HOUSTON COUNTY – MN
County Offices
304 S Marshall St
Caledonia 507-725-5806
http://www.co.houston.mn.us
Caledonia City Hall
https://caledoniamn.gov
Eitzen City Hall
www.eitzenmn.com
Hokah City Hall
http://www.cityofhokah-mn.gov
Houston City Hall
http://houston.govoffice.com
La Crescent City Hall
www.cityoflacrescent-mn.gov
Houston County is home to more than 19,000 residents. Its county seat is the city of Caledonia. This rural and scenic county is located just 50 miles east of Rochester and just across the river from LaCrosse Wisconsin. It is bordered by the Mississippi river to the east and beautiful Minnesota Bluff Country to the West. This rural county is home to six cities; Brownsville, Caledonia, Eitzen, Hokah, Houston and Spring Grove. In addition, part of the city of La Crescent is located in the county. In addition to these cities, the county is also home to 17 townships and two unincorporated communities.
Lifestyle
The county is located in the Southeastern corner of the state, where the land transitions from rolling hills to scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River Valley. It is not uncommon to see majestic eagles soaring or sitting high in the treetops. Deer, wild turkeys and coyotes are plentiful. Bear, cougar and bobcats are present, but rarely seen. Area streams offer the trout fisherman access to some of the best trout fishing in the state. Bike trails, hiking trails, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, horse trails, boating and bird watching are activities that lure people to the area. The communities that make up this county offer something for everyone. From apple orchards to Amish country there is something for the entire family to enjoy and explore. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life that can be seen in the numerous small towns and villages that make up the county.
Recreational opportunities are plentiful in this region and nature ensures that they are scenic and pleasurable. Houston County is known for its natural beauty and location along the Mississippi River, combined with its inland topography makes it a memorable experience. Millions of years ago, when glaciers flattened much of the state, this section – the driftless area – was left intact. This can be seen in the views at Great River Bluffs State Park, where picnic areas overlook the Mississippi River and Wisconsin’s Black River delta. Hiking trails thread through the hardwood forest, thick with maples, basswood, oak and hickory. This area is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mississippi flows along the border of southeastern Minnesota, with soaring, wooded bluffs and charming river towns along the way. This scenic valley offers plenty to see and do, with antique shops, wineries, apple orchards and golf courses. Inland from the Mississippi is Bluff Country, where streams meander through peaceful valleys, there are many Amish homesteads in the area, and shops carry their quilts, woodwork and other hand-crafted items.
Throughout Minnesota’s Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway there are many sights to see; on the eastern edge in Houston, you’ll find colorful sculptures cobbled together with bike parts. Think herons, guitars and even a funky double swing. Bike parts are especially fitting for this popular cycling destination. The 60-mile Root River Trail follows a former railroad bed through the scenic valley while the 88-mile scenic byway travels along Highway 16. The highway was once a key part of the nation’s east-to-west routes before Interstates took over. Today this drive is a chance to soak up the history of farming communities, folksy towns, and an artsy spirit that takes inspiration from surrounding scenery.
At one time, there were more than 40 apple farms in the area. While the numbers have shrunk, apples remain a key part of the area’s economy and identity. Heading into La Crescent, considered the apple capital of Minnesota. Produce stands start filling with early asparagus and morel mushrooms in May, but the best time to visit is when the bins spill over with apples in every shade of red, pink and green with hints of gold and yellow in the fall. The town of 5,000 doubles in size the third weekend in September when folks pack the streets for the Apple Festival parade, savor fresh-pressed cider and shop for jams, jellies and pies galore.
The county is home to many small towns and historic communities. The towns offer residents a quiet pace of life with all the amenities and services they need close to home. Some of the best dining and shopping in Houston County is found along small town main streets in unique historic buildings. Most of the dining in this area can be described as home-cooking, from breakfast in a local bed and breakfast through evening coffee and dessert at a local supper clubs. Residents and visitors find local favorites, like pasties and pies, to international favorites.
With plenty to see and do in Houston County, residents have endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
Services
The regional economy of Grant County is reliant on a diverse mix of businesses from small service companies to larger manufacturers and agriculture.
Health care is a priority in the county and is well represented by an excellent medical facilities associated with a full-service hospital. La Crescent has two medical clinics that offer total family care and are staffed with internal medicine/family practice physicians and nurse midwives. Both clinics are associated with hospitals four miles away in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Gundersen Clinic is part of the Gundersen-Lutheran medical complex. Franciscan Skemp Healthcare is part of the Franciscan Skemp Medical Center, a Mayo facility.
Houston County affords outstanding educational opportunities at all levels. Public and private schools offer strong college preparatory, vocational and technical programs. Houston County Schools offer a variety of enrichment programs which take students beyond the normal curriculum. Academic enrichment in music, drama and art broaden the cultural awareness of local students and community. Accredited private schools that offer classes in kindergarten through grade twelve are also available. Community Education opportunities provides all residents with a wide variety of lifelong learning and citizen involvement opportunities. Adult and youth enrichment classes, parent involvement programs and opportunities, early childhood family education and school readiness classes, volunteers in schools and recreation programs are available.
