Rush City offers a slow pace of life and outdoor recreation
Rush City might be the town’s name, but locals will testify there’s nothing hurried about life in this northern Minnesota town of less than 3,500 people. The rural enclave’s agricultural roots remain today, but Rush City has also grown to include a successful industrial business park that now employs more than 700 people. Nature abounds just outside of town with ample green space, Rush Lake and the St. Croix River nearby. “We get the small town feel but we really get to know who our neighbors are,” says Deb Dahlberg, a lifelong resident and former historical society president. For example, “One day I was paying my bill and a lady was new to the community. I took her out to lunch, and now she’s on our city council.”
Activities on and off the water in Rush City
Rush Lake has two branches that residents differentiate as East Rush Lake and West Rush Lake. There’s plenty of camping, fishing and water sports for residents to enjoy. “Snowmobiling is really fun on East Rush Lake. They do runs and ice fishing contests,” Dahlberg says. “We also enjoy the St. Croix River. When we were younger, we did a lot of tubing in the summertime, fishing, canoeing… we just have such great access to have a lot of fun and burn off a lot of energy.” Families flock to the water slides and swimming pools at Rush City Aquatic Center during the summer months, and families also frequent the playground at Rush City Park downtown. Next to West Rush Lake, Dennis Frandsen County Park has a fishing pier, hiking trails and a picnic area. Golfers hit the links at the public Bulrush Golf Club, which features an 18-hole course.
New subdivisions and older homes in the heart of town
Homes in the center of town can date back to the early 1900s, but Rush City has seen increasing residential development in recent years. Buyers can find farmhouses, ranch-style homes and new traditional houses in subdivisions. The median price is $330,000, which is slightly higher than the Pine City median of $300,000. Older homes, fixer-uppers and small three-bedroom abodes can range from about $100,000 to $250,000. Buyers on the hunt for four or more bedrooms can expect prices between $250,000 and $450,000. Buyers should be aware the area is susceptible to flooding. Homeowners can participate in the federally backed National Flood Insurance Program.
College credit and ample electives at Rush City Secondary School
“We have a great school district and really wanted to raise our families in Rush City because we had a really good experience growing up in the schools,” Dahlberg says. Kids can start at C.E. Jacobson Elementary School, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Students in grades 7-12 may attend Rush City Secondary School, rated B-minus. High schoolers can earn up to 33 college credits before graduation, and the school offers electives in agriscience, industrial technology, business, art and more.
Rush City Bakery has been around for more than a century
A small but walkable downtown center has local restaurants, boutiques and small businesses. Rush City Bakery has been serving up fresh donuts, bread and other confections for more than 100 years. Classic Mexican food is on the menu at El Mezcal, while The Fort specializes in comforting tavern fare in the historic Grant House Hotel. The inn has cozy digs in a restored late 19th-century brick building. “We have a little boutique called Clean Haven where you can go buy gifts,” Dahlberg says. “Three Birds has apparel and clothing, and some other little items. It’s a very good complement to have those together.” Gas stations and Dollar General have essentials, but residents have to leave town for groceries. Most drive a few miles north to Pine City for stores like Aldi and Walmart Supercenter.
Drivers can get to the Twin Cities within an hour
Interstate 35 borders the town to the west, providing a straight shot to Minneapolis. Sidewalks throughout the city make it easy to walk around town, but most residents drive. The closest hospital is Cambridge Medical Center about 20 miles away. The Rush City Regional Airport doesn’t contribute much noise, but it does get busy during the annual Rush City fly-in and pancake breakfast. The event features a car and airplane show, family friendly activities and plenty of pancakes courtesy of the Rush City Lions Club.
Rockin’ Rush City brings classic cars to town
The Rush City Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Summer ’Shell Series, a monthly concert series on Thursday nights from May through July at City Park. “We have Rockin’ Rush City and it’s one of the biggest car shows in the state of Minnesota,” Dahlberg says. “They have music at night, food trucks, and they give out trophies. It’s just a well put-together event for Rush City.” Locals get active in their community through local organizations like the Lions Club and the Philanthropic Educational Organization, a women’s group that promotes and celebrates education for women.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
