Letter From The Mayor
My family and I have lived and worked in Starbuck for over 30 years now and have witnessed a number of changes in that time. Starbuck isn’t the farming community that it once was which is typical of rural Minnes
ota. We already have American Business Solutions, Dycast Inc., West Central Irrigation, and Solar Skies Inc. Located in our industrial park. As the surrounding area has changed for employment the city has made an effort to change with it.
We are located on the west end of Lake Minnewaska, one of the larger lakes in the State of Minnesota. The city is fortunate enough to have its own marina and campgrounds which many people make good use of for boating, fishing, and swimming. The campgrounds is one of the finest in the area and is within walking distance of the downtown area and the city park, ballfield and beach. We also have been able to keep an elementary school in town serving kindergarten through the sixth grade. After sixth grade, the students are able to attend the Minnewaska Area High School located midway between Starbuck and Glenwood. It is a very nice facility and is only 18 years old.
We are only about 2 ½ hours from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Interstate Highway 94 is only 20 miles north of our community and it is easy access for those who live here. Just 5 miles south of town, we are fortunate enough to have Glacial Lakes State Park. It has hiking trails, riding trails for horses, lakes to fish and swim in, camping, wildlife including deer, beaver and a large variety of birds. There are also camping cabins in addition to spots for your RV or tenting.
IJust 19miles west of Starbuck is the University of Minnesota, Morris. It is considered to be one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. As far as medical care is concerned we have a very good doctor and clinic right here in town. The closest hospital is only 8 miles away and there are two others within 25 miles of us. We also have Minnewaska Community Health Services in town which has 72 beds and employs approximately 120 full and part time employees.
To me one of the more attractive things when we moved to Starbuck from the twin cities is that there is only one signal light in the whole county. And if you are coming from the east or west it is green more often than not!
In the winter, there may be anywhere from 500 to 1,000 ice fishing houses on Lake Minnewaska. In the spring, many of the kids in town spend much of their free time fishing for crappies at the marina. We also celebrate Lefse Dagen in the spring at the old restored Starbuck Depot. We are the home of the World’s Largest Lefse which was over 10 feet in diameter. In the summer we now have two main festivals with Heritage Days on the Fourth of July and Dragon Boat Races the 2nd weekend in August. In the fall, there are a number of places to hunt and fish. We also celebrate Eple Tiden at the Starbuck Depot.
I am priviledge to serve as the city’s mayor. The city council will continue to open any input from the public in an effort to make Starbuck a city where you want to work and live. Give us a try—you have nothing to lose. We promise to make every effort to offer you a supportive community, hardworking entrepreneurs and a warm place to call home.
