WRIGHT COUNTY
County Offices
10 Second Street NW
Buffalo 763-682-3900
www.co.wright.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
205 Central Avenue
Buffalo 763-682-4902
www.buffalochamber.org
Harmonizing a rural and suburban environment within an easy commute of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, panoramic Wright County also enjoys close proximity to St. Cloud. Commuters to the county’s charming small towns are able to rely on a strong transportation network that includes Interstate 94, US Highway 12, and State Highways 55, 101, 25, and 24. Commercial airlines are available within an hour’s drive at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport or nearby at St. Cloud Regional Airport. Wright County is situated in the east-central portion of the state, bordered on the north by the rolling Mississippi River and on the east by the Crow River.
Services
State-of-the-art healthcare services are anchored in Wright County by Buffalo Hospital in Buffalo and Monticello-Big Lake Hospital in Monticello. The 70-bed acute-care Buffalo Hospital earned a designation among the “Top 100 Hospitals” in Benchmark for Success by HCIA and Health Network. Recently expanded to meet the demands of a rapidly growing area, the hospital maintains a patient-centered focus and the advancements associated with a metropolitan healthcare institution. Monticello-Big Lake Hospital has also grown to meet increasing demand, recently adding 50,000 square feet of facility space for the Sleep Studies Center, the surgical center, intensive care rooms, and outpatient procedures area. Advanced diagnostics are another focal point, including HeartScan for a noninvasive determination of arterial health and early detection of heart disease. Both hospitals provide 24-hour emergency care and specialties that include occupational and physical therapy as well as preventative education and health screenings.
The tiers of quality educational services in Wright County begin with public and private schools that serve students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Wright Technical Center bridges high school and adult education with diverse programs geared toward vocational and career training in programs that are in high demand. Other nearby technical schools and community colleges that specialize in two-year programs and degrees include Anoka-Hennepin Technical College, North Hennepin Community College, Hennepin Technical College, Ridgewater College, and St. Cloud Technical College. Nearby public four-year colleges and universities include St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis.
Lifestyle
Recent decades have seen rapid growth in many Wright County communities, where an unparalleled quality of life is available in close proximity to major urban amenities and regional employment centers. More than 2,800 acres of panoramic land has been devoted to the county’s park system, including area that follows the Crow River to offer access to picturesque canoe routes. Championship golf courses, tennis courts, community centers, sports fields and courts, ice arenas, vast acres of parks, winter sports areas, and pristine woodlands are just a few of the recreational highlights. Swimming beaches are available for summer relaxation, while wooded campgrounds encourage outdoor enjoyment and nature study. Nearly 300 lakes dot the county with breathtaking beauty and opportunities for boating, water sports, and world-class fishing for pan fish, bass, walleye, and northern pike. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees, these sparkling lakes feature ice-fishing houses for year-round use.
Each one of the Wright County communities provides a family friendly environment where volunteerism runs high and the hometown spirit is palpable. Even in the more well-developed cities like Buffalo and Monticello where urban amenities are plentiful, new residents will discover a warm and friendly atmosphere. School, church, civic, and social events fill the calendar with opportunities to mix and mingle with friends and neighbors. Colorful annual events and seasonal celebrations underline the strong sense of tradition, while museums and historic sites preserve the past in displays and exhibits. Shopping is available close to home in charming downtown districts like that in Buffalo or at the Albertville Premium Outlets. For world-class cultural attractions, the Twin Cities and St. Cloud draw regional audiences to spectacular venues for the performing and visual arts. For the best of all worlds, rapidly developing Wright County stands in a class of its own.
