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.”
Historic downtown Delano has quaint shopping boutiques and restaurants.
Delano Intermediate School serves grades 4-6 with an outstanding overall 'A-' grade from Niche.
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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.
Delano Elementary School is ranked second best public elementary school in Wright County.
Ranked second best public high school in Wright County, Delano Senior High School enrolls nearly 1,200 students.
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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.
As more land becomes available, new home builds with custom floor plans and large lots are common in Delano.
Traditional home styles, such as Queen Anne, can be found closer to downtown Delano.
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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.
Delano's Central Park is an expansive city park with playground, baseball fields, and a splash pad.
Just north of Delano, Lake Rebecca Park Reserve has a public swimming beach, boat launch, and walking trails.
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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.
Rieder Meat Market is a family-owned butcher shop in downtown Delano.
Coborn's Marketplace is Delano's local grocery option.
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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.
The City of Delano is noted for the state's largest Fourth of July celebration.
Delano's expansive Central Park grounds holds the annual Fourth of July celebration.
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Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Karels
Video By
Matt Pangman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lynn Chheang,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Delano, MN sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Delano, MN over the last 12 months is $450,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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**Ask how you can receive a 4.25% Conventional 7/6 ARM or 3.875% Government 5/1 ARM PLUS up to $5000 in closing costs on this home!** Quick Move In!! Welcome to this beautiful home that features the Elm floorplan. The three-car garage is just the start as you walk into the open main floor. This home has a large kitchen that is centered around a large island that has room for seating. The kitchen
Welcome to this beautifully designed new construction home by JP Brooks Builders. Builder offering flex cash incentive with preferred lender to help with rate buydown and/or closing costs! See Sales Consultant for details! *Under construction, Completion date end of August 2026*This exciting new two story Hillcrest home features: Four bedrooms on the upper level, including a private Primary
Welcome to 942 Crossings Way in Delano! This move-in-ready townhome offers comfortable, low-maintenance living in a convenient location near Delano schools, parks, trails, and shopping amenities. Inside, you’ll appreciate the fresh paint, updated flooring, and bright open-concept main level designed for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, abundant
Make your new home in the Louisville, a thoughtfully designed four-bedroom home with luxury features located at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota. There are four attractive exterior elevations that come in multiple color packages for stunning curb appeal. Walking into the main level, the space is open between the kitchen, dining room and family room. The kitchen has beautiful features such as a tiled
New to Drake Homes family of floor plans, we introduce the "Sutton". The Sutton was thoughtfully designed for today's homebuyer in mind. Main level consists of a spacious great room, kitchen with walk-in pantry and center island, a 1/2 bath and mud area with walk-in coat/shoe closet. Upper level has 3 bedrooms, including a private primary suite with 3/4 bath and walk-in closet, 2 additional
Affordable 4 bedroom, 3 bath home features kitchen with stainless steel appliances & tile backsplash, vaulted ceiling and new carpet throughout the main level. Primary suite includes a private 3⁄4 bath & walk-in closet. Finished lower level includes a spacious great room and a large 4th bedroom with an additional walk-in closet AND an electric fireplace. Newer roof and siding, nicely landscaped
The Windsor 4-level by Drake Construction Inc offers 3 bedrooms on one level, 3 baths including a 3/4 private primary, a full upper level and an optional 1/2 on the main. Optional front facing kitchen with a massive peninsula bar. Tons of kitchen workspace. Corner pantry offers great storage. Fantastic front entry with a closet, convenient locker system providing great storage solutions and a
Introducing the Elm, a thoughtfully designed five-bedroom new home with luxury features located at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota. There are four attractive exterior elevations that come in multiple color packages to keep the neighborhood appealing. This home is on a beautiful lot with an open backyard and easy access to trails. Boasting a main level bedroom and 3/4 bath, this floor plan provides
Affordable, carefree living in this 2 bedroom townhome. Perfectly located near schools, and within walking distance to downtown amenities, many restaurants and shopping. Easy access to highway 12. Open floorplan and expansive vaulted ceiling. All new flooring on main level, upgraded solid wood, paneled doors and updated lighting. New microwave and range and newer refrigerator and dishwasher.
A new 5 bedroom home is for sale at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota with added features throughout the home such as hard flooring in the main level, gorgeous red exterior package and an irrigation system to help keep your lawn the best in the neighborhood. Boasting a main level bedroom and 3/4 bath, this floor plan provides versatility and comfort for residents or guests. The heart of the home is
One-level living at its finest is available in The Harmony, a new home offered at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota. Ranch-style enthusiasts will relish at the plan’s choices of four charming exterior elevations that include a front porch (per plan). Plus multiple exterior color packages to fit your style! 955 Greenlawn Ave W features our white interior color package, perfect for making the home feel
Make your new home in the Louisville, a thoughtfully designed four-bedroom home with luxury features located at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota. There are four attractive exterior elevations that come in multiple color packages for stunning curb appeal. This home features our white interior package, great for making the home feel extra light and bright. Walking into the main level, the space is
Find your new home in The Sienna, a charming two-story single-family floor plan available at Greywood in Delano, Minnesota. Four front elevations with multiple options of colors are available for the Sienna. This home features our white interior design package, perfect to make the space feel light and bright! Irrigation is included to help keep yard upkeep easier! The Sienna has an open concept
**** MODEL HOME NOT FOR SALE****Introducing another new construction opportunity from D.R. Horton, America’s Builder. Introducing The Elm from DR Horton at Greywood in Delano! Smart and thoroughly designed is this gorgeous 2-story home. The layout also features an open main level including a stunning kitchen, w/ white cabinets, cozy family room, plus a dining. Fifth bedroom with 3/4 bath on
Your new home awaits you at River Walk Apartments.Located right on the Crow River just a few blocks from Downtown Delano and 30 minutes to downtown Minneapolis on recently updated Hwy 12. All brick building with high quality 1970's construction. Building features all new common areas, laundry centers on each floor, storage locker included with rent, assigned off-street parking, on-site
Available Now: Welcome to 982 Crossing Way, Delano 55328 – where charm meets modern comfort! Located in a serene neighborhood, this 2-bed, 2-bath home with 1,172 sq ft of living space offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience. Step inside to discover a spacious layout featuring a modern kitchen, cozy living room, and freshly updated bathrooms. Built in 2005, this home boasts
Beautiful middle unit Town home in a great location of Delano MN. Open floor plan with vaulted ceiling. Large Living room. New floors throughout. Sit back and relax out on the back patio with a peaceful setting. 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom handicap accessible unit. Give us a call today for questions or concerns and let set up a showing.Amenities 2 bedroom 1.0 bath
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