Although Mendota is a fairly small community, it nonetheless boasts of one of the most serenely beautiful settings in Minnesota. Certainly, one of the most popular attractions in the area would be the Sibley House Historic Site, which is composed of four old limestone buildings that were built in the 19th century.

Construction of the building that originally served as home to Henry Hastings Sibley, one of the regional managers of the American Fur Company, started in 1838 but would continue for twenty-odd years. When Sibley was made state governor, his official offices were located in home as well.

Visitors touring the area would also enjoy exploring the 1850 home of Jean-Baptiste Faribault, a famous hotelier in those days who started out with a career in trading, as well as the 1840 cold store of the American Fur Company.