Annandale, Clearwater, South Haven
Annandale Offices
320-274-3055
www.annandale.mn.us
Clearwater Offices
320-558-2428
www.clearwatercity.com
South Haven Offices
320-236-2424
www.cityofsouthhavenmn.com
Chamber of Commerce
763-228-2898
www.annandalechamber.org
Approximately 45 minutes from the Twin Cities, the communities of Annandale, Clearwater, and South Haven are located in the “Heart of the Lakes.” Scores of lakes dot this northern Wright County landscape, drawing newcomers to natural beauty and exceptional recreational amenities. Annandale boasts a strong retail and commercial corridor, industrial development, and beautiful residential communities that include lakefront and golf-course living. Clearwater is located in the extreme northern tip of the county near the junction of the Clearwater and Mississippi rivers. The town celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2005, and Spring Park graces the historic downtown with green space and seasonal blooms. Lush parks dot the town with amenities including sports fields and courts, an ice-skating rink, a designer disc golf course, and picnic areas. South Haven is situated along Highway 55 just south of the Clearwater chain of lakes and north of panoramic Lake Sylvia.
Buffalo
Municipal Offices
763-682-1181
www.ci.buffalo.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
www.buffalochamber.org
The welcoming city of Buffalo nestles between scenic Buffalo Lake and Lake Pulaski to offer a medley of delights. Newcomers and visitors enjoy local shopping, inviting restaurants, fine golf courses, shoreline fishing, and acres of apple orchards. Once a bustling resort community, this family-oriented city in Wright County offers a small-town lifestyle with friendly, close-knit neighborhoods. The civic center serves as recreational hub with amenities that include two ice arenas but also provides space for events and programs. The thriving downtown district is home to a pleasing selection of retail shops and services, although Ridgedale Mall in Minnetonka is available for more extensive shopping. Buffalo Hospital is available to meet most healthcare needs locally. The housing selection is crowned by opportunities for lakefront living in larger, contemporary properties along Lake Pulaski’s shores or in charming older homes that feature screen-in porches near Buffalo Lake.
Delano
Municipal Offices
763-972-0550
www.delano.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-972-6756
www.delanochamber.com
Located along US Highway 12, the small and friendly town of Delano is situated at the crossing of the South Fork of the Crow River. Less than 30 miles from downtown Minneapolis, the city offers an appealing bedroom community that excels in quality of life. Like many small Minnesota communities, Delano thrives on the cooperative and generous spirit of its residents and close proximity to urban amenities. Nearby Brooklyn Park offers opportunities for higher education close to home at the Hennepin Technical College and the North Hennepin Community College. Delano is also home to an award-winning school district. The nearest major medical center is Waconia Ridgeview Hospital in Waconia. In addition to the recreational amenities at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, residents enjoy excellent facilities such as neighborhood parks, a community center, a charming gazebo in Central Park, an education center, and a senior center.
Howard Lake, Cokato
Howard Lake Offices
320-543-3670
www.howard-lake.mn.us
Cokato Offices
320-286-5505
www.cokato.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
www.buffalochamber.org
The small but growing communities of Howard Lake and Cokato share a location in the southwestern section of the county along Highway 12. Growing in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, this area still provides a small-town setting. Progressive school districts, an infrastructure that includes advanced technology, close proximity to major metropolitan centers, and the beauty of a country setting combine to ensure a high quality of life. Newcomers to Howard Lake will find attractive new residential developments including Lake Ridge, Terning Trails, and Dutch Lake Preserve. The active parks and recreation department manages sports facilities and green space for local recreational opportunities. Lions Park features a new dock and boat launch as well as a picnic pavilion and a playground, while Memorial Park becomes a popular destination during baseball season. Sparkling 717-acre Howard Lake offers a number of boat landings and outstanding fishing.
Monticello, Maple Lake
Monticello Offices
763-295-2711
www.ci.monticello.mn.us
Maple Lake Offices
320-963-3611
www.ci.maple-lake.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-295-2700
http://www.monticellocci.com/
Monticello is a progressive, growing community of exceptional natural beauty along the Mississippi River. Located at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Highway 25, this area is ideal for Twin Cities and St. Cloud commuters. Acres of lush parks and miles of pathways enhance the country-like setting and attractive neighborhoods of lovely, well-kept homes. Trumpeter Swans are a hallmark of Monticello, drawn to the riverfront during the winter months. The 1,200-acre YMCA Park and Lake Maria State Park are minutes from town, and seven lakes are situated with five miles of downtown. Within the city, Montissippi County Park offers paved riverfront paths, picnic areas, boat access, hiking and equestrian trails, and a fishing pier. Other highlights include excellent schools, a major healthcare center, a new community center, and an active arts community. Nearby Maple Lake is served by Highway 55 with Interstate 94 eight miles to the north and offers a close-knit community with a family oriented emphasis.
