Czech heritage and small-town spirit shine in Montgomery
Montgomery is a rural town south of the Twin Cities that’s steeped in Czech American heritage. It proudly calls itself the “Kolacky Capital of the World,” a reference to the popular Czech pastry. The town has an old-fashioned town center with historical brick buildings, vintage signage and a handful of shops and restaurants. “It’s got a small-town vibe. The downtown area is only a few blocks, but it’s filled with family shops, cafes and restaurants," says Sam Krech, a librarian at the Montgomery Public Library. "It’s really a lively place.” Every July, the town comes together for Kolacky Days — a cultural festival that features a bike parade, bun-eating races, live music and Czech dancing.
Coffee, craft beer and Czech pastries in a walkable downtown district
Montgomery may be small, but it has a well-established, vibrant downtown district based around First Street. Locally owned shops like Next Chapter Book Store and Posy Pantry flower shop sit next to beloved eateries, bars and coffee shops. Locals stop off at Franke’s Bakery for Czech pastries, cookies and donuts, or head to LaNette’s Coffee Shop for espresso drinks. Dining options include craft beer from Montgomery Brewery, wood-fired pies from Pizzeria 201 and Mexican classics at Taco Terco. Pla Mor Lanes is the local bowling alley, while drinks and pub fare can be found at White Front Saloon or Happy Hour Bar. Mike's Discount Foods is a local option for groceries, and the nearest major grocery chain is about 8 miles away in New Prague.
Montgomery homes range from vintage charm to modern builds
Montgomery offers a mix of housing options, including many well-kept vintage homes that date back to the early and mid-20th century. Ranch-style homes, ramblers, Traditional homes and cottages are all found here. Newer subdivisions, typically near the town’s edges, feature spacious, modern builds from the past 30 years. Prices range from around $150,000 to $600,000, with older homes and fixer-uppers selling for less, and brand-new homes taking top dollar. Streets throughout the community are quiet and free of through-traffic, creating a walkable environment.
Parks, trails and lakes offer year-round outdoor fun
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy — the town has around 80 acres of green space spread across five community parks. “There are little parks all over town. And then, outside of town, there’s a ton of lakes and state parks,” Krech says. Northside Park has ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and a playground. North Ridge Recreation Area is the city’s largest and newest park, offering 56 acres with a 2-mile trail for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. There are also plenty of nearby lakes, rivers and hiking trails. McCullough Park on Shields Lake offers boating, fishing, birdwatching and camping amid the forests that overlook the water. Golfers can tee up at Montgomery National Golf Club, a music-themed public golf course where the clubhouse is decorated with Beatles memorabilia and one of the sand traps was built in the shape of a guitar.
Public and private schools serve students from pre-K to high school
Students can start their education close to home at Tri-City United Montgomery PreK-8, which serves elementary and middle school students. It gets a C-plus rating from Niche. The last four years can be spent at Tri-City United High School, which earns a B rating. The high school underwent a major renovation in 2018 that replaced the roof, improved the air conditioning, upgraded the auditorium and added brand-new classrooms. For an alternative, there’s Most Holy Redeemer School, a private Catholic school serving elementary and middle school students.
Montgomery is about an hour from Minneapolis and MSP Airport
Faribault, the nearest large town to Montgomery, is about 20 miles away. It’s about 55 miles to downtown Minneapolis, or about a one-hour drive. Residents will need a vehicle to get around because there is no bus service in town. The nearest major medical center, Mayo Clinic Health System Mankato, is about 40 miles south in the city of Mankato. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is 50 miles north of Montgomery.
