This is a guide to Tracy, Minnesota, a small city in southeastern Lyon County, named for John F. Tracy, a former president of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway.
Tracy was platted in 1875, and incorporated as a village in 1881, becoming a city in 1893. Prior to 1875, the settlement was known as Summit, as it was the highest point on the railroad between Chicago and Lake Campeska, South Dakota. From 1875 to 1877, it was known variously as Shetek, Shetek Station, or Shetek Bend. Finally, it became Tracy.
It had a station of the Winona and Saint Peter Railroad. In 1867, the railroad was purchased by Chicago and Northwestern, and Tracy became an active railroad town until the 1960s. It is still a division point on the Canadian Pacific Railway, where crews from the east and the west exchange trains.
Today, the city and surrounding region offers several recreational opportunities, such as golfing, hunting, camping, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Parks located within the city limits include Central Park, Greenwood Park, Legion Park, Nehl's Park, Roadside Park, Sebastian Park, Swift Lake Park, and Werner Park, as well as a large ball field, which is part of Lion's Park. Southwest Playground is just south of Greenwood Park and, although not in the city limits, Tracy Country Club is just east of the city.
Central Park features a tennis court, ice skating rink and warming house, a frisbee golf field, climbing equipment, a band shell, picnic shelter, and playground equipment. Greentown Park includes a basketball goal, a baseball backstop, and a playground. Legion Park has a volleyball court, a playground, and a picnic shelter. Nehl's Park has a picnic shelter and horseshoe pits. Roadside Park is small but includes a playground. Sebastian Park features an aquatic center, two softball fields, two volleyball courts, a basketball court, climbing equipment, and a picnic center. Swift Lake Park is built around the lake and includes a playground, campground, pedestrian path, and a fishing dock. Werner Park has a playground.
The main route through the city is US Route 14, which is Craig Avenue within the city limits. US 14 connects Tracy with Walnut Grove, to the east, and Balaton, to the west. County Road 11 runs through the city to the north, while County Road 29 runs south.
The focus of this guide is the city of Tracy, Minnesota. Websites representing the municipal government, local businesses, churches, schools, organizations, or individuals are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Located in Tracy, Minnesota, the Roman Catholic school serves students of all denominations in PK-6th grades and is accredited by the National Catholic Educational Association. A map shows the location of the school, a school calendar is published to the site, and informational pages for its kindergarten, first and second grades, third and fourth grades, and fifth and sixth grades are included. Student handbooks and supply lists may be downloaded from the site.
https://stmarysschooltracy.org/
The Tracy, Minnesota business began with the purchase of a Chevrolet dealership in 1952, and has, at various times, represented Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Ford/Mercury, Chrysler/Plymouth/Jeep/Dodge, Buick, and Pontiac, and is currently an independent dealership specializing in the sale of pre-owned vehicles of various makes and models. Its inventory may be reviewed, along with pricing, special offers, and finance options.
https://www.salmonautomotive.com/
The informational site presents a profile and brief history of the Lyon County city and the municipal government, including a calendar of events, an email directory, community message board, and a guide to local healthcare facilities and programs, cultural programs, churches, schools, and civic organizations. A directory of businesses in the Tracy, Minnesota region is also included, with a contact form.
http://www.tracymn.com/
Formally founded in 1946, the congregation traces its history back to the late 1930s, when believers met in homes in Tracy, Minnesota. Affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance, the congregation meets at its facilities on Front Street in Tracy. Its Sunday School, Awana weekly ministries for children, men’s breakfasts, women’s coffees, and other ministries of the church are presented.
https://www.tracyalliancechurch.com/
Offering a PK-12th-grade public school curriculum, the district operates two campuses, Tracy Area Elementary School and Tracy Area High School, each of which are highlighted here. District and campus announcements are posted to the site, and a district calendar, district testing schedule, and contacts are included. The school board is acknowledged, and transportation schedules are displayed.
http://www.tracy.k12.mn.us/
Published in Tracy, Minnesota, the Headlight-Herald offers local and regional news reports, public notices, obituaries, and other features. Paper subscriptions may be arranged online, with prices based on location, with a county, state, or out of state bundles available. Most of the newspaper’s content is available online only by subscription. Advertising opportunities are presented, and contacts are posted to the site.
https://headlightherald.com/
Promoting the sports programs of Tracy High School, in Tracy, Minnesota, the site highlights its spring sports programs (baseball, softball, track and field, boys volleyball, boys golf, swimming, and boys tennis), fall sports programs (football, volleyball, boys and girls water polo, girls golf, girls tennis, cross country, cheer, and dance), and its winter sports programs *(boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, and wrestling).
https://tracyhighsports.com/
Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the congregation’s history dates back to the late 1800s. Its history and an overview of the church is given, including directions, weekly service, and program schedules, a calendar of upcoming projects and events. Its ministries to families, children, youth, and the community are outlined, and a church newsletter and bulletins are included.
http://www.tracylutheran.com/
The official municipal website offers an introduction to the community for those who are new, including a guide to local schools, healthcare facilities, parks, library, and recreational facilities and programs, as well as an area business directory. The city’s economic development efforts are put forth, and the mayor, city council, and departments are acknowledged, with office hours and contacts, meeting agendas and minutes.
https://www.tracymn.org/
Wheels Across the Prairie Museum
Created in 1977, and located in Tracy, Minnesota, the museum’s original focus is on collecting wheels from all facets of the history of the larger community and the lives of its early settlers, including wheels from its agricultural, railroad, and automotive history. Currently, the museum includes the Amiret Post Office, the Murray County School House, and a Car Barn, with antique tractors and vintage automobiles. Its exhibits and a calendar of events are posted.
http://www.wheelsacrosstheprairie.org/
