Old School Lives - Cotton, Minnesota

Old School Lives

Old School Lives is a unique non-profit organization located at 9165 Hwy 53, Cotton, MN 55724, United States. This remarkable establishment is dedicated to breathing new life into old school buildings by repurposing them into community hubs. The center offers a variety of services and amenities all under one roof, including a coffee shop, fitness center, gift shop, indoor playground, and thrift store.

In addition to these offerings, Old School Lives provides on-site services and features a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating, and toilet facilities. Visitors can also take advantage of free parking lots and street parking nearby. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 108 reviews on Google My Business, Old School Lives has earned a strong reputation for its unique concept and community-focused approach.

The organization has garnered praise for its commitment to preserving historical elements of the old school buildings while creating a vibrant, inclusive space for the community. Visitors often comment on the appreciation of seeing original chalkboards, hardwood floors, and ceiling tiles still intact and put to good use. The thrift store and Merchantile are also popular highlights, offering a variety of items from local vendors, including delicious bread on Saturdays.

Old School Lives is a must-visit destination for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, community engagement, and a diverse range of amenities. It has become a true gem for the community of Cotton and beyond.

👍 Reviews of Old School Lives

Heidi Z.

5/5

This is a community gem! I love the thrift store and the Merchentile. The bread on Saturdays is fantastic! You never know what you'll find there from local vendors. A must stop.

Dion C.

5/5

I’m so glad I made the trip to visit such an amazing venue! This is EXACTLY how we should be using all old schools! I was so happy to see the original chalkboards, hardwood floors and amazing ceiling tile still in tact. It honestly made my heart so happy to see such a beautiful building and apart of our history still in use and part of the community! Well done Cotton! The vendors were amazing!

Travis A.

5/5

Brought my son to the children's discovery center to play for his birthday today, and he had a fantastic time. Many fun books, toys, and activities. Will certainly be returning. I highly recommend!

Liza G.

4/5

Fun place! We went to a junking fest here for the first time. Definitely will come back! They had quite a few rooms to walk through and check out such as a small museum, thrift store,cafeteria ,art gallery and a room full of antique furniture just to name a few. They have lots of events going on here.

Sue A.

5/5

This is everything an old school can hope to be! A place to shop, socialize, eat, learn a new skill, schedule an event, learn history and teach pride in our community. Every old school should be so used and treasured as the Cotton School. Thank you Ginger and family and staff for all you do for everyone in your community.

rebecca S.

5/5

I love the concept of this place and what they offer the community. The little shops are homey and the items are quality. The secondhand store s are reasonable and clean. The play areas for young children are a welcoming place for young Moms....And the coffee very good.

Nik

4/5

Love the thrift store, the other shops are quaint but over priced.
Staff/ volunteers are hit or miss, some are very kind and pleasant, some ignore guests entirely.
They appear to be doing good work in their community, with community meals, Ruby's pantry and cultural events.

Linda A.

5/5

Non profit community outreach. Full well maintained gym, thrift store, meeting and event space, local small business, Resident Artist, full pottery and weaving classrooms, youth activities, community meal program and food shelf. Frequent events with delicious concessions and a wonderful Merchantile with local hand made crafts. Oh and a lovely coffee shop, that will soon expand to coffee and sandwich shop with home made baked goods.