Exploring Cologne, Minnesota: A Small Town's Unique Location

Cologne, Minnesota, is a small city in Carver County, located around 30 miles from Minneapolis. The city has a total area of 1.87 square miles, with a population of 2,047 as of the 2020 census. The community was platted in 1880 and incorporated in 1881, named after Cologne, Germany. The city is served by U.S. Highway 212 and Minnesota State Highway 284, with the former Milwaukee Road mainline passing through.

Cologne, Minnesota's population

Cologne, Minnesota is a small city in Carver County, Minnesota, United States. It is approximately 30 miles from Minneapolis and is known for its strong German heritage. The city offers a peaceful rural atmosphere with a touch of historical character. The community is proud of its close-knit nature and slower pace of life, making it an appealing destination for those seeking an escape from larger urban areas.

As of the 2020 census, Cologne, Minnesota had a population of 2,047 people, a notable increase from 1,519 in the 2010 census. This positive growth trend is further evidenced by the 2022 population estimate of 2,086, although this represents a slight decrease from 2,161 in 2021. The city covers a total area of 1.87 square miles, with 1.75 square miles of land and 0.12 square miles of water.

The racial makeup of Cologne, as of the 2010 census, was predominantly White (94.9%), with smaller proportions of African Americans (0.9%), Asians (1.2%), and other races. The gender distribution was relatively balanced, with 52.1% male and 47.9% female residents. The median age was 32 years, significantly lower than the median ages of Minnesota (37.4) and the entire US (37.2).

In 2022, the median household income in Cologne was reported to be $114,375, representing a 5.63% increase from the previous year. The median property value in the same year was $343,000, with a homeownership rate of 91.3%. The primary mode of transportation for most commuters in Cologne was driving alone, with an average commute time of 27.9 minutes.

The city's German heritage

The city of Cologne, Minnesota, was named after Cologne, Germany, the city from which its founders, Adam and Paul Mohrbacher, emigrated. The German heritage of the city is evident in its community events and architectural styles.

The German-American community of Cologne was the subject of the 1939 amateur short film, 'Cologne: From the Diary of Ray and Esther', which was named to the National Film Registry in 2001. The film offers a glimpse into the life of the community before the United States' entry into World War II.

Cologne's architectural styles also reflect its German influence. The city has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Paul Mohrbacher House (1880), the Philip Guettler House (1902), and the John Knotz House (1905). These historic homes showcase the architectural styles and craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition to its cultural and architectural heritage, Cologne's early history was shaped by farming and milling. The railroad, which first arrived in 1872, also played a vital role in the growth and development of the city. Today, Cologne is a charming small city that offers a peaceful rural atmosphere and a close-knit community, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Annual events and festivals

Cologne, Minnesota is a small city in Carver County, known for its strong German heritage. The city has a close-knit community and a slower pace of life, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a more relaxed, culturally rich experience.

Cologne hosts several annual events, including local fairs and festivals, that celebrate its cultural heritage and community spirit. These events often showcase traditional German food, music, and crafts, offering visitors a unique insight into the area's cultural fabric.

One of the most notable annual events is the Cologne Glad Days Festival, which has been held on the last weekend of July since 2001. This festival was created by a group of residents with the goal of enhancing Cologne's sense of community. It aims to bring together long-time residents and newcomers, reflect on and share the city's history, and encourage residents to take pride in their community. The festival features traditional German culture and is a celebration of the city's history and people.

In addition to the Glad Days Festival, Cologne also hosts other annual events and festivals that celebrate the local culture and community. These include local fish fries, pancake breakfasts, and other community events. The city's website invites visitors to check their Community Events page for updates on these gatherings.

Cologne also offers a range of other attractions, including scenic parks and trails that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can also explore the city's architectural styles, which reflect its German heritage. With its charming character and strong sense of community, Cologne provides a welcoming and unique experience for travellers seeking a laid-back destination rich in cultural traditions.

Local attractions

Cologne, Minnesota is a charming small city in Carver County, offering a peaceful rural atmosphere with a touch of historical character. Known for its strong German heritage, the city is packed with cultural events and architectural styles that showcase its unique roots.

Parks and Trails

Cologne has six parks: Marion Field, Meadow Park, VFW Park, Lions Park, Fritz Field, and Village Park. These parks offer scenic views and highlight the natural beauty of the region.

Annual Events

The city hosts several annual events, including local fairs and festivals, that celebrate its cultural heritage and community spirit. These events often feature traditional German food, music, and crafts, providing a unique glimpse into the cultural fabric of the area.

Historic Buildings

Cologne has several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Paul Mohrbacher House (1880), the founder of the city's home; the Philip Guettler House (1902); and the John Knotz House (1905).

Golf Courses

For golf enthusiasts, there are several nearby golf courses, such as the Dahlgreen Golf Course in Chaska and the Island View Golf Club in Waconia.

Wineries and Breweries

The region is also home to several wineries and breweries, including the Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery and the Parley Lake Winery.

Outdoor Activities

Cologne offers a range of outdoor activities for all ages, such as the Baylor Regional Park in Norwood Young America and the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center in Carver.

The city's elevation and coordinates

Cologne, Minnesota is located in Carver County, Minnesota, United States. The city is situated at an elevation of 292 meters, with coordinates of -93.781350, 44.771630. This places it approximately 30 miles from Minneapolis, the nearest major city.

The longitude and latitude coordinates of Cologne, Minnesota, specifically indicate its geographic position relative to the Prime Meridian and the Equator. The negative value of the longitude coordinate (-93.781350) signifies that the city is located west of the Prime Meridian, which passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. On the other hand, the positive value of the latitude coordinate (44.771630) indicates that the city is located north of the Equator, which bisects the Earth horizontally.

These coordinates provide a precise reference point for the location of Cologne, Minnesota on the Earth's surface. They allow for the identification of the city's position in relation to other geographic locations and facilitate navigation and directional guidance. The elevation of 292 meters, or approximately 958 feet, further describes the city's position above sea level, offering additional context for its geographic characteristics.

The elevation and coordinates of Cologne, Minnesota, are important factors in understanding the city's geographic context and its relationship to surrounding areas. They provide a framework for mapping and navigation, enabling people to locate and navigate to the city accurately. Additionally, these values play a role in various applications, such as weather forecasting, aviation, and geographic information systems (GIS), where precise location and elevation data are essential for analysis and decision-making.

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