About Nicolin Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Frank Nicolin's family moved into this Broadway Street mansion in October 1888. Designed by a St. Paul architect named Ulrici, it was considered the finest house ever built in Scott County, and it's part of the Jordan Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. A storm once took the turret's steeple, which was rebuilt shorter, and a 2022 restoration rebuilt the front porch. Chad and Laura Engelby have owned and run the inn since 2021.
The inn calls itself a six-room B&B, and five rooms are shown on its website, each with a private bath and a fireplace. The Chamberlin and Nicolin rooms have king beds and whirlpools, the Gail has a corner whirlpool, the Kaiserhof keeps a clawfoot tub and a gas parlor fireplace, and the Mertz has a rain shower with body jets. Rooms are set up for two adults; a cot can be added in the Nicolin room for $55.
Breakfast is three courses, served around 9am at the long mahogany dining table, or in the courtyard when the weather cooperates: fruit or a bread such as banana bread, then a hot dish like cheese crepes or an omelet, then something sweet such as apple crisp. The menu changes, and dietary needs can be handled with notice. The inn also hosts private parties, and Ferguson's orchard and the candy store barn are a short drive south of town.
Morning Glory Valley lavender farm is about 4 miles northeast, under 10 minutes by car, which makes the mansion a comfortable base for a summer weekend of lavender and small-town Minnesota River valley stops.
What to do
- Stay in a room with a fireplace and private bath
- Book one of the whirlpool rooms (Chamberlin, Nicolin or Gail)
- Eat a three-course breakfast at the mahogany table or in the courtyard
- Walk Jordan's National Register historic district
Season, hours and prices
- Hours
- Check-in 4–7pm; check-out noon
Good to know
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Reservations
- Required
- Payment
- $80 non-refundable credit card deposit; cash or check requires full payment in advance
Tips for your visit
- Children are welcome only if you arrange it ahead of time
- Cancel at least 7 days out to move your deposit to another date; same-day cancellations are charged in full
- Smoking is allowed only outdoors on the porches and courtyard
- Mention dietary needs when you book
Pair it with a lavender farm
Morning Glory Valley · about 8 minutes away
Morning Glory Valley is about 4 miles northeast, an easy drive from the inn for a summer lavender visit.
Getting there
Questions
Does Nicolin Mansion allow pets?
No. The inn has a no-animal policy; the innkeepers' cat lives in their private third-floor quarters.
What time is check-in?
Between 4 and 7pm, with check-out at noon.
Is breakfast included?
Yes. A three-course breakfast is served around 9am with every stay.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of the Twin Cities South Metro, Minnesota
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
