Well-regarded schools and Highway 12 fuel Delano’s growth
Delano is a growing community on the banks of the Crow River. Located less than an hour from the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area, the city’s population grew from about 2,500 in 1980 to roughly 6,500 in 2020. “It has somewhat of a small-town vibe but it’s growing pretty rapidly,” says Derrick Monroe, Realtor owner of Derrick Monroe Group with Lakes Area Realty. “It’s growing because of the schools and proximity to Highway 12, which is a really easy commute to Minneapolis. The schools and that commute have had Delano grow leaps and bounds over the past 10 years, and there’s also been a lot of new business growth.”
Delano Public School District is one of the best in the state
“The schools are a big draw in Delano,” Monroe says. “It’s rated one of the best school districts in Minnesota.” Delano Public School District is graded A-minus by Niche, and the district received the College Success Award from GreatSchools in 2019, 2020 and 2021 for high test scores and college readiness. A $65 million building project was completed in 2018 and included the construction of a new intermediate school to accommodate a growing student population. The elementary school and high school also had improvements and additions, such as a new performing arts center, classrooms and a new track. High schoolers have the option to earn college credit and attend Wright Technical Center, a career and technical education center that serves eight school districts in Wright and Sherburne counties.
New subdivisions are rising to accommodate growth
The city’s growth is reflected in its housing stock, which increased by 1,000 units between 2000 and 2020. “Delano still has lots of new construction and new neighborhoods going up,” Monroe says. The farmhouses, ranch-style and Craftsman-style homes in the center of town tend to be older, and some date back to the early 1900s. Toward the outskirts of town, 2000s-era New Traditional houses and subdivisions dot the area. The median price of a single-family home in Delano is $450,000, which is higher than the Rockford median of about $360,000.
Central Park is a hub of activities and events
The city has a diverse parks and recreation system with 11 parks. Spanning more than 175 acres, Central Park is Delano's crown jewel. In addition to the Delano Baseball Park and the municipal stadium, the park features a splash pad, ice rink, playgrounds and ample green space. It’s the site of many city events, including the heralded Fourth of July celebration. The Glen and Arlene Litfin Nature Area is part of the park and has two dog parks and an archery course. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the abundant wildlife and serene setting at Lake Rebecca Park Preserve, a sprawling natural area with hiking trails through woodlands and wetlands, a swimming beach, fishing and horseback riding.
Highway 12 is a straight shot to the Twin Cities
Sidewalks and trails make it easy to walk around town. Traffic has increased as the city has grown, especially along U.S. Highway 12, the main thoroughfare through town and primary route to the Twin Cities. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad runs through Delano and has daily freight rail service, which can also delay traffic. Ridgeview Clinic and Urgent Care is in town, but the closest emergency room is at Buffalo Hospital about 15 miles away. Drivers can reach the Twin Cities and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport within 40 miles.
A walkable town center has local shops and eateries
Downtown Delano is a walkable hub of locally owned restaurants, boutiques and businesses just a few steps away from the Crow River. Dave’s Town Club has a local vibe with kitschy décor and neon signs, and the bar and grill serves up American fare like burgers made with beef from Rieder Meat Market two doors down. The butcher and specialty grocery store has served the area since 1911. Shoppers can stop at stores like The Book Nook, Vintage on Bridge and Market 12, a home goods store. Peppermint Twist Drive-In has been slinging burgers and shakes since 1982 on busy U.S. Highway 12. The seasonal food stand makes everything fresh, so wait times can get long during peak summer hours. Delano also has its fair share of fast food restaurants, a Dollar General and a Coborn’s grocery store.
Delano’s Fourth of July celebration draws thousands
Delano hosts Minnesota’s oldest and largest Fourth of July celebration. “It’s one of the most popular Fourth of July events, dare I say it, in the tri-state area,” Monroe says. The celebration spans four days at Central Park and draws more than 30,000 people each year. Festivities include sports tournaments, live music, carnival rides, a parade and fireworks. Summer is jam-packed with events, like the Concerts in the Park music series, citywide garage sales and the Taste of Delano. Officials are also gearing up for the city’s 150th anniversary in 2026.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
