$184,455Average Value$107Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes 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 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Granite Falls, MN over the last 12 months is $175,500, down 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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
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.
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
Welcome to this beautiful well maintained 3 bed, 2 bath rambler. This home offers a warm and inviting feel with a great living space, spacious kitchen and several major updates already completed. Recent improvements include a new roof (2025), New gutters, brand-new flooring (2026), new kitchen appliances (2026), and new toilets throughout the home, making the home truly move-in ready. The lower
Just steps from the river, this charming American Foursquare blends timeless character with thoughtful updates—an inviting opportunity for a first-time homebuyer or anyone looking for comfort, style, and a memorable view. Recent improvements include newer windows, shingles, and siding, along with beautifully refinished hardwood floors, updated lighting, a refreshed kitchen, updated carpet, and
Country Living on 12.02 Acres with Exceptional Outbuildings! Discover the perfect blend of country charm and functionality on this beautiful 12.02-acre hobby farm. Whether you're raising livestock, running a small farming operation, or simply looking for room to spread out, this property offers everything you need providing comfortable living with scenic countryside views. The home features main
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
Enjoy peaceful country living on this well-maintained 5.08-acre hobby farm featuring a spacious 3-bedrooms, 2-bath home with an attached 2-car garage and a large machine shed. Main floor bedroom has laundry in it (Laundry could be moved).This move-in-ready property has seen numerous updates, including a newer septic system, furnace, central air conditioning in 2022, shingles on the house 2024,
Kelly KrugerWeichert REALTORS Tower Properties - Granite Falls
"There's so much more beyond the front door!" From the moment you arrive, one can feel the luxury and ease of this beautiful one level, 2 bedroom townhome that was newly built in 2018. You know you are home, when you turn into the fully cemented driveway, push the garage door opener to rise, and drive into your heated & insulated garage with private entrance into your home. Stepping inside you
Great location to build your own home, with front and back alley access, water & sewer access and a single car garage already available to you! There was formerly a home with a basement located on this property. Unfortunately, the home caught fire and burned down. Seller removed the debris of the home and also removed the cement basement. A beautiful front cement driveway and cement pad in the
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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