Buffalo Retreat Center

Highlights

• Waterfront Property
• 63 Modern Suites: Located in the newest wing, these hotel-style retreat rooms each feature private and en-suite bathrooms
• Diverse Gathering Spaces: A range of meeting rooms and breakout areas designed to accommodate groups from intimate gatherings of 10 up to 130 people, including the grand DeMazenod Hall and the scenic Blue Room.
• Commercial Kitchen: Multiple dedicated dining areas with a total capacity of 110+, supported by professional-grade infrastructure.
• Private Residence: Includes separate living quarters featuring 6 bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a private living room, ideal for onsite staff, administration, or a caretaker’s residence.
• Designed for immediate operational continuity, the property has undergone significant capital improvements, including a new roof and updated HVAC and electrical components.
• Zoning: R-1 and R-7, providing a flexible foundation for continued use as a retreat center, resort, or educational campus, as well as creative residential redevelopment.
• Potential Revenue: The operation maintains active retreat contracts through December 31st, 2026, offering a turnkey transition with the significant upside for new ownership to extend existing bookings and secure future revenue.

Description

Introducing a premier opportunity for special-purpose users, investors, or developers: a sprawling 80,262 SF landmark facility situated on a rare, serene waterfront lot in the desirable Northwest Metro. Originally established in 1921, this meticulously maintained property has been thoughtfully expanded in four distinct stages—a testament to the enduring and growing demand for specialized retreat and educational spaces in this market.

Buffalo, Minnesota, serves as the county seat of Wright County, located approximately 42 miles northwest of Minneapolis. As a quintessential "exurban" community, it offers a high quality of life that balances small-town charm with the economic benefits of the Twin Cities. The landscape is defined by its scenic recreational waters, Lake Pulaski and Buffalo Lake, which draw residents who prioritize outdoor space and a quieter pace without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities.

Diverse Local Economy
A mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and government services anchors the city’s economy. Allina Health (Buffalo Hospital) and the Wright County Government offices serve as the region's primary employers, providing stability and professional opportunities within the city limits. Additionally, Buffalo’s industrial sector thrives in metal fabrication and precision machinery, while its historic downtown and large-scale retailers act as a commercial magnet for the smaller surrounding rural towns.

Steady Growth & Demographics
As of 2026, Buffalo is home to roughly 16,200 residents, reflecting a steady growth trend driven by families seeking more affordable housing and larger lots than those found in the immediate metro. With a median household income near $88,000 and a high homeownership rate, the community is characterized by economic stability. Recent residential developments have expanded to accommodate the steady influx of professionals who commute to the Cities but choose to invest in the local school district and community lifestyle.

Proximity to the Twin Cities
Strategically located on the edge of the metro, Buffalo offers a manageable 50-to-60-minute commute to Minneapolis via Highway 55 or I-94. This proximity allows residents to access the Twin Cities’ professional sports, cultural institutions, and international airport while living in a region where agriculture and nature still dominate the horizon. It remains a "gateway" community, offering easy access to the deeper lake country and state parks of central Minnesota, just a short drive to the north and west.