A little city with BIG ideas; The City of Albertville has a population of 7,404. Albertville ranks in the upper quartile for Population Density
and Diversity Index when compared to the other cities and towns. Albertville is home to one of the largest and most successful outlet malls in the United States. Albertville Premium Outlet Malls boasts 100 outlet stores including; Adidas, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Calvin Klein, Coach and Coach Men’s, Columbia Sportswear, Gap Outlet, Gymboree, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour and more.
A proposed addition to this hot spot is the Mall Of Entertainment. The Black Forest LLC is planning to build a world-class entertainment venue in Albertville. The facility will feature an interactive indoor waterpark, an exploration-based out of home adventure, an edutainment experience, and a 275 room Marriot Hotel and convention center.
The Saint Michael/ Albertville school district (SMA) is highly ranked and includes some of the most up to date facilities in the area. With five Elementary, two Middle and one High School in the public system as well as Charter and private schools parents have several choices. STMA schools are highly respected. The school district provides a variety of educational programs and a diverse selection of extra-curricular activities for students.
Need some time to relax? There are a number of golf courses in the immediate area including Cedar Creek. The course offers memberships and is open to the public.When you’ve finished your round be sure to check out Cedar Creek Grill for some nourishment and perhaps a refreshment
The City of Dayton is located along the northern edge of Hennepin County and is bound on the north and west by the Crow and the Mississippi Rivers. A small portion of the city is in Wright County. This is a progressively growing community with a population of approximately 5,011. The small population is spread out over 25 square miles and I would anticipate the population will be much higher with the next census. Dayton is located near the I-94 corridor and is only 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, and 40 minutes from downtown St. Paul.
There are a number of exciting new housing developments developments in Dayton that offer a country feel with city convenience including; River Hills, Sundance Woods, Granstrom Orchard, The Pines and Rush Creek Landing. With all the new home construction and the shear size of the city you want to be sure to visit the “original town site” which sits between the rivers. It has a charming small town feel and the skyline is dominated by the spires on top of ST John the Baptist, Catholic Church. You can see the steeples as you drive down Highway 10 between neighboring Elk River and Anoka.
There is also the beautiful Mississippi River and the many area parks that provide facilities for sports, recreation, and relaxation. The facilities include playground equipment, shelters, grills, benches, ball fields, and open grass area. Below is a list of park names and locations:
Goodin Park – 17330 Dayton River Road map Cloquet Overlook Park – 13900 Dayton River Road (Co. Rd. 12) map Central Park and Brianna Scurry Park – 12260 S. Diamond Lake Road map Riversbend Park – 13010 141st Ave map Donahue Dells Park – 12931 Arrowood Lane North map Diamond Lake Diamonds Park – 16471 South Diamond Lake Road map Leathers Park – 14021 Balsam Ln. North map Wildwood Springs Park – 11800 Stoneridge Road map Old Orchards Park – 13590 Vinewood Lane North map Dayton Highlands Park – 11420 134 1/2 Ave. North map
One of the treasures of the northwest suburbs is the Mississippi River. The majestic body of water was the focal point of much of the settlement and development in Minnesota. The stretches of river above Minneapolis are no longer the corridors or commerce that drove the state’s economy in past centuries, they are a beautiful and captivating destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.
Whether you love to walk, bike, kayak, canoe, boat, tube, fish or swim, the Mississippi River offers options and adventure. Between Monticello and Anoka there are dozens of islands and parks to explore.
There are some views along the river that harken back to the days of Father Hennepin and the voyageurs as they explored the mighty Miss for treasures, trades and souls.
One can only imagine the mysteries and history that surround these ever-changing waters and islands that make up the longest river in the United States. Many of the area cities are leveraging this asset by creating fully accessible parks and trails with many modern conveniences. Some of the planned improvements include Nordin Landing in Otsego. This new facility will expand river access for boaters and provide fishing, hiking and picnic opportunities.
