OUTLYING AREAS
Lifestyle
First-rate attractions, well-managed recreational amenities, cultural enrichment, affordable housing, and beautiful neighborhoods are a few of the highlights that make this region. Newcomers to the cities and towns in these areas will be able to choose from every imaginable type of housing and setting in an affordable market. Lovely older homes along tree-shaded lanes, vibrant new subdivisions, handsome contemporary townhomes, and country manors surrounded by rural acreage are all available in or just beyond the city. Turn-of-the-century architecture, two-stories and multi-levels with hillside views, and lovely homes on multi-acre lots are some of the choices. Scores of attractive shopping centers and major malls meet every imaginable retail need.
Cities and towns in these areas offer a wide variety of cultural activities, from theatre to musical concerts, dance, comedy, and the visual arts. Fine galleries, celebrated museums, and art centers that encourage developing talent are all part of the active cultural community. Recreational opportunities are equally exceptional, from city-sponsored activities and programs to golf courses, tennis courts, sports fields, lush city parks, public beaches, and swimming pools. The opportunities to shop, dine, and enjoy first-rate entertainment are abundant in this tourism-oriented region. Residents enjoy a quiet yet high quality of life in the cities and towns throughout this area.
Services
Local industry includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, construction, manufacturing, retail, finance, services and government. The tourism and hospitality industries are responsible for many of the unique amenities in this relatively small town where the prairie meets the forest.
The area is home to an excellent network of major and auxiliary highways and secondary roads. Public and private educational institutions provide quality learning environments on every academic level. In addition to regional medical schools, public and private colleges and universities combine to offer virtually unlimited programs of study on undergraduate and graduate levels. Community and technical colleges, and State Universities provide a wealth of programs in affordable state-supported institutions. This area is home to several first-rate educational institutions on every academic level, anchored by quality public school districts and abundant choices for a private education. There are also several excellent suburban school districts, regional technical schools and more.
Residents have easy access to world-class research, diagnostic, and treatment healthcare centers. Facilities include integrated multi-specialty clinics and hospitals. Throughout the area, specialty centers, walk-in care services, family practice clinics, long-term care, and various rehabilitations and therapies complete the comprehensive resources that are available to meet every need.
MINNESOTA CITIES
Alexandria
Municipal Offices
320-763-6678
https://alexandriamn.city
Chamber of Commerce
800-235-9441
www.alexandriamn.org
Offering the best of all worlds in Douglas County, the Alexandria Lakes area ensures virtually unlimited access to scenic outdoor recreation, small-town warmth, and conveniences that are associated with bustling urban centers. Located in west-central Minnesota, Alexandria serves as the seat of government for Douglas County. The city boasts a prime location along the Interstate 94 corridor, driving its development as a regional center for healthcare, services, and industry. Formed by receding glaciers nearly 20,000 years ago, this well-known recreational region offers a bonanza of outdoor adventure against the scenic backdrop of lakes, rivers, forests, meadows, and rolling hills. The tourism and hospitality industries are responsible for many of the unique amenities in this relatively small town where the prairie meets the forest. More than 100 retail establishments line the city streets, range from charming boutiques to large department stores. Family fun centers, lush parks, wineries, health clubs, golf courses, horseback riding stables, museums, and public swimming beaches are just a few of the highlights in this family-oriented community.
Appleton
Municipal Offices
320-289-1363
www.appletonmn.com
Chamber of Commerce
320-289-1527
www.appletonmn.com
Located in Swift County, the rural countryside that surrounds the city of Appleton supports richly diverse agricultural activity including livestock and crop production. Offering the intimate spirit of small-town living, Appleton manages to provide many of the expanded services and amenities associated with a larger community. The Lac qui Parle Valley School district serves the region with schools in Appleton, Milan, and Madison. The high school campus in Madison is exceptionally well-equipped with a large commons area, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a theater. Institutions of higher learning close to home include Southwest State University, the University of Minnesota Morris, and the two-year Ridgewood College. Quiet streets, a local library, and abundant parkland make Appleton ideal for families. Lush parks dot the city with open space and recreational facilities highlighted by a scenic community trail, a popular riverfront golf course, groomed snowmobile trails, a municipal swimming pool, and the newly renovated campground with canoe access to the Pomme de Terre River. Lac qui Parle Wildlife Refuge is nearby, protecting valuable habitats and securing areas for migrating waterfowl. The conversion of Highways 59, 7, and 119 in Appleton create a favorable environment for continued growth and expansion of residential and commercial sectors.
