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
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On average, homes in Blue Earth, MN sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Blue Earth, MN over the last 12 months is $161,000, up 11% 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.
Rare opportunity: two separate homes on 4.99 acres with fenced pasture, multiple outbuildings, and full smart-home integration. NEWER HOME (3BR / 2.5BA)Modern, energy-efficient home featuring full in-floor heat, on-demand hot water, central A/C, and hard-surface flooring throughout (carpet only in the theater). Large 22' x 30' great room with 16' vaulted ceiling and spacious kitchen with
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.
Listed by Renters Warehouse Mankato is this all newly updated large 2 bedroom 1 bath apt in Blue Earth. $900 + electric/water/sewer. This apt is available now. Off street parking & coin operated laundry facilities in building. Credit/background check required. Sorry no pets allowed. Please contact Dawn with any questions, or to schedule a viewing at .
**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
Listed by Renters Warehouse Mankato is this very nice 2-bedroom 1 bath apt in Blue Earth, MN. The apt is in a 4 unit apt building and is available December 1st. $800 + electric & gas. Laundry facilities in bldg and off-street parking. Credit/background check required. Sorry no smoking. 1 pet okay with $400 refundable pet deposit paid. Please contract Dawn with any questions, or to schedule a
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