Montrose, Waverly
Montrose Offices
763-575-7422
www.montrose-mn.com
Waverly Offices
763-658-4217
www.waverlymn.org
Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
www.buffalochamber.org
The small but growing communities of Montrose and Waverly share a location along US Highway 12 within minutes of Interstate 94. Highway 25 also connects the area to Buffalo on the north and Watertown to the south. This rapidly developing rural area excels in small-town charm just 25 miles from the Twin Cities. Surrounding the cities, a country landscape features scenic prairies, lush parks, wildlife areas, and beautiful lakes. The Montrose Community Center is a focal point of social events and activities. Other highlights include the Waterfront Legion Park along Waverly Lake with a swimming beach, sports fields and courts, and a fishing pier. The Wright County Snowmobile Trail System also traverses Waverly. New housing subdivisions are spring up with walking paths that meander by single-family homes and townhomes. Well-kept older properties shaded by mature greenery are also available in the heart of the cities.
Otsego
Municipal Offices
763-441-4414
www.ci.otsego.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-428-2921
https://i94westchamber.org/
Situated along the northwestern edge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, Otsego is attracting a growing number of commuters to a beautiful country atmosphere. Wonderful neighborhoods and subdivisions are graced by open spaces, wildlife habitats, and views of the rolling Mississippi River that borders the city on the north and east sides. Transportation efficiencies have contributed to residential and economic growth, particularly access to Interstate 94. Excellent school districts, local shopping and nearby factory outlets, and first-rate services provide the benefits of suburban living in a family friendly rural setting. In addition to several lush local parks filled with sports and recreational facilities and amenities, the city is home to the 70-acre Otsego Regional Park. This county-managed riverfront park offers picnic areas, miles of paved trails, canoe access, and a prairie restoration area.
Rockford, Hanover
Rockford Offices
763-477-6565
www.cityofrockford.org
Hanover Offices
763-497-3777
www.hanovermn.org
Chamber of Commerce
763-420-4902
www.buffalochamber.org
Hanover and Rockford are encompassed within the area known as the Northwest Metro region of the Twin Cities. Rapidly growing Hanover offers a unique rural setting with rolling terrain, spacious home lots, and beautiful new residential communities. The scenic Crow River flows through Hanover, which also stretches into Hennepin County. Lush parks dot this area, providing green space and sports and recreational facilities. A number of championship golf courses are also available. Rockford remained a sleepy rural community until the 1970s, with growth driven primarily by commuters to the Twin Cities metropolitan region—a trend that shows no signs of slowing. As with many of Minnesota’s rural areas, volunteers who serve in civic and social groups and clubs contribute significantly to the quality of life. The cooperative effort that creates and sustains quality of life programs also strengthens the warm community spirit that many find so appealing.
St. Michael, Albertville
St. Michael Offices
763-497-2041
www.ci.st-michael.mn.us
Albertville Offices
763-497-3384
www.ci.albertville.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
763-428-2921
https://i94westchamber.org/
Rapid growth has marked the St. Michael community, conveniently located midway between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud along the Interstate 94 corridor. The city’s strategic location and quality of life have spurred residential expansion and economic development. Newcomers are drawn to the excellent schools, impressive parks and trails, and attractive home selection. The cooperative spirit that prevails is evident in the recent partnership of the city of St. Michael with a commercial enterprise to provide the new 70,000-square-foot Fitness & Community Center. The smaller city of Albertville has also welcomed considerable growth in recent years and shares St. Michael’s prime location along the major interstate. Locally owned businesses join national chain stores in both communities. Albertville is well known for the Albertville Premium Outlets, a regional shopping destination.