Brainerd & Brainerd Lakes Area
Municipal Offices
218-828-2307
www.ci.brainerd.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
800-450-2838
www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
The Brainerd Lakes area in Crow Wing County includes a number of communities including Brainerd, Nisswa, Merrifield, Deerwood, Crosby, Pillager, Baxter, Lakeshore, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Pine River. Activities abound for all ages and interests, regardless of whether you make this water-rich region your permanent home or a vacation getaway. In and around this scenic environment, more than 460 freshwater lakes and the Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center are available within a 30-mile radius. Among the major bodies of water are the Gull and Whitefish chain of lakes, Mille Lacs, North Long, and Big Pelican. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy more than 1,200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, downhill skiing at Ski Gull, and cross-country skiing on trails that combine groomed with natural routes. Two state parks, Crow Wing and Pillsbury, provide beautiful camping sites and panoramic hiking and biking trails. Golfing is also available on a number of challenging courses. Local industry includes agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, construction, manufacturing, retail, finance, services and government. The opportunities to shop, dine, and enjoy first-rate entertainment are abundant in this tourism-oriented region.
Detroit Lakes
Municipal Offices
218-847-5658
http://cityofdetroitlakes.com
Chamber of Commerce
800-542-3992
www.visitdetroitlakes.com
Nestled in the gently rolling hills of west central Minnesota’s lake county, the Detroit Lakes area claims more than 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius. The community offers an unparalleled quality of life, crowned by an idyllic setting that provides a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty for residential development as well as recreational enjoyment. Winter sports are especially acclaimed in this area, from ice fishing and curling to downhill skiing and snowmobiling. The city boasts a top-rated school system, efficient highway connections, the Becker County airport, and active economic development organizations. Detroit Lakes is conveniently located at the intersection of US Highways 10 and 59 and State Highway 34 in southwestern Becker County. Serving as the county seat of government, Detroit Lakes also offers quality services, retail shops, and flourishing businesses. The community center provides a focal point for social enjoyment and recreation with its swimming pool and waterslide, fitness equipment, and opportunities for massages and tanning. Cultural attractions include the county museum, community theatre, and fine-art exhibits. In addition to the area’s national reputation for premier outdoor recreation, Detroit Lakes attracts visitors and entertains residents with colorful celebrations like the Annual Northwest Water Carnival.
Duluth
Municipal Offices
218-730-5500
www.duluthmn.gov
Chamber of Commerce
218-722-5501
www.duluthchamber.com
Considered by many as the crown jewel at the tip of majestic Lake Superior, Duluth in St. Louis County serves as a regional metropolitan center for northern Minnesota and portions of Wisconsin, Michigan—and across the national border into Ontario, Canada. The city is located approximately midway between the Twin Cities and Canada. The diverse economy provides abundant opportunities for employment. In fact, Duluth claims the state’s largest labor force outside the Twin Cities. Shopping, services, cultural enrichment, and entertainment centers are plentiful in this international seaport city, which also draws throngs of visitors to colorful and popular special events. Complementing the city’s well-developed park system and recreational programs, St. Louis County is home to spectacular scenery in four state parks, more than 500 lakes, and the national Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Public and private schools on every academic level include the University of Minnesota Duluth, The College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, Duluth Business University, and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Dubbed as the “Mayo” of the North, Duluth claims superior health care systems that serve patients from across the region.
