Community spirit thrives in Litchfield's small-town atmosphere
Litchfield is a small Minnesota city where hard work, hometown pride and friendliness run as deep as the area's agricultural roots. "The community is strong with hardworking, dedicated and down-to-earth people," says Dennis Gartner, a Realtor with Edina Realty. "We're small-town America, so that's what we're all about." The city is home to fewer than 7,000 residents, many of whom are Litchfield-born-and-raised. However, transplants are welcomed into the neighborhood, like Gartner and his wife were when they moved there in 1989. "We were so impressed by how friendly everyone was," he says. "People are very receptive and welcoming of one another, even if they don't know them yet."
Major employers in agriculture, manufacturing and healthcare
Litchfield's growth predominantly came after establishing a train track in 1869, and a rich agricultural history followed. The city still has strong ties to agriculture and related fields through its employers and industry. "There's a lot of corn and beans grown around here in good soil and hardworking people," Gartner says. "Of course, that comes from that background of a farming community, in my opinion. It teaches people how to work hard." First District Association is a milk plant in the city that collects milk from surrounding dairy farms. It's one of the area's largest employers, alongside manufacturers and Meeker Memorial Hospital. Litchfield is the seat of Meeker County, and the government and school district employ many residents.
Century-old Cape Cods to new custom builds around the lake and golf course
Houses are mostly on city blocks, with a few neighborhoods removed from the gridded streets. Cape Cods, bungalows and cottages near the city's downtown sell between $120,000 and $240,000. Victorians, Colonial Revivals, new traditional and split-level homes from later decades range from $260,0000 to $500,000. "The area's newest homes are around the golf course, and in terms of new development, most of what happens around here is a custom build for a specific person," Gartner says. Homes along the lake do not go on the market often and have a higher estimated value, some as high as $800,000.
A multi-day, outdoor festival that celebrates the community
Baseball diamonds, football fields and ice-skating rinks – both indoor and outdoor – are around the city's middle and high school. While the fields are used by high school and middle school sports teams, especially the practicing marching band, they are open to the public for recreation. Lake Ripley has parks and campgrounds around it, where Litchfield Watercade occurs. The multi-day festival happens the weekend after the Fourth of July and celebrates the lake, the city, and its people. "There's a parade, food vendors, craft vendors, a fireworks show and a crowning of Miss Litchfield," Gartner says. "My daughter happened to have that honor and was crowned in 2011 and 2012."
School programs promote social engagement
Litchfield Public School District serves all of Litchfield and most of Meeker County. Children begin learning at Lake Ripley Elementary School, rated B by Niche. Litchfield Middle School and Litchfield High School are rated B-plus and share one building. "The Litchfield marching band is a big deal in this area, and they'll travel and take trips to compete and perform," Gartner says. The band is one of many that perform at local events like Watercade.
Historic buildings house specialty shops and local diners
Litchfield Commercial Historic District is a business district with nearly 40 historic buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the historic buildings are now home to specialty shops, local diners and cafés along North Sibley Avenue and East Depot Street. Family Fare Supermarket and Walmart Supercenter are in the city, and more extensive retail options are south in Hutchinson and north in St. Cloud.
Small and big Minnesota cities within a reasonable drive
The city is at the intersection of U.S. Route 12 and Minnesota State Highway 22. Minneapolis is about 65 miles east, and Minneapolis Saint Paul International Airport is 75 miles east. Wilmar and Hutchinson are nearby small cities, and St. Cloud is slightly farther away. "We have everything we need here, but we're close enough to larger venues, too," Gartner says.
Historic Litchfield attractions
Many buildings and locations in the city are on the National Register of Historic Places, including a few related to the Civil War, defunct businesses, religious organizations and schools. The Litchfield Opera House hosts musical performances, stage plays and lectures, which are well-attended by the community.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
