Ad #7935047
MLS #7085355
Own a true piece of Brainerd history on one of the busiest, most
601 Washington St, Brainerd, Minnesota, 56401
$589,900
0Beds
0Baths
0Sqft
0.220Acres
About this property
Own a true piece of Brainerd history on one of the busiest, most visible corners in the entire Lakes Area. This landmark building started as the office of the original Brainerd Sawmill, was relocated in 1908 to serve the bustling Northern Pacific railroad depot, and went on to become Van's Cafe and finally the beloved Sawmill Inn. More than a century later, it is still the corner everyone knows, sitting proudly at Washington Street and South 6th Street directly across from the iconic white water tower. Location is the headline. The property fronts Highway 210 / Washington Street, where roughly 26,000 vehicles pass through the corridor every single day. Paired with both on-street parking and a generous off-street lot that could be sold or used for a duplex purpose. Add in the major MnDOT Washington Street corridor reconstruction bringing new streetscape, sidewalks, and trail connections, and this corner is positioned for its next great chapter. The restaurant is turnkey and ready to reopen, conveying with an extensive list of commercial equipment and fixtures already in place. Maybe a modern coffee shop and roastery where the morning Highway 210 commute becomes your built-in customer base. A buzzing all-day breakfast and brunch concept that honors the building's diner roots. A brewpub, taproom, bakery, deli, market, or destination eatery. The character of this space, the history baked into the walls, and the traffic out front give a new owner a foundation that is almost impossible to recreate. Even better, the building works for you with upper-level income includes 8 rental units, plus 1 additional commercial rental fronting Washington Street, creating steady cash flow while you build out and launch your concept below. Historic character, unbeatable visibility, turnkey restaurant infrastructure, and built-in rental income, all on Brainerd's signature corner. Bring your vision and write the next 100 years of this Brainerd icon.
Property Features
0 Beds
0 Baths
0 Sqft
Built in 1908
0.220 Acres
Parking Lot, On Street
Shingle, Flat Roof
Forced Air, Oil
$6,962 / yr property tax
Crow Wing County
Town Of Brainerd & First Add Bra Community
Additional Photos
Contact Information
Brandon Hedlund
Real Broker LLC
612-600-6000
Location
Listing Agent: Brandon Hedlund 612-600-6000
Broker: Real Broker LLC 612-600-6000 Listing Site
Copyright © 2026 Northstar MLS. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Broker: Real Broker LLC 612-600-6000 Listing Site
Copyright © 2026 Northstar MLS. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
BarrierFreeHome.com
Printed Jul 6, 2026
Photo Gallery
$589,900
0
Beds
0
Baths
0
Sqft
601 Washington St, Brainerd, Minnesota, 56401
By contacting this agent you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
MLS# 7085355
Own a true piece of Brainerd history on one of the busiest, most
$589,900
601 Washington St, Brainerd, Minnesota, 56401
0
Beds
0
Baths
0
Sqft
0.220
Acres
$589,900
601 Washington St, Brainerd, Minnesota, 56401
0 Beds
0 Baths
0 Sqft
0.220 Acres
Accessibility Features
Accessible Approach with Ramp
Own a true piece of Brainerd history on one of the busiest, most visible corners in the entire Lakes Area. This landmark building started as the office of the original Brainerd Sawmill, was relocated in 1908 to serve the bustling Northern Pacific railroad depot, and went on to become Van's Cafe and finally the beloved Sawmill Inn. More than a century later, it is still the corner everyone knows, sitting proudly at Washington Street and South 6th Street directly across from the iconic white water tower. Location is the headline. The property fronts Highway 210 / Washington Street, where roughly 26,000 vehicles pass through the corridor every single day. Paired with both on-street parking and a generous off-street lot that could be sold or used for a duplex purpose. Add in the major MnDOT Washington Street corridor reconstruction bringing new streetscape, sidewalks, and trail connections, and this corner is positioned for its next great chapter. The restaurant is turnkey and ready to reopen, conveying with an extensive list of commercial equipment and fixtures already in place. Maybe a modern coffee shop and roastery where the morning Highway 210 commute becomes your built-in customer base. A buzzing all-day breakfast and brunch concept that honors the building's diner roots. A brewpub, taproom, bakery, deli, market, or destination eatery. The character of this space, the history baked into the walls, and the traffic out front give a new owner a foundation that is almost impossible to recreate. Even better, the building works for you with upper-level income includes 8 rental units, plus 1 additional commercial rental fronting Washington Street, creating steady cash flow while you build out and launch your concept below. Historic character, unbeatable visibility, turnkey restaurant infrastructure, and built-in rental income, all on Brainerd's signature corner. Bring your vision and write the next 100 years of this Brainerd icon.
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Property Details
HOME DETAILS
0 Beds
0 Baths
0 Sqft
Built in 1908
0.220 Acres
EXTERIOR
Parking Lot, On Street
Shingle, Flat Roof
INTERIOR
Forced Air, Oil
FINANCIAL & COMMUNITY
$6,962 / yr property tax
Crow Wing County
Town Of Brainerd & First Add Bra Community
See More Details
Location
Mortgage Calculator
Ad Statistics
Ad Number
7935047
Viewed
7 times
Listing Status
Active
Added
Jun 29, 2026
Last Refresh
Jul 05, 2026 11:49:27 PM
Listing Information
Data Source
Northstar MLS
Source Property ID
7085355
Listing Agent: Brandon Hedlund 612-600-6000
Broker: Real Broker LLC 612-600-6000 Listing Site
Copyright © 2026 Northstar MLS. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Broker: Real Broker LLC 612-600-6000 Listing Site
Copyright © 2026 Northstar MLS. All rights reserved. All information provided by the listing agent/broker is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
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