Cokato residents have easy access to the Twin Cities and St. Cloud
Cokato was once the center of the vast Minnesota wilderness known as the Big Woods. The surrounding hardwood forest has shrunk to a fraction of its original size, but the name Cokato — derived from a Dakota term meaning “in the middle” — remains relevant due to the city’s convenient location. “We’re a small bedroom town about an hour west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and 45 minutes south of St. Cloud,” says broker Andy Rosenquist, a co-owner of Elevate Realty with 10 years of experience. Cokato’s 3,000 residents have access to fishing lakes, solid schools and lively community events.
Ranch-style and National homes in Cokato
Homes in the heart of Cokato were built in the early to mid-1900s, many on broad thoroughfares or short cul-de-sacs, with lot sizes typically measuring a quarter to half an acre. Fields and farmland surround the roads on the rural outskirts, where some houses feature newer construction. Investment properties and National-style homes start at $125,000 to $250,000, while ranch-style and split-level houses go for $250,000 to $450,000. Meanwhile, luxury homes on Cokato Lake can range from $1 to $2 million. The risk of hail and ice storms is high in this part of Minnesota, so many properties include garages that can protect against vehicle damage.
Outdoor recreation at Cokato Lake and city parks
Veterans Memorial Park sits on the shore of Brooks Lake and features a fishing pier, a playground, a baseball field, picnic areas and plenty of shade. Farther north, Cokato Lake has a public boat launch with an ample parking area. The centrally located Peterson Park hosts the city’s annual Corn Carnival, and the sledding hill makes it a popular winter hangout. Prairie Park’s playground and sports courts are within walking distance of some homes, and Cokato Town & Country Club’s nine-hole golf course is open to the public. Many early settlers shared Finnish heritage, and Cokato is home to the oldest smoke sauna in Minnesota. Locals can do genealogy research at the Cokato Museum and inspect the antique furnishings, cameras and equipment at the Gust Akerlund Studio.
Wide range of student activities at Dassel-Cokato High School
“We have a good school district, consolidated with Dassel,” Rosenquist says. “Cokato and Dassel are two separate cities, but they share the same school district and Rotary Club.” Students attend Cokato Elementary School, which receives a Niche grade of B-plus, from prekindergarten through Grade 4. Next is Dassel-Cokato Middle School, which receives an A-minus. Programs at the B-rated Dassel-Cokato High School appeal to a broad palette of interests, from fine arts to robotics to trapshooting.
Saunas and seafood in Cokato’s downtown area
Cokato’s small downtown area offers a smattering of locally owned businesses. Sauna Supply Company helps preserve old traditions by crafting custom-built indoor and outdoor saunas. Double Shot revs up with coffee in the morning and switches gears to sandwiches, salads and burgers at lunch. Down the street, locals shoot pool and nosh on pub grub at the Iron Horse Grill & Saloon. Seafood restaurant Bait & Hook puts an Asian spin on familiar favorites with offerings like ginger-glazed salmon and kung pao calamari with dried chilis and peanuts. The Marketplace is a convenient grocery option.
U.S. Route 12 paves the way to Minneapolis
U.S. Route 12, Cokato’s primary traffic artery, paves the way for the 50-mile drive to Minneapolis and the 20-mile drive to Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield. It’s also a convenient route to Dassel, about 8 miles away. Commuters to St. Cloud have a 35-mile drive. Flights are available from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, about 60 miles away. Cokato is in Wright County, one of three counties served by Trailblazer Transit’s Dial-A-Ride on-demand bus service.
Bushels of fun at the Cokato Corn Carnival
Every August, the Cokato Corn Carnival pops up at Peterson Park. The three-day midweek event features a parade, amusement rides, live music, games like corn bingo and free buttered corn on the cob. “It’s very family-oriented — no beer garden or anything,” Rosenquist says. Many residents make the trek to Dassel for Red Rooster Days. The abundance of poultry farms in the area gave rise to the Labor Day weekend event, billed as Minnesota’s largest chicken barbecue.
