The seat of Faribault County, Blue Earth is a city of 3,200 surrounded by farms and the southern Minnesota countryside. “It’s a smaller town, but it’s a big enough community to have options and lots of events,” says Sarah Ferguson, executive director of Blue Earth’s chamber of commerce. “We get a lot of camaraderie from that.”
Intersected by the river that shares its name, Blue Earth is known for its manufacturing industry, outdoor recreation and a 55-foot-tall statue of the Jolly Green Giant. Though the birthplace of Green Giant is about an hour's drive north in Le Sueur, Blue Earth takes pride in the packaging and vegetable processing plants on its turf – proud enough to open a museum dedicated to the brand in 2009. While job prospects typically bring homeowners to the area, quiet surroundings and amenities like shopping and public parks tend to keep them. “This is a great place for a family,” says Ferguson. “You don’t have to deal with the traffic and the crazy of a big city, and there’s plenty for kids to do.”
The 55-foot Jolly Green Giant stands tall at Green Giant Statue Park in Blue Earth.
Main Street in downtown Blue Earth features historic architecture and classic storefronts.
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Many homes date back to the 19th century
The streets of Blue Earth crisscross in a neat checkerboard pattern. Alleys with sheds and garages pass behind houses, while front lawns end in tree-lined sidewalks. As a result, residential areas are relatively walkable, often going as far as schools and businesses. Lots are generally around a quarter to a third of an acre, rarely getting larger before the rural outskirts. Historic homes are typical all over the city, many dating back to the late 1800s. Midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style homes crop up in the most central areas, while the newest homes tend to be further south. The latest construction largely dates back to the early 2000s. Homes with acreage and outbuildings are also available, generally sticking to the city's outskirts. The median price for a single-family home is in the high $160,000s.
Classic homes from the 1800s are a common sight in Blue Earth’s older neighborhoods.
Blue Earth’s south side features newer Craftsman homes with classic architectural details.
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Blue Earth Area High School's wrestling team has six state titles
The Blue Earth Area School District oversees three public schools and has a C-plus from Niche. Blue Earth Area High School's wrestling program dates back to 1947. Since then, the Blue Earth Buccaneers have won six state team titles and placed 11 times. “The community and businesses are very supportive of the school and school events,” says Ferguson. “It keeps a lot of positive energy going.”
Blue Earth Area High School stands as a landmark in the heart of Blue Earth.
Blue Ridge’s Blue Earth Area Elementary School welcomes students with small-town charm.
Blue Earth Area Middle School anchors youth education in the heart of the community.
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Beyer Field's winter activities include a sledding hill and skating rink
Steinberg Nature Park has 33 acres of woods and prairies, with a trail to observe native plants and birds. Beyer Field is the home of the municipal ice rink, warming house and sledding hill, all available in the winter. The paved Unity Trail is 3 miles long, giving hikers views of the surrounding farmland, forests and the Blue Earth River. Thousands of visitors come to the Giant Museum every year to see curios from Green Giant's history or take a photo with the giant himself. Billing itself as "the biggest little museum in Minnesota," the Southern Minnesota Museum of Natural History has held exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils and insects since 2024. The Faribault Recreation Center offers classes for yoga, swimming and aerobics along with pickleball, basketball and indoor walking.
Green Giant Statue Park blends quirky history with photo ops for thousands of annual visitors.
Native grasses and woodland paths define Steinberg Nature Park’s 33-acre landscape in Blue Earth.
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Farmer's Daughters Kitchen has a menu based on family recipes
The city has a variety of locally owned restaurants and retailers, particularly along the high-traffic area of Grove Street. Juba's and Rainbow Food Co-op are both available for groceries. Farmer’s Daughters Kitchen puts an emphasis on being a family restaurant, going so far as to create a menu centered around the family recipes of the owners. Pete’s Blue Dirt Road Bar and Grill has a full menu of bar food favorites like wings and fried cheese curds, along with live music on the weekends. Open October through April, the Cedar Inn offers an old-fashioned drive-in experience with burgers, hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream.
The Cedar Inn drive-in dishes up comfort food classics in southern Minnesota’s Blue Earth.
Shoppers stop by Juba’s, a neighborhood grocery store in Blue Earth.
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The Faribault County Fair has been held annually since 1859
Blue Earth Giant Days is an annual summer event that features three days of beer gardens, live music, fireworks and a parade. The Faribault County Fair has been one of the area's biggest events since 1859. Held every July, the fair includes carnival rides, livestock competitions and a rodeo.
Minneapolis is about two hours north
The city's main thoroughfares are Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 169. Minneapolis is about 130 miles north. Prairie Lakes Transit offers public transportation throughout the day between Fairmont and Blue Earth counties.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kurt Weishalla,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Blue Earth, MN sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Blue Earth, MN over the last 12 months is $167,568, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New development located on the north edge og Blue Earth. Easy access to Hwy 169 and I-90.These lots are city owned and a development agreement will be required to be signed with all purchases.
