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Crookston
(Images of America)


Legendary Locals of Crookston

 

 

 

   


Crookston Minnesota Community Guide


Location:

Crookston Minnesota Welcome Sign

Location of Crookston Minnesota


Population: 
 Crookston (city) 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 Change
Actual Percent
Population 8,312 8,628 8,119 8,192 7,891 -301 -3.67
Land Area (sq. mile) 3.70 4.87 4.67 4.94 4.94 0 0.00
Density (persons per sq. mile) 2,246.49 1,771.66 1,738.54 1,658.79 1597.37 -61.42 -3.70
Housing Units 2,815 3,407 3,289 3,382 3,303 -79 -2.34
Households -- 3,098 2,981 3,078 3,109 +31 +1.01
Persons Per Household -- 2.57 2.49 2.37 2.54 +0.17 +7.17

Geography:

Crookston sits in the fertile Red River Valley. The Valley was once a part of glacial Lake Agassiz. As Lake Agassiz receded, it left behind rich mineral deposits. This made the area around Crookston prime for agricultural uses. Grains like wheat and other crops like sugar beets and potatoes grow well in the immediate area around Crookston.

Crookston has a relatively flat landscape. The Red Lake River flows through the city and makes several twists and turns (oxbows). Crookston has experienced some erosion of the riverbank lately.

U.S. Highway 2, U.S. Highway 75, Minnesota Highway 102, and Minnesota Highway 9 are four of the main routes in the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.15 square miles (13.34 km2), all of it land. The elevation is 876 feet (267 m).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Demographics:

As of the census of 2010, there were 7,891 people, 3,109 households, and 1,743 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,532.2 inhabitants per square mile (591.6/km2). There were 3,303 housing units at an average density of 641.4 per square mile (247.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.2% White, 1.4% African American, 1.7% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 2.8% from other races, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.0% of the population.

There were 3,109 households of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.3% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.9% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 35.1 years. 22.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 16.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.5% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Visit The Minnesota History Shop!
Visit The Minnesota History Shop!

History:  

Early history
The area in which Crookston is located was virtually unoccupied during pre-European contact and remained little more than a hunting ground associated with the Pembina settlements until the 1860s. The land in the immediate vicinity of Crookston is not connected with any verifiable Native American or European historic events or circumstances until transfer in the "Treaty of Old Crossing" of 1863 and the "Treaty of Old Crossing" of 1864. Prior to that time, the territory now included in Crookston was technically a part of Rupert's Land and Assiniboia before becoming part of British Canada as a result of the boundary settlement in the Treaty of 1818.

The area in which Crookston is located was likely traversed by trappers and traders including Ojibwa (or Chippewa) and Sioux Indians, Metis, and other mixed-race people as well as white men incidental to the fur trade between 1790 and 1870.

Settlement
The present day site of Crookston first saw settlement by non-Indian people around 1872. It was the site of a federal land office by 1876 and sited on a portion of the Great Northern Railway which began operations prior to 1880. The town was incorporated on April 1, 1879 as "Queen City." By the end of that year, the town boasted a jail, graded streets, and a few plank sidewalks. Soon, it was decided that the town needed a new name. Two factions emerged that supported two different names. One group wished to honor the town's first mayor, Captain Ellerey C. Davis, by renaming "Queen City" to "Davis." Another group picked the name "Crookston" to honor Colonel William Crooks, a soldier and railroad builder. The present day name was reportedly chosen by means of a coin toss.

Soon, immigrants from Scandinavia and Germany begin populating Crookston. At one point, eight different railroad lines reached Crookston and the town became a center of commerce and manufacturing.

Recent history
Today, Crookston is the site of the University of Minnesota Crookston which began as an agricultural high school and college and has since become a four-year institution with a full college curriculum. The city has not seen a major period of population growth for quite some time and the economy has suffered from increased competition from nearby Grand Forks, North Dakota. Typical of many small towns across America, many buildings in the historic downtown area of Crookston have been abandoned as local stores have closed.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crookston (Images of America) Crookston (Images of America)
Crookston was first settled in 1872, organized in 1876, and incorporated in 1879. By 1880, the enterprising young town known as the "Queen City of the Northwest" had 1,500 inhabitants. Its location on the Red Lake River and in the fertile Red River Valley secured its tenure as the Polk County seat. Crookston first served the northwest as a trading center, then as a grain shipping point, a lumbering center with large sawmills, a brewery and liquor distribution base, and a railroad hub with terminal facilities, a roundhouse, and office headquarters. It was also a banking center of the prospering northwest. By 1915, Crookston's population of over 8,000 people made it the 14th-most-populated city in Minnesota.
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CROOKSTON, the county seat, first settled in 1872, incorporated as a city February 14, 1879, was named in honor of Col. William Crooks of St. Paul, who was the chief engineer in locating the first railroad here, then known as the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, which was constructed in 1872 from Glyndon through Crookston to the Snake River at the site of Warren in Marshall County. He was born in New York City, June 20, 1832; was graduated from the department of civil engineering at West Point Military Academy; settled in St. Paul in 1857 as engineer for this railroad; served as colonel of the Sixth Minnesota Regiment in the Civil War; was a representative in the state legislature, 1875-77, and a state senator, 1881; died in Portland, Ore., December 17, 1907. The first locomotive used in Minnesota, in 1862, was named William Crooks in his honor.

