$183,550Average Value$108Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Residents return to Granite Falls for the small-town community feel
Granite Falls is a small city and the county seat of Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. Fewer than 3,000 residents live in the area, which was named after granite rock deposits and small waterfalls in the nearby Minnesota River. Though the city's population is slowly shrinking, it's not uncommon for residents born and raised in the area to move back after a time away. "A lot of it has to do with the small-town community feel," says Brad Peterson, Granite Creek council member at large. "People move back here from the Twin Cities because they want to live in a less busy area, and they want their kids to grow up in a small town with small schools." Granite Falls also has a quaint downtown area and ample outdoor recreation.
Granite Falls ranch homes range from $160K to $290K in quiet, family-friendly areas.
Waterfalls along the Minnesota River add natural beauty to Granite Falls outdoor spaces.
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Housing options in a close-knit, bike-friendly community
Most of the area's homes are on gridded streets with wide roads. Tall trees line the sidewalks, shading them for a nice bike ride or stroll. "You can let the kids ride their bikes around town and not have to worry about them," Peterson says. "Everyone knows one another and looks out for each other." Workers' cottages, Cape Cods, bungalows and other early-20th-century designs on the gridded streets range from $50,000 to $150,000. Larger houses, like ranch-style homes, Colonial Revivals and split-levels, range from $160,000 to $290,000.
Granite Falls bungalow homes offer charm and affordability.
Ranch-style homes in Granite Falls offer single-level living with prices up to $290K.
Workers’ cottages in Granite Falls provide historic character.
Granite Falls homes often feature spacious yards and classic Midwestern designs.
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Small class sizes and a shared campus for three schools
Yellow Medicine East School District serves the city, which has fewer than 700 students, according to the district website. "There are probably only 40 to 50 kids per grade in the city, and class sizes are small," Peterson says. Children begin learning at Bert Raney Elementary School, rated B-minus by Niche. Yellow Medicine East Middle School is rated C-plus, and Yellow Medicine East High School is rated B-minus. The three schools share one campus, with the elementary school in a separate building from the middle and high schools.
Yellow Medicine East High School shares a campus with the middle school in Granite Falls.
Yellow Medicine East Middle School offers small class sizes on Granite Falls’ shared campus.
Yellow Medicine East High School serves Granite Falls students with strong academics.
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Indoor and outdoor facilities for sports and recreation
Rice Park and River's Edge Disc Golf Course are along the Minnesota River, across from the little downtown area via a pedestrian bridge. "The park's new playground is one of only eight of its kind in the country," Peterson says. "It's handicap accessible, and there are three 30-foot towers." Some flooding occurs around the Minnesota River, but homes are out of the flood plains. Kilowatt Community Center has an indoor pool, fitness rooms and an indoor track. There are also outdoor tennis courts and a field for soccer and football in the middle of a rubberized track.
Rice Park in Granite Falls offers playgrounds and riverfront views for family outings.
Kilowatt Community Center provides Granite Falls residents with year-round recreation.
River’s Edge Disc Golf Course in Granite Falls is a popular spot for outdoor fun.
Kilowatt Community Center in Granite Falls features an indoor pool and fitness facilities.
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Quirky shops and everyday necessities downtown
Prentice Street is the city's main downtown area with restaurants and specialty shops. "We have pretty much everything you need here, including a nice grocery store," Peterson says. "Sometimes you need to go to Walmart in Montevideo for something specific, but Granite Falls has all the necessities." Carl's Bakery is a local shop famous in the surrounding area, serving many bread flavors and over 20 types of doughnuts. "Whenever people say they're going to Granite Falls, their friends will ask them to bring back some doughnuts," Peterson says. Another downtown highlight is the Granite Falls Popcorn Stand, which the local Kiwanis organization runs. Open only in the evenings, the stand donates all profits to fund children's activities in the town. It first opened in the early 1920s.
Carl’s Bakery entrance welcomes visitors to a Granite Falls tradition of sweet treats.
The Granite Falls Popcorn Stand donates profits to children’s programs through Kiwanis.
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Rodeos and family friendly activities
Western Fest is an annual event held in the third week of June. Large crowds attend the rodeos, which feature contestants from all over the country. On the day before the first rodeo, there are events and activities downtown, including face painting, a fishing contest, an open mic night, line dancing classes and a kiddie parade.