New development area located on the north end of Blue Earth. Easy access to Hwy 169 and I-90 These lots are city owned and a development agreement will be required to be signed with all purchases.
Must see! Newly remodeled two-story home situated on a generous 0.4-acre lot in Blue Earth! This charming home offers 1,944 finished square feet with a total of 3,120 square feet, perfect for growing needs. Key features include:Freshly Updated: Enjoy the benefits of a recently remodeled home with brand-new appliances (Dishwasher, Range, Exhaust Fan/Hood) included in the sale.Outdoor
Welcome to this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with approximately 1,977 finished square feet including the lower level. The main floor offers a spacious living room with large front windows and a freshly cleaned wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen features generous cabinet space, a functional center island, and an adjoining dining area with open flow into the main living space. Three bedrooms are located
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering comfortable and functional living. This home features hardwood floors throughout most of the home, convenient main floor laundry, and a recently updated main floor bathroom needing finishing touches. Major updates include newer siding, roof, furnace, and air conditioning-providing peace of mind for years to come. Outside, you’ll appreciate the
Beautiful brick home built in 1988 set on a spacious 132 x 145 corner lot with over 2,100 sq ft of main-level living. This well-designed home offers 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, including a private primary suite, giving everyone their own space and comfort.The main floor features the convenience of main-level laundry along with generous living areas perfect for everyday living and
Welcome home to this inviting 3-bedroom bungalow featuring an open kitchen flowing seamlessly into the living room. The main level offers two comfortable bedrooms, convenient main-floor laundry, hardwood floors and a 3/4 bath. Upstairs, you'll find a third bedroom plus a versatile nook at the top of the stairs, with beautiful hardwood floors, ideal for a home office or cozy den. The basement
Enjoy comfortable 3-bedroom living at 1228 S Ramsey St, featuring a primary suite with private bath and walk-in closet and hardwood floors throughout all bedrooms. The kitchen offers ample workspace and storage, flowing seamlessly into the dining area and living room, perfect for family meals or entertaining friends, while a sunroom adds extra space to relax. Additional highlights include a
A beautiful new development on the north edge of Blue Earth. These lots are city owned and development agreement will be required to be signed with all purchases.
Coming Soon! Don’t miss this charming opportunity in Blue Earth. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home at 315 E 12th Street will be fresh, clean, and ready for its new owners when it hits the market! Conveniently located near the hospital, city park, and community pool, you’ll love the easy access to everyday amenities and recreation. The property also features a single detached garage and a great setting
Rare opportunity: two separate homes on 4.99 acres with fenced pasture, multiple outbuildings, and high-level smart-home infrastructure pre-installed — now offered at an updated price. Newer home (3BR / 2.5BA) features a modern, energy-efficient design with full in-floor heat, on-demand hot water, central A/C, and hard-surface flooring throughout (carpet only in the theater). Expansive 22' x 30'
2- Spacious 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom for rent. This property is conveniently located near the community tennis courts and community waterpark/pool. Each unit comes with 1 assigned parking space with additional parking on the surface lot, tenants not to exceed 2 vehicles. Rent is approximately725 per month depending on the unit and includes trash, and water/sewer. Tenant pays for electricity
**1st Month FREE with 12-Month Lease and Full Security Deposit!** Blue Ridge Apartments a HUD property open to people of all ages. There will be an accessible 1-bedroom apartment available for rent in January. Rent and Security Deposit are based on 30% gross monthly income with rental assistance available to everyone who qualifies. 1-bedroom apartments range from $0-724, plus security deposit
The Oaks Apartments offers comfortable, affordable living in the hearth of Blue Earth, MN. Designed for simplicity and convenience, our community provides clean, well-maintained 1- and 2-bedroom homes with everything you need for relaxed everyday living. Each apartment features your own private entry and no upstairs neighbors, giving you the comfort, privacy, and convenience of a more home-like
Extremely nice 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments available at Blue Ridge in Blue Earth! Newley remodeled apartments with beautiful hardwood floors throughout! Traditional and townhome style apartments available. This building has recently transitioned into new ownership and management. This is a HUD Section 8 property with income restrictions, your rent is 30% of your income. HEAT included in rent!
Extremely nice 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments available at Blue Ridge in Blue Earth! Newley remodeled apartments with beautiful hardwood floors throughout! Traditional and townhome style apartments available. This building has recently transitioned into new ownership and management. This is a HUD Section 8 property with income restrictions, your rent is 30% of your income. HEAT included in rent!
2- Spacious 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom for rent. This property is conveniently located near the community tennis courts and community waterpark/pool. Each unit comes with 1 assigned parking space with additional parking on the surface lot, tenants not to exceed 2 vehicles. Rent is approximately725 per month depending on the unit and includes trash, and water/sewer. Tenant pays for electricity
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