This great lady of a river is waiting for you to wander down and dangle your dogs while you watch the steady flow of waters heading ceaselessly to the Gulf. There is a rhythm in the waters of a river. It reminds us the only thing constant in life is the constancy of change.
Otsego, where the prairie meets the city. OTSEGOTownship, first settled in October 1852, along the Mississippi and was named for a lake, a township, and a county in New York. The name “Otsego” is an Indian word, meaning “welcome water,” or “place where meetings are held.” This is appropriate because Otsego is where the prairie meets the city. The latest census shows the population is 13,571. Even though it is the youngest of the NW Metro cities (incorporated in 1990) it is growing rapidly.
Several builders have developments in Otsego; Cal Atlantic, Lennar, Centra, Keyland, and Hedberg are just a few. These developments have a variety of plans and price points. The City of Otsego is in Wright County which averages lower property taxes than neighboring Hennepin County or Sherburne County
There are many things to do in Otsego and the location make it convenient to access things throughout the Twin Cities metro area or taking a road trip to any of the lakes areas in northern or west central Minnesota. The Super Target is currently the focal point for “big box” retail with the area surrounding ripe for future development. There are several good local restaurants including Boondox Bar and Grille which features vollyball, broomball and patio dining with unique and well done made from scratch recipies. (not your typical bar food) The Pour Wine Bar Bistro is another local favorite featuring a great wine selection and top notch food. Both establishments feature live music from easy listening Jazz to southern rock!!
Otsego schools are part of the highly ranked Elk River School District with one elementary school and plans for a Prairieview E-8 school. Otsego is also the home of Kaleidoscope Charter School. Education excellence is a top priority in the Elk River School District and continuing efforts are being made to improve existing infrastructure as well as strategically adding facilities as the city continues to grow.
For travelers on I-94 heading to the “lake” or other points North & West of the Twin Cities you have likely traveled through Rogers. At freeway speeds you get a quick glance of the farmland, commercial development, Big Box retailers and the Iconic Rogers water tower (we like to think so). What is less evident from the interstate are the many parks, schools and wonderful residential neighborhoods that make up this friendly and inviting suburb.
The deep history (founded in 1880) leaves Rogers with a wonderful small town charm but don’t let the charm fool you into thinking this is a sleepy burb on the edge of the metro. Projected to be the fastest growing city in the area (homesnacks.net) there is a wide variety of employment, shopping and entertainment options here. Companies like Graco,Reihart Foods, Clam,Cabelas and Fedex Ground have found a home here.
Interstate 94 provides quick access to all the services entertainment in the Metro. And when you want to escape “up north” there are multiple options for reaching your weekend retreat
ROGERS IS HOME TO GREAT SCHOOLS
“The Rogers area has great schools. We have wonderful parks and recreation activities for young families” said the city Administrator. The town’s Activity Centeris at the hub of it all. Youth and High School hockey games are played there, skating is open to the public, and space is available for community meetings. There is a Hennepin County Branch Library located on John Milless Drive. The extremely active Community Room is next door to the Fire Department. It has a full kitchen and is the meeting space for several civic organizations such as Rogers RotaryClub and Rogers Lions Club. It is also the host location for the annual Rockin Rogers celebration which draws regional and national acts for the two day civic celebration put on by the Rogers Lions Club.
Rogers is part of the Elk River School District. Rogers High School and Rogers Middle School are located across the street from each other and adjacent to the Rogers Ice Arena. Elementary students Hassan Elementary is located along I-94 under the water tower. Rogers Elementary is the oldest school building in Rogers and recently underwent a significant remodeling. It is designated as a S.T.E.M. MAGNET school a part of the Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) for grades K-5. Rogers Elementary provides all grade 3-5 students the opportunity of a S.T.E.M. based education with a focus on engineering that is exciting, challenging, and relevant. Student learning is enhanced by scientific inquiry and exploration, project-based learning, integration of S.T.E.M. across subject areas, and by using the engineering design process.