SHERBURNE COUNTY
County Offices
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River 763-765-3000
Toll free 800-433-5228
www.co.sherburne.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
509 Highway 10
Elk River 763-441-3110
www.elkriverchamber.org
Located in east-central Minnesota, Sherburne County claims a strategic location between the state’s leading metropolitan center and one of its largest cities. The Twin Cities metro area is approximately 35 miles from most points in the county, while the border of St. Cloud actually extends into the county. The county has a triangular shape with the Mississippi River forming its southwestern boundary. The lion’s share of the county’s population is concentrated along this riverfront area, with the highest density closest to St. Cloud and the Twin Cities. The topography ranges from flat to gently rolling with large portions being too sandy for agricultural activity. However, the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest are two exceptional recreational and natural preserves within its boundaries.
Services
Sherburne County is well-served by transportation links to surrounding employment centers and metropolitan cities. US Highways 10 and 169 cross the county, and several points of access are available for Interstate 94. In addition to offering quality public and private schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, Sherburne County is a reasonable commute from a number of institutions of higher education. St. Cloud State University enjoys a national reputation for excellence and complements the public, two-year institution of St. Cloud Technical College. The St. Cloud metro area is also home to two of the nation’s top three Catholic colleges: the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University—exclusively for women and men, respectively. The College of St. Scholastica with its main campus in Duluth also provides a St. Cloud campus. Rasmussen College in St. Cloud specializes in career-focused training ending in two-year degrees or certifications. The Twin Cities metropolitan area expands the options with highly respected public and private colleges and universities. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the nation and ranks among the most prestigious.
State-of-the-art healthcare is available in leading-edge hospitals that anchor a network of health centers and physicians in private practice who represent a wide range of specialties. Monticello-Big Lake Community Hospital District encompasses a 25-bed critical access hospital and a long-term care facility. At the edge of Sherburne County, the community of Princeton is home to Fairview Northland Regional Hospital. Elk Ridge Health provides advanced care in a convenient location, housing the Allina Medical Clinic and a same-day surgery center. Cardiac care delivered by specialists and consultants is a key service of Elk Ridge Health, which includes a fitness center for monitored cardiac rehabilitation. Fairfiew Northland Clinics are also available in Zimmerman and Elk River, part of a continuum of care from Elk River north to Milaca. St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud is a regional resource for residents of Central Minnesota, employing more than 3,600 and maintaining a medical staff of 360 physicians. The nearby Twin Cities metropolitan area further expands the options for exceptional care in respected hospitals and medical centers or specialized care units.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Sherburne County will find a naturally beautiful home in the rural countryside or in charming small towns and growing cities. City and county parks combine with important ecological and recreational sites like Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest to provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventure and activity. Riverfront and lake shoreline parks are common in this water-rich region dotted by sparkling bodies of water and rolling rivers. Woodland trails, horseback riding paths, sports fields and courts, golf courses, tennis courts, camp sites, ice arenas, community centers, and organized programs for all ages ensure an active lifestyle.
Premier cultural attractions are available close to home in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud metropolitan areas, where elegant venues showcase Broadway hits, symphony, opera, ballet, and theatrical performances. Sherburne County’s ideal location between these two highly developed metro centers ensures a quick and easy drive to events and attractions. The county preserves a rich heritage and strong sense of identity in major historical attractions like the Sherburne County History Center and the Oliver H. Kelley Living History Farm. The Munsinger and Clemens Gardens in St. Cloud are popular destinations for natural preservation and display.
Although local economies continue to grow, the majority of residents are commuters to regional employment centers. The housing selection ranges from well-kept older homes in long-established neighborhoods to vibrant new construction. Those who are looking for the tranquility of country life or the warm spirit of a charming small town are sure to find the right address in Sherburne County.
Becker, Clear Lake
Becker Offices
763-200-4239
www.ci.becker.mn.us
Clear Lake Offices
320-743-3111
https://clearlakemn.govoffice2.com/
Chamber of Commerce
763-262-2420
http://beckerchamber.org/
“Minnesota’s Best Kept Secret” is the slogan selected by the family friendly city of Becker, where services and amenities are outstanding. The Becker Community Center plays an important role in daily life, providing quality recreational facilities that include an aquatic center with a 152-foot water slide, whirlpool, and sauna. The complex also offers a fitness center, a rock climbing center, space for receptions and parties, and programs and activities. Golfers will appreciate the affordable and playable municipal golf course. Neighboring Becker Township expands the opportunities for a serene rural lifestyle. The small city of Clear Lake is situated between Becker and the major metropolis of St. Cloud, offering quiet residential neighborhoods are graced by the green space of a local park. Acres of deep forests and celebrated recreation areas are scattered throughout the region for virtually unlimited access to first-rate outdoor activities around the four seasons.
