Redwood Falls supports its community through its schools and programs
Many Minnesotans know Redwood Falls as the home of the largest municipal park in the state. Locals also know it as a place where they can have a voice in public matters, where schools are at the forefront of community development. “There’s a brand-new elementary school being built. The old school was just outdated, so there was an increased need for special education spaces and more counselors,” says Realtor Andy Regnier with Re/Max Realty Plus. “Instead of trying to update the outdated school, the community voted to put $40 million into building a brand-new school.” The school district also partners with local businesses and the nearby Mdewakanton Tribal Reservation.
Soon-to-open Redwood Valley Elementary School
Redwood Valley Elementary School, which is currently unrated by Niche, will soon replace recently demolished Reede Gray Elementary School. Redwood Valley Middle School receives a B, while Redwood Valley High School receives a B-minus. The new elementary school project is not the first time the city has invested in the school district. About six years ago, high school upgrades included the Orrin S. Estebo Career Development and Training Center, a career and technical education space. “Just like a lot of small towns around the country, employment was declining, and they couldn’t find people to stay and work,” Regnier says. “So the businesses in town, they worked with the school to say, ‘Hey, let’s start training kids in these areas where we need employees.’” The district also partners with the Lower Sioux Indian Community, just east of the city, to bring in Dakota students.
Existing Redwood Falls homes and the new housing project
Trees line Redwood Falls’ residential streets. Front walkways lead from sidewalks to the front steps of Cape Cods, Nationals and ranch-style homes. Homes typically sell for $50,000 to $340,000. However, the city is invested in increased homeownership. “The city of Redwood Falls just bought a development,” Regnier says about the Homes of Reflection Prairie project. “They paid for the infrastructure to have the roads and plumbing and all that brought in. They took the initiative to create more housing — when housing is hard to find — to bring more people to Redwood Falls.” The project is currently projected to offer 20 new lots as well as more multifamily housing options on the city’s southeastern side, between County Road 24 and Minnesota Route 67.
Ramsey Park is Minnesota's largest municipal park
Occupying the northwestern corner of the city, Ramsey Park is the state’s largest municipal park, spanning 256 acres. The Redwood River winds through the park, creating scenic waterfalls and gorges that visitors can view along the 3 miles of trails available here. The zoo here features buffalo, elk and prairie dogs. “It’s got a pretty amazing swayback bridge, and a lot of stuff built in the WPA days back in the Great Depression,” Regnier says. “But it also has a newer water park for the kids.” Right next door is the Redwood Golf Club, an 18-hole course open to the public. The city and the school district share the amenities at Memorial Athletic Complex Park, including the baseball diamond, tennis courts and skate park. Redwood Falls Aquatic Center is also here.
Coffeeshops, ice cream joints and family owned grocery stores
Right downtown, The Golden Rule Coffee House is a new coffee shop. The exposed brick walls and mixed-matched couches and plants create a homey feel where people can enjoy coffee and pastries. Dari King is just a small shack with a yellow sign and some picnic tables outside known for its ice cream sundaes and shakes. It also serves burgers and adds chili and comfort food to the menu in the winter. For Mexican, locals head to Plaza Garibaldi. Tersteeg’s is a local grocery store that’s been in the city since 1936 and is still owned by the Tersteeg family. Redwood Falls also has a Walmart Supercenter.
Summer festivals in Redwood Falls and powwows in Morton
Every July, Redwood Falls hosts the Redwood County Fair, featuring everything from concerts and carnival games to bull riding and demolition derby. Summer Splash is an annual late June tradition with a free pool party at the aquatic center. Other activities include the parade, fireworks and racing at Redwood Speedway. Just to the east in Morton, the Annual Lower Sioux Wacipi, or powwow, celebrates local Dakota culture.
Taking Bridge and Mill streets around Redwood Falls
Most of the city’s local businesses are on Bridge Street, which goes through the center of town, and Mill Street. Bridge Street becomes U.S. Route 71 outside of city limits, linking Redwood Falls with other towns like Morton and the Lower Sioux Indian Community. Most of what residents need is inside the city, including health care at Redwood Hospital. Locals will have to travel far for air travel: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is over a hundred miles away
Written By
Caroline Ernst