His father, Ramsay Crooks, who was born in Greenock, Scotland, January 2, 1787, and died in New York City, June 6, 1859, was probably also intentionally honored by the adoption of this name. As a member, and subsequently president, of the American Fur Company, he was well known throughout the Northwest. During many years he was identified with the fur trade in Minnesota and had great influence with the Indians.

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society


2nd Street and Great Northern Depot, Crookston Minnesota, 1905
2nd Street and Great Northern Depot, Crookston Minnesota, 1905
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society - click image to enlarge or purchase

 
Visit The Crookston Photo Gallery for more recent and historic area photos
  


Government:
Crookston City Hall
124 N Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-1232
Fax: (218) 281-5609

Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

City Council Meetings:
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Email  Google Map 

Title Term Ends Name and Address   Phone
Mayor 12/31/2022 Dale Stainbrook
1406 Sunflower Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-7754
Clerk/Treasurer appointed Amy Finch
124 N Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-1232
Council Member - Ward 1 12/31/2024 Kristie Jerde
811 Groveland Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 280-7578
Council Member - Ward 2 12/31/2022 Steve Erickson
1602 N Front
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-7520
(218) 280-1240
Council Member - Ward 3 12/31/2024 Clayton L. Briggs
229 James Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-7312
(218) 289-4408
Council Member - Ward 4 12/31/2022 Donald R. Cavalier
614 N Ash
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 289-1776
(218) 281-6641
Council Member - Ward 5 12/31/2024 Joe Kresl
210 4th Avenue S
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 289-2045
Council Member - Ward 6 12/31/2022 Dylane Klatt
1519 Saint John's Drive
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (701) 740-7009
(218) 281-5958
Council Member - At Large 12/31/2022 Tom Vedbraaten
1205 Alexander Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-7714
(218) 289-4777
Council Member - At Large 12/31/2024 Wayne Melbye
218 Wilcken Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Email (218) 281-5297

Click for City of Crookston Ward Map


Post Office:
US Post Office
202 S Broadway
Crookston, MN
56716-9998
Phone:
(218) 281-4500
Toll Free:
(800) ASK-USPS
Fax: (218) 281-4354

Regular Business Hours:
Week Days       8:30 am - 10:45 am
                        12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday           8:30 am - 10:30 am 

Web  Google Map 
US Post Office

Utilities:
Utility Type Utility Name Utility Phone
Electricity Otter Tail Power Co   (218) 281-3632
Natural Gas Great Plains Natural Gas Co   (218) 281-1874
Wastewater Crookston Municipal (218) 281-1232
Water Crookston Municipal (218) 281-1232
Telephone CenturyLink Communications (800) 491-0118
Cable TV Midcontinent Communications (218) 281-2000
 

Major Employers:
Employer Products/Services Employees
Riverview Healthcare Assn General Medical & Surgical Hospitals 600
Crookston Public Schools Elementary & Secondary Schools 300
American Crystal Sugar Co Beet Sugar Mfg. 250
University of Minnesota-Crookston Colleges, Universities, & Prof. Schools 240
New Flyer of America Motor Vehicle Body Mfg. 212
Villa St Vincent Nursing Care Facilities 175
Dahlgren & Co Roasted Nuts & Peanut Butter Mfg. 163
Dee Inc Foundry & Mfg Aluminum Die-Casting Foundries 160
Hugo's Supermarkets & Other Grocery (exc. Convenience) Stores 100
Occupational Development Center Vocational Rehabilitation Services 80
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council Inc Other Individual & Family Services 70
Altru Clinic Offices of Physicians (exc. Mental Health Specialists) 68
Bremer Bank-Crookston Other Depository Credit Intermediation 65
Crookston, City of Admin. of Human Res.Prog. (exc.Educ, Pub.Health & Vet Aff Prog) 65


News:
feedwidget @ Surfing Waves

Weather:

CROOKSTON WEATHER


Map:
Area

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Downtown

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Minnesota State Highway Map of the Crookston Minnesota area
Minnesota State Highway Map of the Crookston Minnesota area


Events:
Ox Cart Days

The third weekend of August, Crookston celebrates its heritage with the Ox Cart Days Festival held in the city's Central Park. The four-day celebration includes something for everyone, from bed races to pageants and parades.

