Why Live in Melrose
Melrose, MN, is a small city of about 3,600 residents situated in the countryside of Stearns County in Central Minnesota. The community features a quaint downtown area with local businesses, parks, and annual events that foster a close-knit atmosphere. The local economy is supported by two major factories: the Land O’ Lakes cheese manufacturing facility and the Jennie-O turkey processing plant. Interstate 94 provides convenient access for commuting to larger cities such as Alexandria, St. Cloud, and Minneapolis, which is approximately 100 miles away. Housing in Melrose ranges from century-old bungalows and Victorians to ranch-style and split-level homes from the mid-1900s, as well as new traditional houses built from the early 2000s to today. Downtown’s Main Street hosts a variety of small businesses, including Coborn’s grocery store, Melrose Meat Shoppe, and Martinez Meat & Grocery. Dining options are limited but include JD’s Taphouse, known for its pizza and beer, and True North Marketplace, which offers locally sourced products and meals. Recreational activities are abundant with three municipal parks: Sauke River Park, Jaycee Park, and Meadowlark Park, each offering unique amenities such as playgrounds, sports facilities, and trails. The 65-mile Lake Wobegon Trail is popular for biking and snowmobiling. Community events like the Melrose Riverfest and the Holiday Kick Off bring residents together for festivities throughout the year. Melrose High School offers concurrent enrollment for college credit, providing students with the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school.