Belle Plaine is in Scott County, in southeastern Minnesota. The community was founded by Minnesota Territorial Supreme Court Judge Andrew G. Chatfield, who chose the area in 1853 because it was at the halfway marker on his usual route between St. Paul and Mankato. He named the town for the French phrase for “beautiful prairie.” The original townsite now occupies the southeastern corner of the city. Early industries for Belle Plaine included barge traffic along the Minnesota River, as well as a grist mill, saw mills, a foundry, a brick yard, and breweries. Belle Plaine was incorporated as a borough from 1868 to 1974, the only borough in Minnesota, but it was incorporated as a city in 1974. Minnesota Valley State Park is north and northeast of the city. Belle Plaine is accessed primarily through Interstate Highway 169. Nearby communities include Blakeley, Jessenland, Jordan, and Lawrence. Minneapolis, Minnesota is about forty miles northeast of Belle Plaine.
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Until 1974, when it was incorporated as a city, Belle Plaine was the only incorporated borough in Minnesota. The official municipal web site features a history and profile of the city, including an economic development guide that includes available commercial or industrial buildings, an overview of its revolving loan program, and a community profile.
http://www.belleplainemn.com/
Belle Plaine Festivals and Events
The non-profit community organization serves to promote, encourage, support and foster the community of Belle Plaine, Minnesota by putting on community events, enlisting volunteers to assist, and raising funds in order to contribute to other local charitable organizations. Annual events are highlighted, and an event calendar is featured.
http://www.belleplainefestivals.org/
Published in Belle Plaine, Minnesota since 1882, the family operated newspaper remains in the hands of the family of the original publishers. Offering news and sports stories, opinion columns, community events, obituaries, and announcements, full access to the newspaper requires a subscription.
http://www.belleplaineherald.com/
Offering a PK-12th grade curriculum for students in the Belle Plaine, Minnesota community, the public school district operates an early learning services program, as well as Chatfield Elementary School, Oak Crest Elementary School, Belle Plaine Junior High School, and Belle Plaine Senior High School, each of which are highlighted here.
http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/
Headquartered in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, the township board meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Belle Plaine Township Hall. Agendas, minutes, ordinances, and legal notices are posted to the official township web site, along with policy information, project reports, and contacts.
http://www.belleplainetownship.com/
Serving boys in grades one through five, Pack 324 is in the Rolling Hills District of the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America youth organization. General information about scouting, the Cub Scout uniform, and Pack bylaws are put forth, with meeting schedules, a calendar of events, and contacts.
http://belleplainepack324.scoutlander.com/
Situated in downtown Belle Plaine, Minnesota, the hotel is located on a forty-five-acre apple orchard. Directions, hotel amenities, arrival information, and policies are stated, and room options, photographs, and directions and a map showing the location of the hotel are given. Reservations may be booked through the site.
http://www.hometowninnmn.com/
Established in 1979, the family owned company specializes in exterior concrete work in the Belle Plaine, Minnesota region, including driveways and aprons, garage floors, concrete pads, decorative concrete, steps, porches and walkways, repair work, and residential and commercial developments. An overview of its services, experience and works are put forth.
http://kaliconcrete.com/