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Albert Lea, MN

Frequently asked questions

Albert Lea, MN

Albert Lea is a city in Freeborn County, in southern Minnesota. It is the county seat. Its population was 18,492 at the 2020 census. The city is at the junction of Interstates 35 and 90, about 90 miles (140 km) south of the Twin Cities. It is on the shores of Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Goose Lake, School Lake, and Lake Chapeau. Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake are part of the Shell Rock River flowage. The city's early growth was based on agriculture, farming support services, and manufacturing, and it was a significant rail center. At one time it was the site of Cargill's headquarters. Other manufacturing included Edwards Manufacturing (barn equipment), Scotsman Ice Machines, Streater Store fixtures, and Universal Milking Machines. As in many U.S. cities, Albert Lea's manufacturing base has substantially diminished. A major employer was the Wilson & Company meatpacking plant, later known as Farmstead and Farmland. This facility was destroyed by fire in July 2001.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 14.42 square miles (37.35 km2), of which 12.59 square miles (32.61 km2) is land and 1.83 square miles (4.74 km2) is water. Myre-Big Island State Park is nearby. There are three main lakes in Albert Lea: Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, and Albert Lea Lake.

The city is named after Albert Miller Lea, a topographer with the United States Dragoons, who surveyed southern Minnesota and northern Iowa in 1835, including the current site of Albert Lea. Captain Nathan Boone, a son of Daniel Boone, was the scout for Lea's unit.

The city received national attention in 1959 after Local 6 of the United Packinghouse Workers of America went on strike against Wilson & Co., one of the Big Four meatpacking plants at the time, over issues involving mandatory overtime requirements. When Wilson & Co. attempted to operate the plant with replacement workers, violence erupted and split the town. During the 109-day strike, Governor Orville Freeman acted to quell the violence by closing the plant, calling in the Minnesota National Guard, and declaring martial law on December 11. A federal district court in Minneapolis ruled against Freeman on December 23, and the plant turned back to Wilson & Co. just days later.

Albert Lea focuses on health and wellness. The city is home to the Mayo Clinic Health System, ensuring access to quality healthcare services for individuals and families in the area. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit Innerdrive, Snap Fitness, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Albert Lea, such as the Blazing Star State Trail and Bancroft Bay Park Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Albert Lea, MN include Myre-Big Island State Park, Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village, and Wedgewood Cove.

Population: 18,492 (2020). Area: 15.14 sq mi (39.21 km2). Elevation: 1,221 feet (372 meters). ZIP Code: 56007. Area code(s): 507. 
 

FAQs

What is Albert Lea, MN is known for?

Albert Lea’s major assets are its lakes. In the center of town is Fountain Lake. This is a recreational lake, known for boating, fishing, water skiing, and paddle boarding. It also has a walking path around its perimeter (approx. 5 miles). This State Park is known for its wildlife with 234 different kinds of birds.

Is Albert Lea, MN a good place to live?

Living in Albert Lea offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Albert Lea, there are a lot of parks. Many retirees live in Albert Lea and residents tend to lean conservative.

Why is it called Albert Lea, MN?

Lieutenant Lea sketched the outline of the lake that he named “Fox Lake”. Joseph Nicollet later renamed the lake, Lake Albert Lea. In 1855, a small settlement began on the northwest edge of the lake and the town became known as Albert Lea, named after the lake—which was named in honor of Lieutenant Albert Lea.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Albert Lea

Mayo Clinic Health System

Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department

CrossFit Innerdrive

Snap Fitness 

Anytime Fitness

Blazing Star State Trail 

Bancroft Bay Park Trail

Myre-Big Island State Park

Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library & Village

Wedgewood Cove

About Us

Niche

History

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