Crookston, MN

Set in northwest Minnesota’s Red River Valley along the winding Red Lake River, Crookston is a friendly, relaxed town of about 7,500 residents. It has classic small-town appeal, with a historic downtown anchored by the vintage Grand Theatre, one of the oldest operating movie houses in the country. Outdoor lovers have plenty to do year-round, from kayaking and fishing on the river to hiking, biking, and snowmobiling along the Agassiz Recreational Trail.

ATTRMyotus / CC BY 4.0

The community is home to the University of Minnesota Crookston, which brings athletic events, campus activities, and a welcoming college-town feel to the area. Families have access to solid local public schools and neighborhood parks, while U.S. Highway 2 offers an easy 30-minute drive into Grand Forks whenever you need larger shopping centers, dining options, or airport connections. It offers a quiet, affordable pace of living with plenty of open space and easy access to regional hubs.