History & Vision
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Sauk Rapids is a thriving Central Minnesota city with a rich history. It began in 1851 with a single house and is now home to 14,146 residents, making it a vital part of one of the fastest growing regions in MN.
Sauk Rapids offers the many benefits of being part of the regional economic hub, yet has the humble tranquility of a smaller town. Residents appreciate the comfort and security of living in a close-knit community, citing it as an excellent place in which to live, work, raise families, and operate businesses.
Economic Development
The Sauk Rapids economy boasts a diverse mix of industry, retail, professional, and service businesses. The thriving downtown embraces its rich and full history, while welcoming fresh opportunities. Downtown currently houses several diverse retail and service businesses, including:
- Mixin’ It Up Gluten Free Bakery
- Scooters Coffee
- Lost Times Tavern
- Jimmy’s Pour House
- BOHO Salon
- Hardware Hank
- Sauk Rapids Liquor
- Caribou Coffee
- Village Pharmacy & Gift
- Dollar Store
- Walgreens
- Elevate Dance Center
- Edward Jones Financial Advisors
- Insurance Companies
- Construction Companies
- Home lmprovement Remodeling
- Special Event Venues
Industrial Growth
Sauk Rapids is an established community with extraordinary growth potential. Located approximately 70 miles northwest of the Twin Cities, the community is conveniently situated on U.S. Highways 10 & 15, and just minutes from I-94. The city has industrial parks located on the outskirts of three different areas of the community, incorporating a diverse mix of manufacturing, light industrial, heavy industrial, and retail. All have land available for new or expanding businesses.
Education
Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools offer comprehensive educational opportunities for thousands of students. With strong leadership and vision for the future, the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district has an outstanding reputation in Minnesota & beyond. Students, staff, and district are regularly recognized for excellence and continue to earn local, state and national awards. Recent highlights include:
- Personalized learning through technology
- Above average performance on college readiness testss
- Minnesota School Finance Award 2012-2016
- Two-time nationally recognized Board of Education
- Partnerships with St. Cloud Technical & Community College and St. Cloud State University
- Nationally recognized Early Childhood Program
The area is also home to several parochial and private schools.
Recreation
Parks & Trails
Residents cite leisure activities and facilities as both a priority and a perk of living here. Sauk Rapids is home to numerous city parks offering playgrounds, a wading pool, picnic areas, walking trails, ice rinks, ball fields, pickleball and basketball courts.
Sauk Rapids’ historic connections to the mighty Mississippi River continue to be a source of pride among residents who enjoy biking, walking, and skiing along its banks. Bicycle enthusiasts now have a bike fixi-it station on the Mississippi River Trail, thanks to efforts by the Great River Rotary Club. The kiosk offers bicycle repair tools, a map of trails within the Sauk Rapids area, and directions to local businesses.
Skating
Located on the Benton County Fairgrounds, Sports Arena East provides indoor skating opportunities. It is home to the Sauk Rapids Youth Hockey Association, Sauk Rapids Storm boys high school hockey team, home of the Stormin’ Sabres girls high school hockey team, as well as home ice for the Granite City Lumberjacks – an NA3HL team.
Raceway
Sauk Rapids offers a unique venue on Golden Spike Road that has entertained residents and visitors since 1961. The Granite City Speedway attracts between 900 and 2,000 fans each weekend during the dirt track racing season.
Culture & Tradition
Long-running local events draw residents as well as visitors to the city of Sauk Rapids. The scenic river and area parks provide numerous opportunities for all ages to enjoy.
- Rock The Riverside Outdoor Concert Series
- Rapids River Days – Summer Festival (Medallion Hunt, Outdoor Concerts, Miss Sauk Rapids Pageant, Parade, and Food Fest)
- Benton County Fair
- Fire Department Annual Open House
- Sauk Rapids Downtown Jingle & Mingle – Winter Celebration (Downtown Business Specials, Artisan Market, Business Market, Visits with Santa Claus, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Llama Wonderama, Historical Museum, Living Nativity, Toys For Tots, Lighted Parade, Meat Raffles, and Musician’s Collective Christmas Concert)
Service & Community Organizations
- Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts
- Sauk Rapids American Legion Post 254
- Sauk Rapids Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6992 and VFW Auxiliary
- Sauk Rapids Women Of Today
- Sauk Rapids Area Jaycees-JCI
- Lions Clubs (Sauk Rapids Lions, Riverside Lions, and Tinville Lions)
- Benton County 4-H Clubs (Central MN Llama Club, Cornerstone Clovers, Duelm, Elk River Critters, Graham, Granite Clouds, Green Acres, Langola Livewires, Mayhew Lakers, Pioneers, Rooted and Free, St. Pat’s, and 79’ers)
- Miss Sauk Rapids Royalty
- Great River Rotary Club
- Sauk Rapids Knights of Columbus
- Sauk Rapids Sportsmen’s Club
- Sauk Rapids Police Reserves
- Sauk Rapids-Rice Area Musician’s Collective
- Sauk Rapids Community Education
- Various Faith-Based Organizations
Fast Facts
Did you know?
- Population: 14,146 based on U.S. Census Bureau Estimate
- Average HHI: Between $50,000 and $74,999
- Access: Minnesota State Highways 23 and 15; US Highway 10
- Schools: Sauk Rapids is in the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District
- Governance: Sauk Rapids is located in Benton County
