$186,088Average Value$102Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes 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?
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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 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Granite Falls, MN over the last 12 months is $175,000, down 1% 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 low traffic. One of the last lots on Fromm Circle.
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
3 BR 2 Bath Ranch Home. Lower-level walkout to spacious back yard. Hardwood floors on main level. Lots of lower-level storage. 1.5 car 12' x 37'attached garage.
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
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
Looking for the perfect 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with room to build equity? Ideally located within walking distance to the school, downtown, and the hospital, this home offers both comfort and convenience. Walk up to the inviting front porch – the perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors from spring to fall. This home offers a cozy, “feels like home” feeling the minute you walk the door with
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
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 to this beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath rambler located right across from the MinnWest College Campus. The home offers a warm and inviting feel with a comfortable layout, great living space, and several major updates already completed. Recent improvements include a new roof (2025), brand-new flooring (2026), new kitchen appliances (2026), updated toilets throughout the home, and new downspout,
"Once upon a time" best describes the storybook feel of this lovely 3 bedroom/2 bath home with finished basement, two detached garages, covered patio and front & back alley entrances; double hung windows, steel siding, and asphalt shingles. The main floor offers a fantastic kitchen with great counter space and beautiful vinyl tiled flooring, open living room with bay window and front door,
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
Nice 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Home with 1 Car Attached Garage. Home has all new flooring, large Living Room space, Dining Room that opens up to a 4 Season Porch to enjoy all year round. Kitchen has plenty of countertop for prep area and Cabinets for storage. The basement has laundry hookups, and connections for a bathroom. Backyard features a concrete patio, storage shed and full privacy fence!
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Main Floor Living offering comfort in this beautiful, well maintained four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home featuring main floor living. The spacious primary bedroom includes a private ensuite with full bath and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, another full bathroom and a 1⁄2 bathroom are also located on the main floor. Laundry room located just off the garage includes a pocket door
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Henry Hills Apartments, designed for seniors aged 62 and older, is conveniently situated within walking distance of downtown Granite Falls, MN. Our property offers spacious 1-bedroom apartments, complete with an elevator and onsite laundry facilities. Enjoy attractive views, proximity to grocery stores, and easy access to nearby highways. Rent rates are based on income for households that
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