Morris
Municipal Offices
320-589-3141
www.ci.morris.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
320-589-1242
www.morrismnchamber.org
Located in Stevens County, Morris blends country charm with urban convenience—including a lovely campus for the nationally recognized public liberal arts institution, the University of Minnesota. The combination of small-town ambiance and collegiate sophistication ensures that residents enjoy an enviable quality of life. This primarily rural community on the state’s west-central plains offers a variety of recreational activities that include biking, canoeing, hunting, camping, and fishing. During the winter months, popular pastimes are cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice-skating. Boasting an active cultural life that continues to grow, Morris is home to a community theater, community band, and a number of local artists. Morris is also recognized for the contributions of its citizens to civic and service groups and organizations, adding to the quality of life and creating opportunities where newcomers can feel immediately engaged and part of the community. Residents can meet routine and advanced healthcare needs just around the corner from home in local clinics, the full-service hospital, and a convenient surgery center.
Owatonna
Municipal Offices
507-444-4300
www.ci.owatonna.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
507-451-7970
www.owatonna.org
Offering a well-balanced community in Steele County, Owatonna serves as the heartbeat of a greater community known as Southern Minnesota. Highly regarded for its quality of life, the city is advantageously situated at the crossroads of the major thoroughfares of US Highways 14 and 218 and Interstate 35. Owatonna offers a variety of inviting restaurants, unique shopping areas, annual festivals, sports events, and recreational activities for every age group. Lush parkland provides open space and recreational opportunities that include hiking trails, a golf course, tennis courts, a public beach, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile trails. Owatonna has emerged from its agricultural heritage as an economically strong community with diverse interests that span industrial, commercial, and service sectors. In contract to many sleepy rural Minnesota communities, Owatonna is progressively poised for growth and development by continually expanding and improving its infrastructure.
Spicer
Municipal Offices
320-796-5562
https://explorespicer.com/city-govt/
Chamber of Commerce
320-796-8066
www.spicermn.com
“It’s always nicer in Spicer,” serves as the upbeat slogan for this naturally beautiful area in Kandiyohi County in central Minnesota. Spectacular lakes dot the region with picturesque landscapes and provide first-rate recreational opportunities. Winters in Spicer are highlighted by the Winterfest celebration and the construction of an enchanting ice castle, a truly magical structure of pure ice complete with European towers and spires. Other winter activities include snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. During the warmer months, Spicer residents celebrate in style with festivities like the popular Independence Day Celebration, with a parade, crafts show, local royalty, children’s petting zoo, street dance, and one of the state’s most extravagant fireworks displays. Service groups, leagues, and clubs provide abundant opportunities for volunteerism, giving newcomers the chance to meet their new neighbors and become involved in the community. A pleasing mix of business and commercial activity from retail establishments to restaurants makes small-town living convenient and comfortable.
Willmar
Municipal Offices
320-235-4913
www.willmarmn.gov
Chamber of Commerce
320-235-0300
www.willmarareachamber.com
Distinguished as one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing non-metropolitan city, Willmar welcomes newcomers to a diverse local economy, efficient services, and outstanding recreational amenities. This regional hub for west-central Minnesota is located approximately 100 miles from the Twin Cities and serves as the seat of government for Kandiyohi County. Surrounded by sparkling lakes, gently rolling hills, and picturesque farmland, Willmar combines the warmth and friendliness of a small town with the opportunities of a highly developed metro area. Attractive residential neighborhoods reflect the spirit of the community, blending well-kept older homes along tree-shaded lanes with newer construction in a variety of architectural styles. Beautifully restored historic homes contrast with handsome new townhome developments, while the area’s deep woods seclude magnificent country estates. Ridgewater College is nearby, although a number of colleges and sprawling university campuses are available within a reasonable commute. The city and the surrounding Little Crow Lake Region ensure abundant opportunities for outdoor adventure around the four seasons, including golfing, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, camping, and winter sports.
