Milan is in northwestern Chippewa County, Minnesota. US Route 59, and Minnesota Highways 7 and 40 are the chief routes through the city. Nearby communities include Appleton, Big Bend City, Watson and, across Lac qui Parle Lake, Cerro Gordo and Lac qui Parle. The roots of European presence in the area that was to become Milan may go back as far as the 13th century, as an iron hatchet such as that used by the Vikings was discovered about six miles northeast of Milan in 1875. In 1825, Fort Renville was constructed southeast of the current townsite, and remained until 1846. A mission, a mill and settlers' cabins were also built there. In the mid-1800s, the future site of Milan was prairie land next to a marsh, west of an old wagon road known as the Fort Abercrombie Trail. The first settlers were largely of Scandinavian descent, and they came after the construction of the Dakota Division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad was laid in 1879. The town grew up around a railroad tool shed. Milan is in Kragero Township, Chippewa County. The first post office was opened in 1880, and the settlement was incorporated as a village in 1893. Most of the town's founders were farmers. There were bad years in the 1920s and 30s, but farming was good again from the 1940s through the 70s. The 1980s and 90s were tough, and town began losing population and business, although its population rose by more than 13% in the 2000s. Milan's peak population was 624 in 1940.
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Located in Milan, Minnesota, the congregation was founded in 1880. Its policies on new members, baptism, Holy communion, confirmation, weddings and funerals are put forth, along with worship and Sunday school schedules, a calendar of events, staff contacts and office hours, news, and announcements.
http://www.bigbendlutheranchurch.org/
The family farm in Milan, Minnesota began in 1996, first selling its produce through farmers markets, then to restaurants, food co-ops, and community supported agriculture. Descriptions and photographs of the farm are offered, along with a newsletter, its policies on purchasing a share in its C.S.A. program, drop sites, and contacts. A private login for members is included.
http://www.easybeanfarm.com/
Serving the Milan, Minnesota community, the congregation is a member of the Southwest Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. A master calendar and program schedules are posted, along with policy and membership information, a church newsletter, staff contacts, a photo gallery, and a history of the church.
http://www.milanslutheranchurch.com/
Established in 1972, the non-profit organization seeks to acquire, preserve, and display properties, documents, memorabilia, and other objects of historic or cultural value to the Milan area, which includes Azalia, Cone, London, Milan, Mooreville, Oakville, Stony Creek, Urania, Whittaker, and Willis. Its properties are highlighted, and a calendar of events is posted.
http://www.historicmilan.com/
Situated on 160th Avenue NW in Milan, Minnesota, the library is part of the Pioneerland Library System. Library hours and a calendar of sponsored events are put forth, along with information about the library's reference and research facilities, new items, and its online resources. Other data includes library policies, children's services, and state and federal tax forms.
https://www.milan.lib.mn.us/
Modeled after the folk schools of Norway, the art school in Milan, Minnesota began in the late 1980s, acquiring the District 49 country schoolhouse, built in 1915, and had it moved to its current location in town. Refurbished in traditional Norwegian style, the school has operated through tuitions, grants, memberships, donations, and volunteer work.
http://www.milanvillageartsschool.org/
The official municipal web site of the City of Milan, Minnesota presents a profile of the community, a downtown map, business information, photographs, and a calendar of events, as well as administrative contacts, council agendas and minutes, its comprehensive plan, and a guide to municipal services, programs, and offices.
http://www.milanmn.com/