 

For more info on events in the Crookston area, see the
Crookston Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar


Check Out The Minnesota History Shop! Good Goods and Great Gifts!
Minnesota History Shop

Attractions:
   

Recreation:
Carman Park

Located at the former Carman School site, it has 3 acres of park land with soccer fields, picnic shelter, and an extensive playground area.

Carman Park, Crookston Minnesota
Highland Park Complex

The complex includes 40 acres with one baseball field, six softball diamonds, five tennis courts, horseshoe courts, playground equipment, basketball court, and a concession/restroom building. The park is home to a number of softball, tennis and baseball tournaments, playground equipment, skate park as well as providing home fields to men's and women's softball leagues, boy's and girl's softball and baseball, American Legion baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, amateur baseball and girl's fast-pitch softball. The tennis complex is home to youth and adult lessons and recreational tennis. Lights are available for a fee.

Highland Park Complex, Crookston Minnesota

Lakes:
Lake Name Size
(acres)
Lake info Lake Map Rec Map Topo Map

none in the immediate area


Health Care:
Altru Clinic - Crookston
400 S Minnesota Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-9100 
Fax: (218) 281-9189
Web: www.altru.org/body.cfm?id=325

Altru Clinic-Crookston is served by a fully staffed modern medical clinic with satellite facilities in three surrounding communities and is part of a much larger healthcare organization that covers all of the major specialty areas

Riverview Health
323 S Minnesota Street
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-9200
Toll Free: (800) 743-6551
Fax: (218) 281-9222
Web: www.riverviewhealth.org

25-bed critical access hospital, a nursing home, home health agency and several primary and specialty clinics, as well as chemical dependency services. RiverView Health is the community of Crookston's largest employer and offers emergency services with 24/7 in-house physician coverage, obstetrics, pediatrics, and many diagnostic and rehabilitation services.

 

Schools:
University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC)
2900 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-5001
Toll Free: (800) UMC-MINN (862-6466)
Web: www.crk.umn.edu

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a growing community that thrives on watching our students succeed. With personal attention, support services and hands-on learning,  we provide a quality education and a recognized University of Minnesota degree. And student-athletes compete at the NCAA Division II level.

Crookston Public Schools
Independent District 593

402 Fisher Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-5313
Fax: (218) 281-3505
Web: www.crookston.k12.mn.us

Grades:  K-12
Students:  1,428

Crookston Public Schools
Crookston High School
402 Fisher Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-2144

Grades:  8-12
Students:  601

Crookston High School
Highland Elementary School
801 Central Avenue N
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-5600
Fax: (218) 281-6166

Grades:  3-7
Students:  486

 
Washington Elementary
724 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-2762
Fax: (218) 281-2784

Grades:  K-2
Students:  250

 
Cathedral Grade School
702 Summit Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-1835
Fax: (218) 281-1747

Web: www.cathedralschool.org

Grades:  K-6
Students:  95

 
Our Savior's Day School
217 South Broadway
PO Box 477
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-5191
Web: www.oursaviorslutheranschool.org

Grades:  PreSchool-7
Students:  57

 

Legendary Locals of Crookston Legendary Locals of Crookston
Crookston is in the heart of the fertile Red River Valley. Railroad baron James J. Hill positioned the city to be a hub of transportation, so Civil War veterans and railroad workers settled Crookston first. At Hill's behest, a long tradition of learning how to "farm smart" started with the Northwest School of Agriculture in 1906. Facing a short growing season, farmers stayed close to the soil and invented better implements to harvest the area's bounty. The tradition of improving technology continues from the century-old practices begun at the Experiment Station. Currently, precision agriculture is taught at the University of Minnesota, Crookston's "laptop university." Familiar family names from Crookston's retail sector have prevailed throughout the farmers' cycle of boom and bust. Many other talented personalities shine through, especially those skilled in sports and music. Also included in this volume are unsung heroes for their acts of kindness and volunteerism.
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Churches:
Bible Baptist Church
23928 265th Street SW
Crookston, MN 56716-9128
Phone: (218) 281-5629
Web: www.biblebaptistcrookston.org

Pastor:  Clayton Doss
Sunday Worship:  11:00 am and 7:00 pm

Bible Baptist Church, Crookston Minnesota
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
702 Summit Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-2726
Phone: (218) 281-1735
Fax: (218) 281-1747
Web: www.crookstoncathedral.org

Pastor:  Reverend Michael J. Hoeppner
Saturday Mass:  5:00 pm
Sunday Mass:  9:00 am 

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Crookston Minnesota
Christian Reformed Church
433 Jackson Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-2015
Phone: (218) 281-6826

