Gilman, MN

Tucked into the quiet farmland of central Minnesota, Gilman is a tiny, close-knit community of around 230 people in Benton County. Located about five miles north of Foley along Highway 25, it offers peaceful rural living while keeping residents within an easy half-hour drive of St. Cloud for work, healthcare, and shopping. The town has deep agricultural and Polish roots dating back to the late 1800s, giving the area a strong sense of heritage and local pride.

ATTRMRetka / CC BY-SA 3.0

Daily life here revolves around a few favorite gathering spots and community traditions. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church stands at the heart of the community, while the local park and ballfields host youth sports, summer softball tournaments, and the annual Gilman Days festival. Neighbors also catch up at the town's municipal liquor store. For newcomers seeking wide-open skies, a quiet pace, and relaxed country living within reach of regional hubs, Gilman offers a welcoming small-town setting.