Lakeside living and a close-knit community in Lake Crystal
Picturesque lakes and a quaint downtown lie among thousands of acres of open space and farmland in Lake Crystal. Around 15 miles outside of Mankato, the small city has a rural atmosphere and a close-knit community, with a few staple downtown storefronts dating back to the early 20th century. The area has four lakes, with public boat launches, fishing piers and private docks lining the shores. “We have a really friendly and welcoming community here,” says Jackie Graham, a Realtor with True Real Estate who was born and raised in Lake Crystal. “It’s a small town where people come together in hard times to lift each other up. Usually, when people move here, they decide to stay for the long run. We also have a large community of farmers, cause it's a big area for agriculture.”
Century-old homes and private water access
Lake Crystal’s housing market is comprised of farmhouses, craftsman-style bungalows, Victorian revivals and ranch-style homes. Most houses were built between the late 1800s and the 1970s, with some early 2000s builds in the Lily Lake Estates subdivision. Houses along the community’s namesake lake offer private shoreline access and docks. Most homes sit close together on lots of a quarter acre or less, with some more spacious properties on the north side of town. Homes range from $125,000 to $445,000, and prices increase with square footage, lot size and modern upgrades.
Career and technical education and dual enrollment courses
Local students may attend Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary School, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche. Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Secondary School serves sixth through 12th-grade students and receives a B. Students can take career and technical education courses in agriculture, family and consumer sciences and business education, and can earn college credit by taking dual enrollment courses through Southwest Minnesota State University. Additionally, the secondary school has a graduation rate of 97.5%, which is significantly higher than the national average.
Kayaking and fishing on Crystal and Loon lakes
There are public boat rams on Loon Lake, Mills Lake and Crystal, and many locals own kayaks or paddle boards. Crystal and Loon lakes are popular fishing spots for bass, panfish and pike, with a popular fishing pier in Robinson Park. The park also offers a playground, picnic tables and paved walking paths. On the south side of town, Jones Park has facilities for baseball, basketball and sand volleyball, along with an enclosed dog park and an equestrian arena. The Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center has an indoor pool, a gymnasium, an indoor walking track and a fitness center. The recreation center also hosts regular community programs, from pickleball games to kids' swimming lessons.
Summertime events in Lake Crystal
Every Summer, Marston Park hosts Lake Days, the town’s annual community celebration, complete with kids’ games, turtle racing, a beer garden and the Battle of the Bands competition. “On Thursdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, we have the weekly Cruz’IN,” Graham says. “It’s a parade of classic cars that roll through town.”
Downtown staples and more shopping Mankato
Historic brick storefronts line Main Street, with a small selection of local businesses. Lake Crystal G.R.A.C.E. Thrift Store sells used books, clothes, jewelry and decor. Across the street, Infusion Baking Co & Cafe offers coffee, pastries, cake and more. The Lakes Sports Bar & Grill is known for their chicken wings and pizza, which can be enjoyed alongside a draft beer or cocktail. “It serves as our local watering hole,” says Graham. “The food is great, and they have occasional live music.” For groceries, shoppers can stop by Kevin’s Market or take the 15-mile drive to Cub Foods in Mankato. Downtown Mankato has a larger selection of shops and restaurants and is home to major employers like the Taylor Corporation, Mayo Clinic Health Systems and Minnesota State University.
Access to downtown Mankato
Minnesota state Highway 60 can take drivers 16 miles directly to downtown Mankato. The nearest airport offering commercial flights is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International, located around 90 miles north.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
