The small town of Mora is a gateway to Minnesota lake country
A small town of 4,000 people, Mora is located about 70 miles north of the Twin Cities, beyond the metro area’s ring of suburbs and exurbs. “It’s a pretty rural community,” says Benjamin Mattson, owner of the Clients for Life Group of Keller Williams, who has worked in the area for about a decade. “There are a lot of farms and not a ton of industry. But it does feel like a smaller, older town with a traditional main street.” Despite its small scale, Mora hosts a few large-scale events, like a cross-country skiing race, while also serving as a gateway to the lakes of northern Minnesota.
Early 20th-century homes and newer subdivisions
Homes from the early to mid-20th century line the tree-shaded residential streets near downtown. Cottages, ranch-style and half-story homes tend to sell from $90,000 to $300,000, depending on renovation status and size. Newer subdivisions, some of them near Mora Lake or the Snake River, feature New Traditional architecture and go for $200,000 to $400,000.
Cross-country skiing and other competitions throughout the year
The Vasaloppet USA cross-country skiing competition, modeled after the Swedish race of the same name, is held every February in Mora. “It’s huge,” Mattson says. “It draws people from all over the world.” Throughout the rest of the year, the organization also puts on canoe races, a half-marathon and a biking tour. The Kanabec County Fair runs each July at the Mora Civic Center. The event includes a parade, a beer garden and a fairground carnival.
The gateway to northern Minnesota's lake country
Mora’s proximity to northern Minnesota lakes is a major selling point, especially in summer. Mille Lacs Lake, the state’s second-largest lake, is 25 miles north. “The population gets away to cottages or cabins in the lake country,” Mattson says. “Mora is probably one of the access points to the lake country.” The Mora Civic Center is home to many of the city’s recreation offerings, including the Mora Aquatic Center. The facility has two pools and three waterslides open over the summer. The indoor Mora Ice Arena is adjacent to the aquatic center and is home to hockey and open skating. Mora Lions Park, also at the Civic Center, features a large, castle-themed playground. The Welia Center, located at Mora High, is a gym and wellness facility that is open for community memberships.
Education in the Mora Public Schools district
The Mora Public Schools system serves the community and receives a B overall grade from Niche. Students attend kindergarten through sixth grade at Mora Elementary, which receives a B-plus rating. Mora High, rated B, teaches seventh through 12th grade. The school offers career education programs in business, automotive technology and agriculture.
Local businesses on Union Street in downtown Mora
Small shops and local restaurants line Union Street in downtown Mora. Crystal Bar and Grill is a staple with a wood-paneled interior, classic burgers and cheap drinks, while El Jalisco Grill and Bar serves traditional Mexican fare. Fast-food spots and stores like Family Dollar and O’Reilly Auto Parts are located around Minnesota Highway 65. Coborn’s Grocery Store is in the area, too.
Twin Cities 70 miles away, but most residents work in the community
Highway 65 is the main route through Mora, running roughly 70 miles south to the Twin Cities. The nearest commercial flights are at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, closer to 80 miles away. Most residents work in and around Mora, rather than commuting. “It’s probably two or three rings past the suburbs,” Mattson says. “It’s a good hour and a half away from the Twin Cities. Up here, it’s considered a long, long way.” The downtown area is fairly walkable, and the Timber Trails Public Transit system serves the area with a demand-response bus system. The Welia Health hospital is in the center of town.
