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Cottage Grove, MN

Frequently asked questions

Cottage Grove, MN

Cottage Grove is a city 10 miles (16 km) south of Saint Paul in Washington County in the State of Minnesota. It lies on the north bank of the Mississippi River, north of the confluence with the St. Croix River. Cottage Grove and nearby suburbs form the southeast portion of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the 16th-largest metropolitan area in the United States, with about 3.69 million residents. Its population was 38,839 at the 2020 census.

The city is linked by U.S. Highways 10 and 61 and has a comfortable commute to both downtown and the I-494 Strip in Bloomington. Once a rural township known for the state's first creameries and wheat production, the area was served by rail lines, river shipping, and grist mills. 3M has operated a production facility in Cottage Grove since 1947.

Cottage Grove is 11 miles southeast of St. Paul. It is accessed by U.S. Highway 61 and Interstate 494. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 37.48 square miles (97.07 km2); 33.62 square miles (87.08 km2) is land and 3.86 square miles (10.00 km2) is water. The city has more land adjacent to the Mississippi River than any other city in Minnesota. It is bordered by Woodbury to the north, Hastings to the south, St. Paul Park to the west, Newport to the northwest, and Denmark Township to the east. The city is approximately half an hour at posted speeds from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Southeastern Cottage Grove is five miles from the Wisconsin border.

Cottage Grove was platted in 1871. The Precolumbian Schilling Archeological District, 1850 Grey Cloud Lime Kiln, 1871 John P. Furber House, and 1917 Cordenio Severance House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cottage Grove places a high priority on the health and wellness of its residents. Cottage Grove is served by the HealthEast Cottage Grove Clinic, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove Moms on the Run, WhenEver Fitness, and Training For Warriors East Metro. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Cottage Grove, such as the Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor and West Draw Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Cottage Grove, MN are River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center, Cedarhurst Meadows Park, and Peter Thompson Park.

Population: 42,760 (2024). ZIP code: 55016. Area code: 651. Elevation: 780 ft (238 m). Area: 37.52 sq mi (97.19 km2).

FAQs

Is Cottage Grove, MN a good place to live?

Cottage Grove is in Washington County and is one of the best places to live in Minnesota. Living in Cottage Grove offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Cottage Grove there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Cottage Grove and residents tend to lean conservative. 

What is the history of Cottage Grove, MN?

The village of Cottage Grove was platted in 1871 and became home to several German-speaking families. The town went on as a rural township until the 1950s when suburban housing spread to the area and the population jumped from 833 in 1950 to over 4,800 in 1960. In 2000, Cottage Grove was one of Minnesota's fastest-growing communities.

What is the crime rate in Cottage Grove, MN?

Cottage Grove has an overall crime rate of 10 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Cottage Grove is 1 in 99. Cottage Grove's crime rate is lower than approximately 33% of Minnesota communities.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Cottage Grove

HealthEast Cottage Grove Clinic

Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation Department

Cottage Grove Moms on the Run

WhenEver Fitness 

Training For Warriors East Metro

Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor 

West Draw Park

River Oaks Golf Course and Event Center

Cedarhurst Meadows Park

Peter Thompson Park

Niche

City Spotlight

Neighborhoodscout

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