Archive for December 2007

County of the Week – Freeborn

December 28, 2007

Freeborn County, Minnesota

Founded: Freeborn County was established on the 20th of February, 1855.

History:

  • The county seat is located in Albert Lea.
  • Freeborn County is often referred to as the “Southern Gateway of Minnesota.”
  • Agriculture is the main staple in the counties economy and is considered to be a highly productive center for trade.
  • Named after William Freeborn a territorial settler.

Places to be:

  • Every summer the Freeborn County Fair hosts “The Best Six Days of Summer.”
  • Helmer Myre State Park offers many outdoor recreational activities, such as, hiking, biking, camping, wildlife watching, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and canoeing.
  • When the snow falls one can cruise the 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the county.
  • Spend a summer day in any of Freeborn County’s 38 city parks.
  • If your looking for a enjoyable day out on the water, you wont be disappointed with Geneva Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Fountain Lake, Freeborn Lake, Bear Lake or Twin Lakes.

Sites to see:

  • Take in part in a public tour of 20 historical buildings at Pioneer Village.
  • Gain knowledge of the county by visiting the Freeborn County Museum.
  • Albert Lea offers many sites to see for all ages, including the Aquatic Center, Audubon Science Center, Greibrok’s Toy Tractor Farm, and the Storylady Doll and Toy Museum.

Population: Beautiful lakes and rich soil are just a couple of reasons why 33,000 people call Freeborn County their home.

Cites:

* largest city

Area: 720 square miles

Advertisement

Banner in Bovey & Grand Rapids

December 1, 2007

Thanks to Jim Weikum for sending us an update on the Sesquicentennial Banner:
The most recent stop on the banner’s tour through northeastern Minnesota was at the Bovey Public Library. One of Bovey’s claims to fame is being the home of the photograph “Grace“. 

BoveyBovey

The two photos above are of the banner with the Bovey city council (and other citizens) and the banner hanging in front of Bovey City Hall.

The banner and journal are now on their way to the Grand Rapids Are Library, with Grand Rapids being the birthplace of Judy Garland. You can learn more about the stop in Grand Rapids here.