Saint Mary’s Church of the Purification 🇺🇸

Step into local history at St. Mary's Church of the Purification, a historic Roman Catholic church complex nestled in Marystown, Minnesota (Scott County). As the first parish established in Scott County—founded in 1855 by Benedictine Father George Keller and around 30 families—this site offers you a deep look into the area's early German American settlement and religious heritage.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the site features impressive Romanesque Revival architecture. As you visit, you will see the striking stone church originally built between 1882 and 1883, featuring a grand spire completed in 1883. Take time to admire the vibrant stained glass windows that were donated to the sanctuary in 1928, along with the interior rebuilt in 1917 after a fire left only the original stone walls intact.

To the north of the main church, you can also view the historic two-story brick rectory built in 1910. Although the complex's former school was replaced by a modern Parish Center in 1991, the remaining classic stone and brick structures showcase rich 19th- and early 20th-century architectural themes.

What to see at Saint Mary's Church of the Purification

• Historic 1882–1883 Romanesque Revival stone church with an 1883 spire
• Beautiful stained glass windows added to the church interior in 1928
• Classic two-story brick rectory constructed north of the church in 1910
• Significance as the first parish founded in rural Scott County (1855)
• National Register of Historic Places designation recognizing German American heritage

Visiting tips

Be sure to look closely at the exterior stone walls of the main church, which are the original structures that survived a major fire in 1917.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Saint Mary's Church of the Purification is easy to reach on Chaska’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Guardian Angels Church. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chaska travel guide.