Big Lake
City Offices
763-263-2107
www.biglakemn.org
Township Offices
763-263-8111
www.biglaketownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
763-263-7800
https://biglakechamber.com/
The rapidly growing community of Big Lake lies in close proximity to the metropolitan suburbs of the Twin Cities in an area that excels in natural beauty and recreational amenities. Big Lake serves as a gateway to the Sherburne County National Wildlife Refuge and the Sand Dunes State Forest at the intersection of US Highway 10 and state highway 25. The city and neighboring township are ideally located along a corridor that place them just 30 minutes from St. Cloud and 35 minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul to serve as a tranquil home for commuters to regional employment centers. Sparkling lakes, the Mississippi and Elk rivers, miles of trail systems, and vast acres of lush parkland encourage outdoor enjoyment from summer swimming in Big Lake to winter snowmobile races. Economic growth has expanded along with residential development in Big Lake, where the country atmosphere enhances an already outstanding quality of life. The housing selection ranges from first-time and startup homes to executive and upscale properties.
Elk River
Municipal Offices
763-635-1000
www.elkriverm n.gov
Chamber of Commerce
763-441-3110
www.elkriverchamber.org
Serving as the county seat of government, Elk River is now considered as part of the second tier of suburbs for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Residents are drawn to the friendly atmosphere and slower pace of this city, uniquely located to offer a place “Where city and country flow together” in the words of the town slogan. More than 770 acres of lush landscape have been preserved to provide scores of parks, providing hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails. Lake Orono with its park and beach encourages swimming, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Pinewood Golf Course, a senior center, the Oliver H. Kelley Farm, and sports facilities are among the other recreational amenities. Commuters are only 35 miles from the Twin Cities, served by a network of state highways and nearby Interstate 94. More than 500 businesses and services provide opportunities for local employment. Expanded shopping is available at nearby regional malls; Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids is the nearest hospital.
Princeton
Municipal Offices
763-389-2040
www.princetonmn.org
Chamber of Commerce
763-389-1764
http://princetonmnchamber.org
Like St. Cloud, the community of Princeton is primarily located in another county but reaches into Sherburne County, adding to the readily available services and amenities. In recent decades, many new businesses have settled into this area. The downtown district was renovated in the 1980s and two modern malls sprang up, complementing the array of shops and services around the town. In the late ’80s, the Federal Aviation Administration relocated its flight service station to the Princeton Airport, which also experienced sweeping upgrades and renovation. Fairview Northland Medical Center anchors a network of regional healthcare centers, including clinics in Zimmerman and Elk River. Known for its community pride, Princeton graces its streets and businesses with bright blooms and holiday lighting. Among the many recreational facilities, Splash Park is a favorite destination for families in the warmer weather. The River Rum Festival is the most well-known of many popular celebrations around the calendar year.
St. Cloud
Municipal Offices
320-255-7200
www.ci.stcloud.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
320-251-2940
www.stcloudareachamber.com
A small part of St. Cloud stretches into Sherburne County, giving county residents easy access to one of Minnesota’s largest and most highly developed cities. Cultural attractions and shopping centers are abundant, both locally and within surrounding communities. At the same time, the city is close to pristine rivers and lakes for outdoor adventure and recreation. Local performance groups, collegiate arts, gallery openings, and summer concerts in the park are just a few of the cultural advantages. The city boasts a nationally ranked hospital and outstanding educational resources that include St. Cloud State University, St. John’s University, College of St. Benedict, and St. Cloud Technical College. The housing selection is attractive and diverse, harmonizing townhomes with single-family residences in a pleasing variety of architectural styles. St. Cloud is home to a thriving economy and attracts newcomers to a high quality of life that contrasts with a low cost of living. Regional attractions include the Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, Charles Lindbergh State Park, and the Stearns History Museum. Undeniably charming Courthouse Square complements the Fifth Avenue atmosphere of an urban warehouse district with unique shops, coffee houses, and a lively nightlife.
Zimmerman
Municipal Offices
763-856-4666
https://zimmerman.govoffice.com/
Chamber of Commerce
763-856-4404
www.zimmermanchamber.org
Progressive, innovative, and amenable to growth and development, the community of Zimmerman serves as the gateway to the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge. Many newcomers are drawn to this area for its premier recreational opportunities and the exceptional panoramic views of some of Minnesota’s most breathtaking scenery. The entrepreneurial spirit is valued in this hometown atmosphere, where many shops and services are locally owned. Residents and civic planners take obvious pride in their city, evidenced by beautification projects and attention to aesthetics. The community has a distinctive Western appeal, celebrated in grand style every Memorial Day weekend with a rodeo, parade, food and craft fair, and carnival. Common pastimes include sailing, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.
