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Fergus Falls, MN

Frequently asked questions

Fergus Falls, MN

Fergus Falls is a city in and the county seat of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 14,119 at the 2020 census. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.720 square miles (40.71 km2), of which 14.388 square miles (37.26 km2) is land and 1.332 square miles (3.45 km2) (8.2%)is water. Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 52, Minnesota State Highway 210 (co-signed), and County Highways 1, 82, and 88 are the main routes in Fergus Falls.

The falls from which the city gets part of its name were discovered by Joe Whitford (a Scottish trapper) in 1856 and promptly named in honor of his employer, James Fergus. It is not known whether Fergus ever visited the city, but Whitford did not live to see the city develop, as he was killed during the 1862 Dakota War in western Minnesota. In 1867, George B. Wright was at the land office at St. Cloud and found Whitford's lapsed claim, purchased the land and built what is now the Central Dam in downtown Fergus Falls around 1871. After Wright died in 1882, his son Vernon moved from Boston to Minnesota and took over his father's interests in the town. Vernon Wright was also one of the two people who established the Otter Tail Power Company in 1907. The city was incorporated in the late 1870s and is situated along the dividing line between the former great deciduous forest of the Northwest Territories to the east and the great plains to the west, in a region of gentle hills, where the recent geological history is dominated by the recession of the glaciers from the last great Ice Age, with numerous lakes and small rivers.

Fergus Falls focuses on health and wellness. The Aveanna Home Health provides home health services to adults, children, and their families. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Fergus Falls Parks and Recreation Department offers. 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 RZN Athletics and Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Fergus Falls, such as the Glacial Edge Trail and North Country Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Fergus Falls, MN are Otter Cove Children's Museum, Prairie Wetlands Learning Center, and Kaddatz Galleries.

Population: 14,119 (2020). Area code: 218. Elevation: 1,194 ft (364 m). ZIP code:  56537. Area: 15.720 sq mi (40.715 km2).

FAQs

What is Fergus Falls, MN is known for?

The lakes, Otter Tail River, and beautiful countryside are perfect for recreational activities. Biking, fishing, hunting, boating, birding, and more - whether you want to get out and participate or just observe, Fergus Falls is a great fit for what you desire in a vacation destination. The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers 325 acres of native and restored tallgrass prairie and 28 wetlands.

What is the crime rate in Fergus Falls, MN?

The crime rate in Fergus Falls is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 25 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Fergus Falls is 1 in 40. Based on FBI crime data, Fergus Falls is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Minnesota, Fergus Falls has a crime rate that is higher than 89% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Fergus Falls, MN a good place to live?

Living in Fergus Falls offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families, young professionals, and retirees live in Fergus Falls and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Fergus Falls are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Fergus Falls

Aveanna Home Health 

Fergus Falls Parks and Recreation Department 

RZN Athletics 

Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA

Glacial Edge Trail 

North Country Trail

Otter Cove Children's Museum

Prairie Wetlands Learning Center

Kaddatz Galleries

Visit Fergus Falls

Neighborhoodscout

Niche

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