History, growth and accessibility converge in St. James
In the late 19th century, St. James emerged as a Union Pacific Railroad stop amidst the sprawling plains of southern Minnesota. Now, the city offers a suburban lifestyle within a developing community. “It’s an up-and-coming town,” says Realtor Malia Hedlund with EXIT Realty – Great Plains, who has sold in the area for four years. The St. James Industrial Park has bolstered the city’s momentum after undergoing an expansion in 2024. New companies, like Great River Energy, continue to generate opportunities and economic stability. Convenience is an additional draw, as residents have a small downtown area, shopping options and quick access to major state highways.
Residents get active on the land, water, snow and ice
Recreation options in St. James range from small pocket parks to a 200-acre lake. St. James Lake is one of the biggest attractions in the area, featuring paddle boat launches, fishing docks and the waterfront Memorial Park. Visitors can play disc golf and volleyball, have a picnic or try out the skating plaza. The lake is also home to Tiell Campground, which offers parking for recreational vehicles, a shelter with utilities and a public community pool. The Southside Park Complex has an outdoor ice rink, and Eagle’s Nest Park, 6 miles away, provides trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. The St. James Golf Course is open to the public. Pet owners can head to the unleased dog park, which has agility courses and open play space.
A housing market full of Cape Cod and ranch-style options
Residential streets feature sidewalks, deciduous trees and suburban lots. Properties typically have front lawns, backyards and driveways, which keep many parked cars off the road. “Most houses are single-family, and styles include midcentury ranch and 1900s styles," Hedlund says. Cape Cods are also common, and prices often fall between $50,000 and $400,000. Options on the lower end tend to sit on smaller, more densely packed lots, while pricier homes offer more space.
Getting together for support groups and events
Clubs, fundraisers and annual celebrations foster an inclusive, volunteer-driven atmosphere in St. James. “All the communities around here have good support groups for everybody,” Hedlund says. The city has Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion programs, which offer veterans a space to connect and receive mental health resources. People also congregate for events, like the Railroad Days each June. The celebration spotlights local history with displays of model trains, exhibits at the Historical Society Museum and a parade. The weeklong festival also includes a golf invitational and a donut-eating contest. Memorial Park is a hub for community gatherings, such as a seasonal weekly farmers market and a free summer concert series. The Watonwan County Fair takes place in St. James each summer, and when temperatures drop, residents come together for an evening light parade during the Winter Carnival.
Shopping and dining on First Avenue
Businesses clad in aged brick form a small downtown area along First Avenue. Shoppers may stop into the Collage Saint James boutique before refueling at Encore Coffee Café next door. Schmidt’s Bakery has made fresh donuts, bread and other sweet treats for over 100 years, and Jake’s Pizza & Sandwich Stop has been a local mainstay since 1976. Chain restaurants are also available, and Family Dollar and the Superfair Foods grocery store sell everyday items. Fairmont, 30 miles away, has the nearest Walmart.
Education through the St. James Public School District
Children may begin at Northside Elementary, which scores a B-minus on Niche. St. James Middle/High School also earns a B-minus and offers career and technical education programs in fields like agriculture and business.
Navigating Watonwan County and access to medical facilities
Three state highways—4, 30 and 60—cut through St. James. The 122-mile drive northeast to Minneapolis takes just over two hours, and Fairmont is 30 miles, or about 35 minutes, southeast. Residents can quickly access health care at the Mayo Clinic, which offers emergency services, and the Veteran Affairs Outpatient Clinic is available, as well. Though the city has no regular public transit, Watonwan County’s Take Me There Transportation buses provide scheduled rides throughout the region.
