baby showers, intimate gatherings and other special celebrations.
Whether you're discovering Mankato for the first time or returning to a favorite destination, we invite you to experience the history, hospitality and one-of-a-kind character of Laven House..
A Charming Historic Near Downtown Mankato Home
Experience the best of Mankato from the charm of Laven House. Our historic Victorian inn is conveniently located near downtown, making it easy to explore local restaurants, shops, arts and entertainment.
Bike the Red Jacket Trail, discover waterfalls and the roaming bison herd at Minneopa State Park, explore Mankato's CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour, or simply stroll downtown for dinner and drinks. At the end of the day, return to the peaceful surroundings and historic character of Laven House.
Meet the Innkeepers
Chris and Kristin bring more than 25 years of hospitality experience to Laven House. Kristin grew up in Mankato, and her love of hospitality took on a new chapter when she met Chris at his eco-lodge in Belize in 2011. They married in 2016 and have been creating memorable places for guests ever since.
In 2018, they purchased the nearby Moulin Rouge House Bed & Breakfast, spending three years thoughtfully restoring the historic home before opening it to guests. In 2021, they purchased Laven House B&B from Doug and Candy Laven, continuing the home's tradition of hospitality.
Today, Chris and Kristin operate both historic B&Bs, located just 3 blocks apart in Mankato's Lincoln Park neighborhood. They love welcoming visitors to the neighborhood, sharing their favorite local places and helping guests experience the best of Mankato.
The Laven House Experience
Experience the character of an 1886 Victorian home with the comforts today's travelers appreciate. Laven House blends original architectural details, thoughtfully decorated spaces and modern amenities to create a stay that's both distinctive and comfortable.
With just four unique guest rooms and suites, the inn offers a peaceful and intimate alternative to a traditional hotel. Whether you're visiting Mankato for a weekend getaway, a special occasion or simply a change of scenery, Laven House is a place to settle in, slow down and enjoy your stay. We invite you to experience the history, warmth and hospitality that make Laven House a special place to stay in Mankato.Reviews
See What Our Guests Are Saying
- We stayed at the Laven House in Candy's Attic. We were in town for Minnesota State University, Mankato Parent's Weekend. We also had brunch at the Moulin Rouge.
- We stayed in the Laven House attic suite! The bathtub was amazing - so many nice little touches.
- The hosts were accessible and helpful, and their home was delightful. We had access to the front sitting room on the main floor (which had a cozy fireplace), and two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor.