Jackson has a thriving manufacturing industry
Jackson is a city of around 3,200 people along the Des Moines River. With a northern half dominated mainly by industrial facilities, many homeowners come to the area for work and take advantage of local amenities with their families. “For such a small town, we have an incredible amount of manufacturing with companies like AGCO,” says Dave Schmidt, former economic developer for the city. “But there’s also a lot of nature. We’ve got a great river, lots of parks and plenty of activities in the summer.”
20th-century homes are on the west side of the Des Moines River
Residential streets are lined with well-worn sidewalks and shade trees. Lots are rarely more than a quarter-acre, and backyards frequently have sheds and other outbuildings. Driveways are typical of the area, cutting down on street parking. Turn-of-the-20th-century Cape Cods are on the west side of the Des Moines River. The newest homes are on the east side of the river, consisting of split-levels and ranch-style houses built in the 1970s. Both sides of the river are filled with midcentury designs. The median price for a single-family home is around $180,000, significantly less than the national median price of around $400,000.
Jackson Senior High School's football team won a championship in 2024
The area is served by Jackson County Central Schools, which has a B-minus grade from Niche. Jackson County Central Senior High School’s football team won the championship for their division in 2024. “We have a very strong athletics program,” says Schmidt, the Jackson Center for the Arts treasurer. “And our theater, speech and robotics programs usually make it into regional competitions.” Minnesota West Community and Technical College has a Jackson campus that offers cosmetology, welding, and information technology programs.
Jackson Motorplex hosts stock car races
Jackson has 13 parks and recreational facilities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, a skate park and several green spaces. Zimmerli Park is the home of a community garden, while Albertus Field has two baseball fields. With room for 7,500 racing fans, the Jackson Motorplex has hosted local and national-level motor races since 1954. In addition to classes, live performances and a rotating collection of art exhibits, The Jackson Center for the Arts has a farmers and makers market from May until September.
Bob and Ellen's serves coffee and cocktails
Fiesta Brava serves classic Mexican dishes, beer, wine and pitchers of margaritas. The indecisive can order the “Little of Everything,” which includes five popular entrees and a side of rice and beans. Bob and Ellen’s combines the morning grind of a coffee shop with the lunchtime specialties of a café. In addition to a variety of coffee drinks and smoothies, this regional chain offers burgers, cocktails and pizza. Chain restaurants and services cluster in the northern section of the city off Interstate 90, and Sunshine Foods is available for groceries.
Jackson Days starts with a downtown parade
Every August, Jackson Days begins the festivities on a Friday with a downtown parade, car show and auto races. The celebration continues on Saturday with a block party that includes local food, live music and dancing in the streets. The Rhythm of the River Music Festival attracts thousands every year for two days of live music, including country, funk and prog rock. The last weekend of November brings Holiday Fest, which rings in the season with vendors, pictures with Santa and fireworks.
Sanford Jackson Medical Center is a central healthcare facility
Interstate 80 and U.S. Route 71 are the area’s main highways. Sanford Jackson Medical Center has family services and emergency facilities.