New York Mills, Minnesota is in Otter Tail County. US Route 10 serves as the chief route through the city. Nearby communities include Amor, Basswood, Bluffton, Butler, Davies, Deer Creek, Dent, Heinola, Henning, Leaf River, Luce, Ottertail, Perham, Sebeka, and Wadena. Detroit Lakes is about thirty miles Northwest, Pelican Rapids about forty miles west, and Fergus Falls about fifty miles southwest of New York Mills. The area around New York Mills was once occupied by the Sioux, who initially maintained good relations with the early white settlers. Eventually, the Sioux moved north as more and more settlers began to come into the area, many responding to advertisements placed by the New York Mills Company, established by Dr. Van Aernam, Commissioner of Pensions in Washington DC, and his partners, Olcot P. Boardman and George L. Cornwell. A lumber mill was established there, followed shortly afterward by the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1871. By 1884, when New York Mills was established as a town, there were about three hundred white settlers there, a large number of them of Finnish descent. The town received city water and sewer services as a project of the WPA and PWA in the 1930s, and the city hall building was built in 1939. In recent years, tourism has become an important part of the community's economy. In the 1990s, the city invested in developing its arts community, contributing funds to convert a downtown commercial building into a multi-use arts and cultural facility. Never a large town, its population has remained relatively stable, with a significant increase in population during the 1990s, following a couple of decades of decline.
Recommended Resources
Situated in northeastern Otter Tail County, New York Mills is in the heart of Minnesota Lake Country. The official municipal government web site offers a profile of the community, administrative contacts, council agendas and minutes, ordinances, and job opportunities, along with a guide to local facilities, services, and businesses. Public notices are posted to the site.
http://www.newyorkmills.govoffice2.com/
The New York Mills Arts Retreat and Regional Cultural Center is a multidisciplinary arts organization in New York Mills, Otter Tail County, in north-central Minnesota. Staff of the Center produce and sponsor annual community festivals, street theater, and concert series, as well as offering courses in fine and folk arts. Its programs and schedules are featured, and its contributors, board of directors, and staff are recognized.
http://www.kulcher.org/
Farmers & Merchants State Bank
The local, independent bank began doing business in New York Mills, Minnesota in 1916, and continues to serve that community from its bank facilities on North Walker Avenue. Lobby and drive-up hours and ATM locations are stated, and its account types, insurance services, and online banking services are defined, and a history and profile of the community is included.
https://www.fmbanknym.com/
The independent auction in New York Mills, Minnesota has been in operation since 1983, its first sale running thirty-four cars. Its history, location, weekly sales schedules, multi-platform selling, transportation services, and vehicle reconditioning services are highlighted. Dealer registration may be completed through the site, while the public is welcome only at its Government Service Administration fleet sales.
https://www.msaanym.com/
New York Mills Apostolic Lutheran Church
The congregation meets at its facilities on Main Avenue South in New York Mills, Minnesota on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, with Communion Sunday on the first Sunday of the month. Its schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, membership policies, a church newsletter, prayer requests, and video and audio sermon archive. Staff contacts and office hours are noted.
http://www.nymalc.org/
Published in New York Mills, Minnesota, the weekly newspaper features local and regional news and sports stories, church activities, social reports, photographs, legal notices, and obituaries, some of which are available online, although full access requires a subscription, which may be done online. Advertising opportunities, classifieds, and contacts are included.
http://nymdispatch.com/
The cultural heritage and history of the city is presented by New York Mills Civic & Commerce Association, a non-profit organization that was established to advance and promote the business interests of the city and its membership. The benefits of membership are outlined, a member directory is included and featured members are highlighted, while a guide to local events and recreational activities is put forth.
http://www.explorenewyorkmills.com/
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church
A congregation in the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Peter's is located on West Gilman Street in New York Mills, Minnesota. Its history, an introduction to its pastor, staff contacts and hours, and a calendar of upcoming programs and events are posted to the site, along with a map and directions. Its fellowship and age-specific programs are highlighted.
http://www.stpetersnymills.org/
The B&B facility in New York Mills, Minnesota is a Victorian home built by a Finnish immigrant family in 1903, currently offering three guest accommodations within the house, as well as a caboose, built in 1893, added as a guest room, which was followed by two turn-of-the-century Pullman cars, each of which serve as guest rooms. Photographs of the accommodations and common areas are featured, along with video and descriptions. Gift certificates may be available.
http://www.whistlestopbedandbreakfast.com/