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship:  11:30 am

 
Church of Christ
321 5th Avenue S
Crookston, MN 56716-2417
Phone: (218) 281-5402
Web: www.crookston-churchofchrist.com

Pastor:  David Johnson
Sunday Worship:  10:30 am

 
Evangelical Covenant Church
520 Fisher Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-2809
Phone: (218) 281-2264
Web: www.crookstoncovenant.org

Pastor:  Timothy Bhajjan
Sunday Worship:  10:30 am

 
First Assembly of God Church
605 3rd Avenue NE
Crookston, MN 56716-2701
Phone: (218) 281-3333

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship: 
n/a

 
Grace Lutheran Church
1221 Barrette Street
Crookston, MN 56716-2605
Phone: (218) 281-4342

Pastor:  Rolf Preus
Sunday Worship:  11:45 am

 
Our Saviors Lutheran Church - LCMS
800 Washington Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-2318
Phone: (218) 281-1744

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship: 
n/a

 
Presbyterian Church
510 N Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716-3024
Phone: (218) 281-4853

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship: 
n/a

 
Seventh Day Adventist Church
707 4th Avenue NE
Crookston, MN 56716-1262
Phone: (218) 281-2816
Web: crookston22.adventistchurchconnect.org

Pastor:  n/a
Saturday Worship:  10:00 am

 
St. Francis Church
702 Summit Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-2736
Phone: (218) 891-2249

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship: 
n/a

 
St. Paul's Lutheran Church ELCA
1214 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716-1164
Phone: (218) 281-3638
Web: www.saintpaulscrookston.com

Pastor:  Bill Reck
Sunday Worship:  10:00 am

St. Paul's Lutheran Church ELCA, Crookston Minnesota
St. Peters Catholic Church
25823 185th Avenue SW
Crookston, MN 56716-9411
Phone: (218) 281-1688

Pastor:  Rev Bob Schreiner
Sunday Worship:  10:30 am

 
Trinity Lutheran Church ELCA
205 S Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716-1956
Phone: (218) 281-1256
Web: www.trinitycrookston.org

Pastor:  Gregory Isaacson
Sunday Worship:  7:45 am and 9:00 am

 
Wesley United Methodist
701 Eickhof Blvd
Crookston, MN 56716-2609
Phone: (218) 281-3393
Web: www.crookstonwesleyumc.org

Pastor:  Michelle Miller
Sunday Worship:  10:450 am

Wesley United Methodist Church, Crookston Minnesota

Media:
Crookston Daily Times
124 S Broadway
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-2730
Fax: (218) 281-7234
Web: www.crookstontimes.com
Crookston Daily Times
KROX Radio
208 S Main street
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-1140
Fax: (218) 281-5036
Web: www.kroxam.com
KROX Radio, Crookston Minnesota

Motels:

America's Best Value Inn
2200 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-5210
Web: www.americasbestvalueinn.com

Americas Best Value Inn, the only full-service hotel in Crookston with 72 sleeping rooms featuring king or queen-size beds, an extra large pool area with hot tub and games. Fire-side chats in our lobby and newly renovated rooms add to the cozy feeling. High Speed Wireless Internet!

Northland Inn, Crookston Minnesota

AmericInn Lodge & Suites
1821 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-7800
Toll Free: (800) 634-3444
Web:
www.americinnofcrookston.com

Built in 1997-- newest lodging facility in Crookston! Fifty rooms including, large indoor pool & spa, fireside conversation area in lobby with library, guest laundry facility, and deluxe continental breakfast. Now offering FREE WIRELESS HIGH SPEED INTERNET!

Golf Terrace Motel
1731 University Avenue
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-2626

Under new ownership, completely refurbished with restaurants and shopping nearby. No smoking rooms available. Pets are welcome.


Resorts:

none


Campgrounds:
Central Park Campground
North Ash and Mitchell Lane
Crookston, MN 56716
Phone: (218) 281-1232
Web: www.crookston.mn.us/Parkrec/Parks/Central

The Parks and Recreation Department also has a beautiful 16 site campground that opens in May and closes at the end of September located in Central Park along the scenic Red Lake River. Free WIFI is available to campers, please contact the park ranger or city hall for access. The Central Park Campground is located within easy walking distance to the indoor community pool, downtown shopping, and the historic Grand Theatre. The campground is just off of State Highway #2 as it crosses the Red Lake River. No advanced reservations are required. Boat landing, bath house, water and electric hook-ups are available.

Central Park Campground

Businesses:

 
Click to visit the Crookston Business Directory
 



Aerial Photo:  

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Topographic Map:   [click map to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]
Topographic map of the Crookson Minnesota area
Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge


 
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