Pine Island residents create a supportive community near Rochester
Pine Island is a bustling, small city with a welcoming community about 15 miles from Rochester. “That’s basically our biggest selling point, that we are a nice, small town with great schools near a major Minnesota city,” says Rachel Gray, director of the Van Horn Public Library. Residents are actively involved in the community, joining the bowling league at Trailhead or donating to the local food pantry that is open to everyone. Local religious organizations manage other programs, such as the baby drive for clothes, diapers, and other necessities at the United Methodist Church. “There’s a really, really nice community here,” Gray says. “There’s a lot of different things that try to help our neighbors help ourselves.”
Homes get older as they move closer to the city center
Sidewalks line the streets of Pine Island. Older homes dating back to the late 19th century, including bungalows, ranch styles and Victorian-era houses, are close together with small, grassy lawns toward the city center. As properties move farther out, new traditional builds with Craftsman or colonial influences on larger, manicured lots are common. Many homes have driveways and garages, and there is ample room for street parking. Older single-family houses typically cost $150,000 to $300,000, while newer properties range from $300,000 to $600,000. Some townhouses are in the southern part of the city and can cost $230,000 to $350,000.
Pine Island schools are well-rated by Niche
The city has its own school system, the Pine Island Public School District. Students start at Pine Island Elementary School before attending Pine Island Middle and Secondary School's shared campus. The high school partners with Southwest State University to offer the College Now program, where university professors work with high school teachers to teach college-level courses. All three schools earn a B-plus from Niche.
Residents prefer to shop and dine at local establishments
Locally owned businesses make up most of the small restaurant scene in Pine Island. Trailhead Grill and Lanes is a community favorite that serves American fare and daily specials. The grill is also a popular recreation space, with a bowling alley, pool table and sand volleyball. Agave Tex-Mex is another favorite among locals. “Gee, I love their chimichangas,” Gray says. Yoyo Yummies is a food trailer in the city that specializes in traditional Hmong, Korean and Thai dishes. People get groceries from the independently owned Island Market. “They’re very good about if people are asking for specific things, getting those so people don’t have to go into Rochester,” Gray says. The Pine Island Farmers Market, every Thursday evening from the middle of June to the end of October, sells fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods. For most other shopping, residents head into Rochester, where Walmart, Target, and Home Depot are located.
Recreation options include parks, trails and the library
Trailhead Park is the largest park in the city and marks the start of the Douglas Trail, a 12-and-a-half-mile-long trail along an abandoned railroad that ends in Rochester. At the park, there are horseshoes, open fields and a playground. There is a canoe launch that lets out onto the Zumbro River. Pickleball enjoyers can play outdoors on the courts next to the Cheese Factory, and there is an ice-skating rink. Pine Island Golf Course is a public 18-hole course that spans 140 acres. At the Van Horn Public Library, patrons can enroll in the summer reading program or join one of the many book clubs, including Books and Brews, held at the South x SouthEast Brewing Company. The library’s newest feature is its pollinator garden. “It’s been a lot of fun to see the kids, and even the adults, react to that,” Gray says. “We’re all very excited for things to be blooming.”
U.S. Route 52 leads to the closest hospital and airport
Pine Island is a car-dependent community. U.S. Route 52 is the main thoroughfare and leads directly into Rochester. The closest hospital is Saint Mary’s campus of the Mayo Clinic, about 15 miles away. Rochester International Airport is also a 15-mile drive, although most people travel about 60 miles to Rochester International Airport.
Community comes together for the Pine Island Cheese Festival
The Pine Island Cheese Festival is a longstanding tradition that started in 1936 when cheese factories comprised most of the job market. Attendees can play in pickleball and golf tournaments and go on carnival rides. There is also live music, a beer garden, craft vendors and, of course, a cheese market. Every January, people come together for the Winter Fest, a day-long celebration with ice skating, skiing, sled racing and a chili feed. “It’s just to celebrate the community in the winter,” Gray says.
