Named for Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, the city of Saint Michael, Minnesota is in eastern Wright County.
The Crow River separates Saint Michael from Rogers to the east. It also abuts Albertville, Hanover, and Otsego, as well as Buffalo Township, Monticello Township, and Rockford Township. Interstate Highway 94 and Minnesota State Highway 241 are the chief routes through the city.
The area that was to become Saint Michael was first settled in the mid-1850s. The church that became the city's namesake was originally built along the Crow River, in Frankfort Township, in 1856. A post office was established, under the name of Saint Michael, prior to 1858. Saint Michael was incorporated as a village in 1866, and the church later moved to the village center. The village became a city in 1890.
Until the Interstate was constructed in the early 1970s, Saint Michael was largely agricultural. The Interstate linked the village to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area, making it attractive for families who worked in the Twin Cities but wanted to live in a smaller town. Although much larger today, Saint Michael still includes rolling farmlands, preserved woods and open spaces, and a dozen lakes.
Saint Michael annexed Frankfort Township in 1996, giving it a land area of thirty-seven square miles. Although the city's population was under a thousand in 1960, today it has a population of more than seventeen thousand.
The city's downtown district was established at its current location, at the intersection of Trunk Highway 241 (Central Avenue) and Wright County State Aid Highway 19 (Main Street). Over time, the city's commercial district has expanded along Central Avenue toward the Interstate.
Today, the town center region includes commercial and residential properties, as well as parks and other public spaces.
In 2002, the city voted to create a 28-acre public area known as Becker Big Woods. Located in the southwestern part of the city, the area represents a small portion of what was once a Big Woods extending from Monticello to Mankato. The southeastern part of the city abuts Crow-Hassan County Park, across the river, which includes six lakes and ponds. On the Saint Michael side of the river, the city maintains Recreation Center Park. Other parks and green spaces within the city are
Frankfort Hills Park, Highwoods Park, Preserve Park, and Walnut Park. Fox Hollow Golf Club is in the southeastern part of the city, and
a portion of Cedar Creek Golf Course is in Saint Michael.
Lakes within the city include Beebe Lake, Foster Lake, Gonz Lake, Steele Lake, Uhl Lake, Lake Wilhelm, and other smaller bodies of water. Additionally, the city borders Lake Charlotte, Moore Lake, Pelican Lake, Schmidt Lake, and Wagner Lake.
The city is served by three public school districts. Although most of the city is within Saint Michael-Albertville Independent School District #885, a portion of the city on the east is served by Elk River Independent School District #728, and a portion of western Saint Michael is served by Buffalo Independent School District #887. Saint Michael Catholic School enrolls more than three hundred students in K-8th grade.
Although the Church of Saint Michael is the only building in the city listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there are others that might qualify, including some of its remaining farms and barns. The Corner Bar, on Main Street, has been in operation since 1897.
The focus of this category is on the city of Saint Michael, Minnesota. Websites representing the municipal government or local schools, churches, industries, businesses, organizations, or individuals are also appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Abbreviated as BK Tap Haus, the Saint Michael, Minnesota bar features twenty-four tap handles in all, the majority of them supporting local breweries, and those from elsewhere in Minnesota, which are rotated seasonally, although others provide German beer and its own labeled Hefeweizen brew. Its location, hours, and menu are published to the site, a calendar of events is included, and local suppliers are recognized.
http://www.bktaphaus.com/
City of St. Michael, Minnesota
The official municipal website features a resident guide, city newsletters, informational handouts, ordinances and codes, building permit policies and handouts, and a guide to local swimming pools, parks, and recreational facilities, community events, schools, and community organizations. Available commercial and industrial sites, demographics, a business directory, and a map of commercial and industrial areas are included.
https://www.ci.st-michael.mn.us/
Established by Art, Ken, and Rollie Eull in 1962, the company is still operated by members of the Eull family, producing its own Eull’s Manhole Shield, its own Vibra Press Roof Pavers, as well as concrete manhole grade rings, Redi-Rock wall systems, and other product lines, which are highlighted here, including specifications, photographs, and other details. Its products, memberships, and contacts are featured.
http://www.eullsmanufacturing.com/
Situated inside of the St. Michael Cinema, Theatre #15 is the Le Musique Room, and it is all performed live. Directions and a map are presented, and a gallery of photographs and its partners are recognized. Upcoming shows are highlighted, and a seating chart, gift certificates, and online ticket sales are available. Also spotlighted are its senior matinees, and other special shows, which are described here.
https://www.lemusiqueroom.com/
Located on Main Street South, the Saint Michael, Minnesota restaurant is a family-owned business that utilizes fresh local produce and ingredients to produce its New American cuisine, served in a casual atmosphere. Its lunch, brunch, dinner, kids, burger night, wine, and drink menus are published, and its local suppliers are acknowledged, along with press information, hours, and reservation policies.
http://www.mainstreetfarmer.com/
The Catholic parish dates back to the 1850s and was the namesake for the city of Saint Michael, Minnesota. The church’s history is presented, along with schedules and admissions information for its K-8th-grade school. Its policies on weddings, baptisms, and funerals are put forth, and a gallery of photographs, employment opportunities, and faith formation policies are put forth. Church bulletins and news are included.
http://www.stmcatholicchurch.org/
Featuring fifteen theaters, one of which is reserved for live shows, the theater promises reclining seats and a comfortable atmosphere, including dinner and a movie at Le Bar, located on the second floor, and a concessions area. The theater also offers full food and beverage service for private parties and events. Currently running shows are highlighted, including show times and prices, and online ticket sales.
https://www.stmichaelcinema.com/
St. Michael Historical Society
Created in 2005, the Society collects, preserves, and shares the history of Saint Michael, Minnesota. Individual, family, and business memberships are explained, including dues, membership benefits, and an online membership application. Included online are census data, other genealogical files, vital records, and a list of genealogical websites. An online store offers local history books, prints, and other products.
http://www.saintmichaelhistory.org/
In operation since 1954, the full-service veterinary facility in St. Michael, Minnesota offers medical, surgical, and dental care, as well as a fully stocked pharmacy. Its location, regular office hours, emergency contacts, and appointment policies are displayed, along with an overview of its services, an introduction to its veterinary physicians, technicians, receptionists, and groomers. Announcements are posted to the site.
http://www.stmichaelvet.com/