The rural community is a far drive from any big city
U.S. Route 212 and Minnesota highways 67 and 23 meet in Granite Falls. Route 212 leads about 130 miles to Minneapolis, where the nearest international airport is located. Municipal Hospital & Granite Manor and related clinics and doctors' offices are in the city. Martin Mariette – Yellow Medicine Quarry is another local employer, as are machining and manufacturing industries along the railroad. The area's train track is still operative as part of a short freight line between Hopkins and Appleton.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Adam Barkley
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sherry Mathiowetz,
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.
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On average, homes in Granite Falls, MN sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Granite Falls, MN over the last 12 months is $170,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Shovel ready lot with mature trees at edge of Southwest side of property. Great location on a road with less traffic. Home next door is for sale, same owner - gives you the option to remodel a home and build a larger garage on this lot.
Prime location with Hwy frontage! Just under an acre with street access on 2 sides of the property. Shovel ready! Perfect place for a business! Granite Falls is a busy town with several large events throughout the year. It is a town with great tourism, rodeos all summer, several large manufacturing companies, a casino, hospital and schools. Hwy 212 is a main corridor hwy from the Twin Cities to
Home with character, beautiful wood floors and silhouette shades in dining & living room. Bright sunny breakfast nook that overlooks the back yard. Big front entry could be used as an office space. Stainless steel appliances, both main floor laundry and a basement laundry room. Bathroom shower is tiled and has a grab bar. Home has newer vinyl windows and has been well taken care of. The basement
Great location for a business with 200 ft of Hwy Frontage. Shovel ready, water, sewer, natural gas & electricity on site. 2 entrances tarred and cemented, with a tarred parking lot. Great traffic count of over 7000 cars daily with both Hwy 212 & 23 on that stretch of town. Granite Falls is a beautiful town with industry, tourism and hospitality services. Prairie Edge Casino is south of town, Lee
An opportunity to own an investment property, fairly well taken care of, West unit has been freshly painted, new side door, some new subflooring and small repairs. It has new vinyl flooring and carpet. East unit has newer flooring, new front gutters, updated appliances, new water heater. Duplex sits on large lot with mature trees and comes with a 2nd lot that is 158x110 . Vacant lot can be sold
This cozy Bungalow style home welcomes you with a nice foyer with closet, large living room/dining room, three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, nice kitchen and back entryway on the main floor. The home is located in a convenient location being close to the school, hospital and downtown. Inside you will find a well designed and welcoming layout that provides comfortable living spaces, perfect for families,
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Thoughtfully updated, this home blends classic charm with modern improvements. The very spacious living and dining rooms feature new, modern flooring, a gas fireplace, cove ceilings, and built-ins, flowing into an eat-in kitchen with refreshed cabinets, updated counters & sink. The pantry provides good storage. Natural light streams through corner windows, brightening the room. A sun porch
Welcome home to this beautifully updated three-bedroom rambler offering over 2,500 finished square feet of comfortable living space! A spacious addition on both levels creates an open, versatile layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining alike.Enjoy the durability and modern appeal of newly installed luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout both levels, complemented by fresh, neutral
Welcome to easy living in this well-designed slab-on-grade twin home featuring 2 spacious bedrooms and one 3⁄4 bathroom. The open floor plan offers a bright and inviting layout perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The modern kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, a convenient center island, and plenty of workspace.Enjoy the comfort of a finished, insulated & heated 2-car
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Welcome home to this well-maintained four-level home with 3-bedrooms, 2-baths, with a 2-car detached garage. Current owner has made numerous updates to the property including: Water Heater 2/2026, Dishwasher 1/2026, Furnace & A/C 2025, Refrigerator 2025, Washer & Dryer 2025, Generac Generator, Seamless Gutters, Underground Downspouts, Kitchen Backsplash, Vinyl Plank Flooring in the Kitchen &
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Set on just over 5 acres just outside of Granite Falls, MN this traditional home is awaiting its new owner to call it home. Let your creativeness flow and imagine the potential. The main floor has a large open kitchen/dining area, plus a formal dining area and large living room. There is also a den that could be used as an office or a bedroom if doors were added. The upper level has a full
NEW CONSTRUCTION – RECENTLY COMPLETED! This stunning newly built home offers true main-floor living meaning No Steps on the property inside or outside of the home. The seller has put thoughtful custom design details everywhere you look! Featuring tall nine and a half foot ceilings to create an open and spacious feel, gorgeous custom-built maple cabinetry, rich trim, quartz kitchen countertops and
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
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