NORTH DAKOTA
Fargo
Municipal Offices
701-241-1310
http://fargond.gov
Chamber of Commerce
218-233-1100
https://www.fmwfchamber.com/
Cradling the banks of the Red River in Cass County, North Dakota—across from Moorhead, Minnesota— Fargo holds a prominent geographical and economic position in the Upper Midwest Region. The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area grew by an impressive 20 percent in the last decade of the 20th century, attracting new residents to good schools, affordable housing, a low cost of living, and short commutes. Thousands of students are also drawn to the area’s respected institutions of higher learning, from state universities to technical and business colleges. Minnesota State University in Moorhead combined with North Dakota State University to enliven and enrich the community, providing a calendar of exciting events and performances. The Fargo-Moorhead community is home to cultural treasures from symphony, opera, and theatre to the Plains Art Museum—an unconventional venue housed in Fargo’s turn-of-the-century renovated warehouse district. The Trollwood Performing Arts School encourages development of artistic talent at an early age and presents outdoor theatrical productions during the summer months. Recreational facilities and lush parks are scattered throughout the city, offering indoor sports arenas, miles of multi-purpose trails, championship golf courses, and sports fields and courts. Fargo welcomes newcomers to a wide variety of attractive housing opportunities that range from affordable starter homes to upscale new developments.
WISCONSIN
Burnett County
County Offices
715-349-2181
www.burnettcounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
715-349-5999
http://websterwisconsin.com
Panoramic, rural Burnett County is only an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities metropolitan area, drawing new residents to the scenic beauty and tranquility of northwest Wisconsin. Recreational amenities are outstanding in this unspoiled region with hundreds of miles of groomed trails for bicycling, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. More than a half-dozen golf courses dot the countryside with challenging fairways, and sporting events are common in all four seasons. Scores of spectacular fishing lakes cover more than 30,000 acres and offer hundreds of miles of shoreline. More than 150 miles of “wild and scenic river” water thrills encourage canoeing and kayaking, while 150,000 acres of public lands provide a habitat for deer, grouse, bear, waterfowl, and small game. The landscape is dotted with friendly villages and sprawling townships. Grantsburg, known as the “Gateway to Crex Meadows” is also an access point to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The village serves as a manufacturing center for the county, combining a healthy economy with the pleasures of country living.
Dunn County (Menomonie)
County Offices
715-232-1677
www.co.dunn.wi.us
Menomonie Offices
715-232-2180
www.menomonie-wi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
715-235-9087
www.menomoniechamber.org
Dunn County and the leading city of Menomonie, along with the surrounding small communities, feature natural wonders, historic sites, and thriving downtown districts with unique dining and shopping. Just 45 minutes from the Minnesota border, this area blends picturesque Main Streets and impressive economic development with lovely residential development and outstanding recreational amenities. Lush parks provide sports facilities and a scenic backdrop for summer concerts. Other family friendly attractions include a skate park, a water park, and Red Cedar River water sports. Cyclists will enjoy the Red Cedar State Trail, an integral part of the Chippewa Valley’s bike trail system. Hoffman Hill State Recreation Area is another popular destination for outdoor adventure. Greater Menomonie is also part of the Great Wisconsin Birding Trail and offers abundant trout streams and 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Menomonie welcomes newcomers to the vitality of a college town with two campuses: University of Wisconsin-Stout and the Chippewa Valley Technical College. The arts community is active, encouraging local talent and promoting cultural attractions.
Pierce County (River Falls)
County Offices
715-273-3531
www.co.pierce.wi.us
River Falls Offices
715-425-0900
www.rfcity.org
Chamber of Commerce
715-425-2533
www.rfchamber.com
Ranked among the nation’s “best small cities,” River Falls serves as a center of education and urban amenities for rural Pierce County. Residents can reach the Twin Cities metropolitan region within 30 minutes, yet they can return each day to the pleasures of country living and unparalleled recreational amenities. Some of the most scenic bicycle routes in Minnesota are located in Pierce and St. Croix counties. The St. Croix and Mississippi rivers enhance the area’s natural beauty and encourage water-sport recreation from fishing to canoeing, kayaking, power boating, and sailing. River Falls is home to two higher education campuses: Chippewa Valley Technical College and University of Wisconsin River Falls. This “college town” atmosphere enlivens and enriches the entire community, adding as many as 6,000 students to a growing population. Farmers markets, golf courses, lush parks, sports courts and fields, and areas that are ideal for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are scattered throughout the county. Community spirit is high in the cities, towns, and villages of Pierce County, with volunteerism and participation on local levels adding to an exceptional quality of life.
