End Of An Era: Demolition Of Historic Rapidan Dam Store

After the family behind the Rapidan Dam Store posted a hopeful message earlier this week on social media, about reopening the store in some fashion, it appears the family took a buyout from Blue Earth County, as the building was torn down today, keeping it from falling into the every encroaching Blue Earth River.

The Rapidan Dam Store had been in existence in some form since the opening of the Rapidan Dam in 1910. The store was in the Hruska family for pretty much the whole time. Offering hamburgers, shakes, and of course it's famous pies.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office made the purchase announcement, as well as announcing the store was torn down for safety reasons.

The Hruska family was able to get belongings and items from the store before it was demolished, and there was even a contractor brought in to study a safe way to move the home before settling on demolishing it.

Significant erosion has accelerated on the west bank of the Blue Earth River in recent days consuming numerous trees, portions of the campground roadway, and several feet of ground. A contractor was brought onsite to explore options to move the Rapidan Dam Store building, but felt the project was too dangerous to attempt.

On June 27, Blue Earth County employees worked with the Hruska family and their friends to remove the bar, chairs, tables, booths, kitchen appliances, and memorabilia from the building due to concerns it would eventually be swept into the river.

Significant erosion continued overnight putting the Dam Store building at a greater risk to be lost to the river. In an effort to protect other properties downstream and lessen environmental impact, Blue Earth County presented a purchase agreement to the Hruska family so the building could be removed.

On June 28, Blue Earth County took possession of the dam store building and removed the structure from the riverbank. The Dam Store was an integral part of the community and remains embedded in the memories of many residents. Our thoughts are with the Hruska family and everyone close to them.

Rapidan Dam Store being torn down, Image Credit Blue Earth Sheriff's Office via Facebook

It's unknown if the family will rebuild the business in another location.