City development along the Mississippi River
Situated at the intersection of the Mississippi and Crow rivers, the city of Dayton is a growing progressive community in southeast Minnesota. Split between Hennepin and Wright counties, Dayton is recognized as the northernmost city in Hennepin County. Named after Lyman Dayton – city Founder and President of the Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad until 1865. With a current population of around 9,000 as of 2024, new development has attracted 2,000 residents since the 2022 consensus. “It’s an up-and-coming area — It’s generally new builds and not too far from more commercial areas like Maple Grove,” says Patrick Morgan, seasoned Realtor with Morgan Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty. Rich in natural beauty and outdoor amenities, this community offers a sense of seclusion with very little commercial activity. “Dayton was later to develop than some of the places in this area, so it still has a more rural feel, despite the homebuilding activity,” says Realtor Jeff Shuman with Edina Realty. And with U.S. Interstate 94 nearby, commutes into the Twin Cities are accessible within a 30-mile or a 30-minute drive.
New Traditionals and multi-family townhouses
The real estate market in Dayton is highly competitive, with an influx of new construction driving up prices. “There’s a lot of new construction here — Homebuyers can expect both single family and multi-family townhouses priced around the mid $500,000s,” says Morgan, who has been selling in the Twin Cities for over a decade. “It’s competitive in the Twin Cities right now because inventory is low due to seasonality.” Homes in Dayton are nearly $100,000 more than properties within the Greater Minneapolis Metro Area. Dayton features a variety of housing styles from ramblers and split levels to multi-family townhouses and newly constructed New Traditionals. Single family homes can go from the high $200,000s to upwards of $1.2 Million for new construction along the Mississippi River. Multi-family homes can go from around $300,000 to upwards of $400,000. Subdivision options vary from those with golf course views in areas along Lawndale Lane to those neighboring Elm Creek Park Reserve in Strande Acres. Multi-family townhouses can be found in subdivisions like Sundance Greens, while new construction is available in areas like Riverwalk and River Hills.
Year-round recreation at Elm Creek Park Reserve
Dayton might lack a commercial hub, but outdoor recreation is abundant throughout the community. Some residents are within walking distance of Cloquet Overlook Park, which features paved paths for on-leash dog walking and outdoor dining on the picnic tables. Cloquet is located along Dayton River Road, providing visitors with walking trails along the Mississippi River and views of Cloquet Island. For days spent out on the water, residents can utilize the boat launch at the mouth of the Crow and Mississippi Rivers. Fishing is common here and Redhorse fish are abundant within the Mississippi. With over 4,900 acres to explore, Elm Creek Park Reserve offers an off-leash dog park and swimming pond popular during the warmer months and miles of hiking or snowshoeing trails during the winter. Birdwatchers can begin at the Eastman Nature Center, which offers wildlife exhibits and tours with the chance of sighting native trumpeter swans, bluebirds or wild turkeys. Golf enthusiasts are in luck with the public Daytona Golf Club nearby, offering an 18-hole layout, a driving range and a golf simulator perfect for fine-tuning a golf swing. Daily tee-times and seasonal membership options are available. The facility also features indoor courts for tennis, pickleball and racquetball.
Summer concerts at Elsie Stephens Park
In the summer, music lovers can gather at Elsie Stephens Park for Concerts in the Park hosted by the City of Dayton. Neighbors can enjoy a variety of local food trucks and a range of live music performances from blues and folk to country and bluegrass. The event is hosted along the Mississippi River and visitors are encouraged to bring bug spray and their own seating as it will not be provided.
Shopping in neighboring Champlin or Rogers
Residents in Dayton sacrifice immediate commercial hubs for larger lots and more secluded living. “Buyers like the quiet in Dayton while having access to shopping and dining destinations in neighboring communities,” says Shuman. Champlin to the east and Rogers to the west provide locals with everyday essentials from stores like Target and Cub Foods. Dayton’s downtown area offers a handful of businesses like Dayton Wine & Spirits and Sparkle Ridge, a western apparel store. When dining in the area, locals can visit community staple, Dayton Bar & Grill, known for its relaxed dining experience and live music performances on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. For bar bites and a classic all-American meal, head to Clive's Roadhouse Rogers and take advantage of their happy hour pricing from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm on weekdays. Or check out Short or Tall Eatery & Drink Hall for a Las Vegas-inspired venue with more than 80 craft beers to choose from.
High-marks at Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools
Families with school-aged children are served by the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Students in Dayton can attend schools like Dayton Elementary, Jackson Middle and Champlin Park High School, which have earned ratings of A-minus, B-plus and A-minus from the educational review site, Niche. Dayton Elementary School partners with the Anoka-Hennepin Special Education Department to provide specialized instructional services to qualifying students conducted by highly trained individuals. Jackson Middle School offers an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program that promotes higher education for both high-achieving students and first-generation college students through preparation and college readiness. Champlin Park High School offers an advanced curriculum with 7 AP courses for the opportunity to earn college credit.
Commute along the Mississippi River on Dayton River Road
Residents in Dayton rely on Dayton River Road for easy access to neighboring areas like Champlin and U.S. I-94 when traveling into downtown Minneapolis. When seeking public transportation, locals can schedule a bus ride through Trailblazer Transit, which partners with Dayton City to provide a Dial-A-Ride service. Or grab a seat on the Northstar Train at Ramsey Station, which travels into Minneapolis and stops at Target Field Stadium. Those interested in traveling further outside the community are 40 miles from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. For healthcare, Mercy Hospital is 10 miles from the community.
Written By
Jessica Haddad
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Karels
