$267,243Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft10Homes For Sale
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.”
The Lake Crystal area includes early 2000s builds in Lily Lake Estates subdivision alongside historic homes, providing diverse housing options for various preferences and budgets.
Lake Crystal's housing market combines historic charm with modern convenience, where farmhouses and ranch homes create diverse neighborhoods that appeal to various lifestyle preferences and income levels.
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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.
Homes in Lake Crystal range from $125,000 to $445,000, with prices increasing based on square footage, lot size, and modern upgrades in this established rural community.
Lake Crystal properties along the namesake lake offer private shoreline access and docks, creating premium waterfront living opportunities within the community's housing market.
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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.
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Secondary ranks 133rd within Minnesota with strong reading proficiency at 76% and science at 66%, serving as the sole high school in the district.
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Elementary demonstrates outstanding academic achievement with math proficiency rates that exceed state averages while serving 31% economically disadvantaged students.
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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.
The Jones Park equestrian arena provides unique riding opportunities in Lake Crystal, alongside traditional recreation facilities like baseball, basketball, and sand volleyball courts.
Kayaking on Lake Crystal provides peaceful water recreation where paddlers explore calm waters, enjoy scenic shoreline views, and access the lake through convenient public boat launches.
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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.
Lakes Sports Bar and Grill serves Lake Crystal with hearty burgers and sandwiches in a casual atmosphere where locals gather to enjoy good food and watch sports together.
Kevins Market provides Lake Crystal with convenient grocery shopping, fresh produce, and everyday essentials in a locally-owned neighborhood store setting.
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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
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Lake Crystal, MN sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Lake Crystal, MN over the last 12 months is $244,250, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home in the heart of Lake Crystal. Offering a bright and inviting layout, this property features spacious living areas, comfortable bedrooms, and plenty of natural light throughout. The kitchen provides ample cabinet space and a functional design, perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Step outside to enjoy the generous yard, ideal for
Welcome to this 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhome featuring an inviting open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, granite countertops, and a cozy gas fireplace in the living room. Convenient main-floor laundry. A sliding glass door leads to a private patio area—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The spacious primary suite offers a walk-in closet and a private bathroom complete with a double-sink vanity
149.35 acres, m/l, located approximately 10 miles north of Lake Crystal, Minnesota on the south side of 227th St. This gently sloping farm has 145.27 FSA/Eff. crop acres with a CPI of 83.80. This property has tile and is part of J.D. 36 & C.D. 47.
1 Bed Unit Available Sept 1, 2025 in Lake Crystal! 2nd floor living. $850 monthly rent/$950 deposit. Utilities included are water, sewer, trash and HEAT in the 1 bed. Located in Lake Crystal MN which is 15 miles from Mankato on Hwy 60. Unit coming in Sept is at Building 3 at 321 W Bert St. A garage MAY come available for an additional monthly cost if interested.Onsite
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