Crookston is the county seat of Polk County, and located in northwestern Minnesota. There is no evidence that the area upon which the town was located was occupied prior to its settlement by European-Americans, as it is not connected to any verifiable Native American settlement in the 1870s, although it likely served as a hunting ground. The area was visited by trappers and traders, including Ojibwa and Lakota Indians, Métis, and other mixed-race people between 1790 and 1870. The area was settled around 1872, and became the site of a federal land office in 1876. The town was incorporated as Queen City in 1879. The Great Northern Railway came through the town around 1880 and shortly afterward, the town was renamed to honor Colonel William Crooks, a soldier and railroad man. At one point, eight different railroad lines were serving Crookston, which had become a center of commerce and manufacturing. In recent years, the town has declined in population somewhat, as it has suffered from increased competition from nearby Grand Forks, North Dakota. Crookston is located in the Red River Valley, which was once part of glacial Lake Agassiz, which left rich mineral deposits when it receded. Grains, sugar beets, and potatoes grew well in the area around Crookston. The Red Lake River runs through the area, making several twists and turns. The city is served by US Highways 2 and 75, and Minnesota Highways 9 and 102, and Crookston is the northern terminus of the Agassiz Recreational Trail, a 53-mile trail that follows an abandoned railroad grade, beginning in Ulen. Nearby communities include Bygland, Climax, Dorothy, Eldred, Euclid, Fisher, Gentilly, Greenview, Harold, Huot, Key West, Mallory, Melvin, Red Lake Falls, and Tilden Junction.
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Recommended Resources
Crookston Area Chamber & Visitor’s Bureau
Organized in 1943, the Crookston Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization made up of business owners from Crookston, Minnesota and the surrounding region. The benefits of membership, meeting schedules, office hours, and member directory are published to the site.
http://www.visitcrookston.com/
Crookston Baseball Association
The non-profit volunteer organization helps to facilitate the game of baseball in Crookston, Minnesota. Board members and contacts are presented, and past and future projects are discussed, a calendar of upcoming events are posted, and supporters may make contributions to the organization through the site.
http://www.crookstonbaseball.org/
Information and resources for 4-12th grade Crookston, Minnesota music students, their parents, alumni, boosters, and community members are offered here, including its band, choir and orchestra programs. A schedule of upcoming events, music trips, and other activities are outlined.
http://www.crookstonmusic.org/
Independent School District #593 is a public PK-12th grade school system based in Crookston, Minnesota operating a number of campuses, including Crookston High School, Highland Elementary School, Washington Elementary School, Northern Lights Academy, and New Paths Area Learning Center, each of which are highlighted here, with schedules and curriculum data.
http://www.crookston.k12.mn.us/
Published in Crookston, Minnesota, the newspaper offers news and sports stories, entertainment and business reports, community affairs, obituaries, and other features from Crookston and the Polk County region, as well as statewide and national coverage. Classified advertising is included.
http://www.crookstontimes.com/
Located in Crookston, Minnesota, the Christian school is a ministry of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, offering a PK-7th grade curriculum. Its location, admissions policies, class schedules, a school calendar, and a description of its preschool, kindergarten, and grades 1-7 programs are put forward.
http://www.oursaviorslutheranschool.org/
Public notices, council meeting agendas and minutes, and a profile of the city is provided on the official municipal web site. Other resources include administrative and departmental contacts, an introduction to city boards and commissions, and a guide to local attractions, events, and businesses.
http://www.crookston.mn.us/
U of M Crookston Golden Eagles
The University of Minnesota athletics programs at its campus in Crookston are highlighted, including its men’s baseball, basketball, football and golf programs, as well as its women’s basketball, equestrian, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball programs, and general information about its athletics program.
http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/
University of Minnesota Crookston
The U of M is a public research university headquartered in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, with several satellite campuses, including one in Crookston, which serves as a co-educational baccalaureate institution offering four-year degrees. Campus maps and buildings, a campus directory, and accreditation status are put forth.
https://www.crk.umn.edu/
