Hanover’s transformation from agricultural village to booming area
Hanover got its start as a small agricultural village along the bends of the Crow River. However, the town has seen a major influx of residents in the past two decades. Hanover’s population grew by nearly 130% from 2000 to 2016, according to the city’s comprehensive plan, and most of that growth came from families with children. Commuters aren’t far from Interstate 94, the area’s main artery to the Twin Cities metro, and buyers can find a variety of homes with room to breathe. “Hanover is kind of a hidden little treat,” says Mindy Smith, executive director for the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, which covers Hanover. “It’s very rural still but right on the edge of a booming area. They have a lot of green space out there, there’s a lot of farmland, and it’s not like a bustling, huge city — yet.”
Most homes in Hanover were built after 2000
Hanover’s housing stock has increased to meet the demands of a growing population, rising from about 450 units in 2000 to more than 1,000 in 2016. New subdivisions and townhome communities have sprung up to support the growth, and more than 60% of the city’s housing was built after 2000. Still, Hanover’s median price of $450,000 is on par with Saint Michael and Rogers. Attached townhouses can range from $250,000 to $375,000, while detached units can cost between $350,000 and $500,000. Some of the area’s older houses can cost between $300,000 and $450,000, but most homes cost between $400,000 and $600,000. Larger new builds can range from $550,000 and $750,000.
College credit options at Buffalo High School
Kids can attend Buffalo Hanover Montrose Public School District, which receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Students may start at Hanover Elementary School, rated A-minus, before heading to Buffalo Community Middle School, which receives a B-plus. Buffalo High School receives a B and offers 40 dual credit courses, which the district says is more than double what other Wright County school districts offer. More than 80% of students in the class of 2024 graduated with college credit.
Ample recreation on the Crow River
The Crow River meanders through town and is a defining feature of Hanover. The 17-acre Riverside County Park has access to the river for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Crow-Hassan Park Reserve offers more passive green space with trails, campsites, horseback riding and winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding. Many subdivisions and neighborhoods have their own community parks and playgrounds. Settlers Park serves as a central location for youth league sports thanks to the Hanover Athletic Association Complex in the downtown area. Locals can hike and bike on several paved multi-use trails through town. The Crow River Senior Center hosts events, activities and presentations for older residents. There are several lakes in the area for fishing, boating and swimming, including Beebe Lake just a couple of miles outside town.
River Inn and Bore Barbecue attract locals and visitors
“Hanover is definitely known for their great restaurants. Big Bore Barbecue and River Inn are just staples of the community,” Smith says. “People from all the other cities drive to eat there.” River Inn Bar and Grill started as a saloon and pool hall in 1909, but the restaurant’s brick building dates back to 1894. Nowadays, diners enjoy prime rib platters and barbecue ribs at the laid-back establishment. Wood-fired, Texas dry-rubbed meats are on the menu of Big Bore Barbecue, which has live music most weekends during the summer. Locals are excited for the return of The Hilltop, another Hanover staple that opened in August 2025. “The Hilltop has been closed for the past seven or eight years, and a resident from Maple Grove is reopening it. It’s a hot topic in the area,” Smith says. Tom Thumb gas station has essentials and deli items, but residents have to leave town for a proper grocery run. Cub has groceries in St. Michael about 10 minutes away.
Within a 45-minute drive of the Twin Cities
Part of Hanover’s growth stems from its proximity to Interstate 94, the area’s main avenue to the Twin Cities metro area. “They’re close to the highway corridor, and a lot of businesses are expanding outward, and they’re working on expanding highway access,” Smith says. “From Minneapolis it’s probably a 45-minute drive, depending on where you are in Hanover.” Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 40 miles away. The closest emergency room is at Buffalo Hospital about 13 miles away. The historic Hanover Bridge is just south of the downtown area. Built in 1885, the truss bridge crosses the Crow River and is still used by pedestrians today.
Hanover Harvest Festival is an annual tradition
The first Saturday in August is dedicated to the Hanover Harvest Festival, a 20-year tradition jam-packed with events and activities. Families enjoy live music, a car show, a parade and vendors galore. The Hanover Historical Society hosts events like an annual ice cream social and caroling at the Hanover Bridge on the first Friday in December. The Crow River Market brings fresh produce and local goods to the Hanover Elementary School parking lot every Saturday from May through September.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
