Rushford, Minnesota is a city in northeastern Fillmore County, and it is surrounded by Rushford Village, which may also be listed in this category.
The first white settlers came to the region through the Root River, which flows across the southern portion of the city. Named for a ford across Rush Creek, which was itself named for the tall rushes growing from its banks, the area of Rushford was once known as Trail City, because of the numerous Indian trails that came together at the creek.
The Rushford Post Office was established in 1856, and the two-story railroad depot, built in 1867, now serves as a visitor's center.
Minnesota State Highways 16, 27, 30, and 43 are the main routes through the city, with Highway 43 passing through the center of Rushford, where it is named South Mills Street. The city of Rushford Village is about four miles east of the Rushford, while Peterson is about the same distance east-southeast, Hart is five miles north, Bratsberg is six miles south, and Money Creek is eight miles east.
Rushford is one of several cities intersected by the Root River portion of the Blufflands State Trail, a project of Rails to Trails, which links small towns along former railroad grades.
Rushford hosts a Homecoming celebration every five years in which former residents of the city are invited to return for a visit, as well as an annual celebration now called Rushford Days, which had previously been known as Frontier Days.
Rushford Village was first established as a township in 1858, and it included the settlement that later became Rushford City. Situated about four miles to the east, Rushford Village, like Rushford City, was named for Rush Creek. When the City of Rushford incorporated as a city, it became a separate entity from the township.
In 1885, Rushford Township incorporated as a village. In 1909, Peterson, which was completely surrounded by Rushford Village, also incorporated as a village. In 1973, a state law automatically elevated villages to cities, so Rushford Village became a city in May of 1975.
The boundaries of Rushford Village completely envelop the independent cities of Peterson and Rushford, although its chief population area is about two miles west of Rushford and a slightly shorter distance north of Peterson, although no road directly connects the two communities. Minnesota State Highway 30 is the main route through the townsite of Rushford Village.
Although Rushford Village has a land area of more than thirty square miles, it is mostly rural, with a population of fewer than a thousand people, although it's been growing since 1960.
Although Rushford and Rushford Village are separate and independent cities, both of them are small and Rushford Village doesn't have enough websites to warrant its own category at this time. Given their shared histories, and similar names, websites representing local governments, schools, churches, organizations, businesses, or individuals in either Rushford or Rushford Village may be submitted to this category.
Recommended Resources
The official municipal website acknowledges its mayor and council, boards, commissions, and city departments and services, and offers a guide to the local Chamber of Commerce, schools, and government links. Parks and recreational opportunities within the city and surrounding area are highlighted, along with regularly scheduled events, news, announcements, and visitor information. Agendas and minutes are available.
https://rushford.govoffice.com/
Situated in the Root River Valley of southeastern Minnesota, Rushford Village surrounds the two cities of Rushford and Peterson. The official municipal website posts city policies, its comprehensive plan, economic development plans, and employment opportunities, along with meetings agendas, minutes, and budget data. Road project updates, notices of special events, contacts, and office hours are posted.
https://rushfordvillage.govoffice.com/
Darr Auctions & Realty has its offices and auction warehouse in Rushford, Minnesota. Homes for sale near Rushford are highlighted, and their locations are shown on a map. Photos, details, and asking prices are posted. Listings may be found by city or property type, and open houses, live auctions, and online auctions are scheduled on the site. The realtors, brokers, auction manager, and auctioneers are introduced.
https://www.darrrealty.com/
Located on South Elm Street, the Rushford, Minnesota Christian church meets on Sunday mornings, with a youth program on Wednesday evenings. Weekly schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, photo albums, Bible studies, and an overview of its ministries and outreach activities, youth events, and devotionals. A sermon archive is made available, and prayer requests may be made through the site.
http://www.destinyrushford.org/
Situated along Minnesota State Highway 16 in Rushford, Minnesota, the family owned and operated inn is near restaurants, shops, banks, library, fitness centers, and other facilities. Designated dog and cat-friendly rooms may be available. Directions, office contacts, rates, and policies are stated, and reservations may be made online. A list of amenities and features are presented, and announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.rushfordinn.com/
Family owned and operated, and located on Enterprise Drive in Rushford, Minnesota, M&M specializes in the sale of outdoor power equipment. Directions, hours of operation, and contacts are published to the site, along with an online catalog showing its products, brands, and models. New models and its in-stock inventory are highlighted, and customers may shop online. Its services and policies are outlined.
https://www.mmlawnleisurer.com/
The energy cooperative was formed in 2017 through the merger of Hawkeye REC and Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Its history, districts, service areas, and contacts are posted, and member customers may pay bills online, seek information about energy assistance programs, and access details about their accounts. Career opportunities, educational programs, and community involvement programs are outlined.
http://www.mienergy.coop/
Held each summer, the multi-day event includes pageants, contests, and several food events, a car cruise night, games, summer theater, a 5K run/walk, softball, basketball, baseball, and trap shoot competitions, a tractor pull, car show, music, a parade, and several other activities and events, many of which may change from year to year. A schedule of upcoming events is posted, along with lodging options, volunteer opportunities, and online registrations.
http://www.rushforddays.com/
Established in 1972, the dental offices are located on South Elm Street in downtown Rushford, Minnesota. Directions, office hours, and office numbers are posted, along with its appointment policies, downloadable new patient forms, and an introduction to the doctor and staff. A summary of its diagnostic and preventative services, periodontal services, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic services, oral surgery, and cosmetic dental work.
http://www.rushforddentalclinic.com/
Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce
Representing member businesses in the Rushford, Rushford Village, and Peterson region of Minnesota, the Chamber works to promote the region and its businesses. Its site presents a directory of member businesses and services, an area guide book, and a calendar of events. The site includes promotional video, photographs, and a description of the region. Economic development and employment opportunities are summarized.
http://www.rushfordpetersonvalley.com/
The library’s location and hours, a calendar of events, circulation policies, library policies, services, photos, and an annual report are published to the site, and fines may be paid online. Other resources include an online catalog, new audio, books, and movies, and access to research databases are tendered. Library patrons can access their accounts online, and download a variety of materials. Announcements are posted to the site.
https://rushford.lib.mn.us/
In operation since 1867, and incorporated in 1906, Rushford State Bank is one of the oldest banks in Minnesota and has had local ownership since its incorporation. Its personal and business banking programs are highlighted, along with its online banking services, on-site banking services, ATM locations, and service fees. Its agriculture, personal and business loans, consumer loans, and real estate loan policies are outlined.
https://www.rushfordstatebank.com/
Situated on South Mill Street at the four-way stop in downtown Rushford, Minnesota, the Bar & Grill specializes in burgers but carries a wide variety of other menu items. Its weekly grill specials are published to the site, by day, along with its full menu, an overview of its services and features, its varieties of beer, liquors, and wines, and children’s menus. Announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.shawnees.net/
