Blue Earth is the home of the Jolly Green Giant
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 their 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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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. Average Jo's has a full menu of bar food favorites like wings and fried cheese curds, along with live music on the weekends. The Cedar Inn offers an old-fashioned drive-in experience with burgers, hot dogs and soft-serve ice cream.
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. I-90 leads to Minneapolis, which is about 130 miles north.