Polk County (Osceola, St. Croix Falls)
County Offices
715-485-9212
www.co.polk.wi.us
Osceola Offices
715-294-3498
www.vil.osceola.wi.us
St. Croix Falls Offices
715-483-3929
www.cityofstcroixfalls.com
Chamber of Commerce
715-755-3300
www.vil.osceola.wi.us
Located less than an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, beautiful Polk County offers spectacular natural beauty, unrivaled recreational sites, and welcoming towns and villages. Osceola in the bluffs of the beautiful Saint Croix River Valley features a charming downtown district on the National Register of Historic Places and surrounding neighborhoods that preserve the grandeur of 19th and early 20th century architecture. The village and township are committed to economic growth, drawing new businesses to industrial and airport parks. Scenic trails like the Gandy Dancer Trail meander through many areas, showcasing breathtaking views of dramatic natural features and encouraging walking, running, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. The former logging town of St. Croix Falls now serves as a charming gateway to the St. Croix Valley. Residents and visitors enjoy four-season recreation along with amenities from antique shops to art galleries and professional theatre. Excellent schools, well-managed villages and towns, and a warm community spirit add to the appeal of Polk County living.
St. Croix County (New Richmond, Baldwin, Hudson)
County Offices
715-386-4600
www.sccwi.gov
New Richmond Offices
715-246-4268
www.newrichmondwi.gov
Baldwin Offices
715-684-3426
www.villageofbaldwin.com
Hudson Offices
715-386-4765
www.ci.hudson.wi.us
Chamber of Commerce
715-386-8411
www.hudsonwi.org
Known as “The City Beautiful,” New Richmond has been experiencing a population boom in recent years, drawing many newcomers who are commuters to regional employment centers near or in the Twin Cities. Main Street with its medley of shops and services serves as the window into the community, although the city is also home to an expanding business and technical park. Another city highlight is one of the premier 27-hole golf courses in Minnesota. Located along the beautiful St. Croix River in St. Croix County, Hudson is distinguished for its historic charm and is also gaining in popularity as a desirable place to live and raise a family. Interstate 94 provides access to the employment centers, cultural attractions, first-rate shopping, and entertainment centers in the Twin Cities metro area. Community highlights include a lively downtown district, good schools, the Phipps Center for the Arts, the Octagon House Museum, and thousands of acres of naturally beautiful terrain protected in local and state parks. The small village of Baldwin is nestled in picturesque farmland and wooded glens, distinguished by the grand Dutch windmill that honors its past. The village is growing with its discovery as a rural residential community that excels in warmth and charm. Camping, fishing, boating, water sports, hiking, biking, golfing, tennis, and winter sports are just a few of the outdoor adventures and leisure activities that can be enjoyed in this panoramic area.
Washburn County (Minong, Shell Lake, Spooner)
County Offices
715-468-4600
www.co.washburn.wi.us
Minong Offices
715-466-5916
www.townofminong.us
Shell Lake Offices
715-468-7679
www.shelllake.org
Spooner Offices
715-635-8769
www.cityofspooner.org
Chamber of Commerce
800-367-3306
www.washburncounty.org
“Northwoods in every direction” is a fitting description of Washburn County, where four-season recreation is available against a backdrop of scenic woods and sparkling lakes. The small community of Shell Lake offers a perfect example of the quality of life and hometown friendliness that await newcomers. Approximately 90 miles north of the Twin Cities, the city surrounds the spectacular 2,580-acre Shell Lake. Fishing, swimming, and sailing are common pastimes in these clear, clean waters. In addition to boating and water sports, the area offers a number of fine museums and local attractions, family festivals, and one-of-a-kind craft and antique shops. Minong is another scenic town that offers 28 named lakes and parks with swimming and boat ramps. Scenic hiking, biking, and snowmobile trails traverse the county. Several trails converge in Spooner, a warm and welcoming community surrounded by lush woodlands, lakes, and rivers. Some are attracted to Spooner as a tranquil and idyllic permanent home, while others build a second vacation home near Washburn County’s unspoiled wilderness. Some of the largest expanses of pristine public lands in northern Wisconsin continue to be carefully protected and nourished to retain an untouched character. Professional rodeo and other annual events, wonderful golf courses, and historic sites are just a few of the many attractions that are available in this picturesque paradise.
