Page 46 - 2017 Willmar Lakes Area Guide

Towns
of Kandiyohi County
#wiLLmArLAKesAreA
wiLLmAr (pop. 19,694)
Willmar is located 95 miles west of Minneapolis / St. Paul and is the county seat for Kandiyohi County. With a population of 19,694, Willmar offers many of the amenities of a larger city, while still providing the benefits of a small town.
Willmar is a diverse community surrounded by rich farm lands, scenic lakes and rolling hills. The economy is diverse and growing with vibrant agricultural, medical and technology sectors.
The residential neighborhoods of Willmar offer a diversity of housing with older restored homes, modern construction and newer town homes and apartment buildings. The City has 37 parks, including the Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center and Robbins Island, a 55 acre wooded island between Willmar and Foot Lakes. Robbins Island features hiking and biking trails, a swimming beach and public boat access. The City’s trail network includes a connection to the Glacial Lakes State Trail. The City offers ample opportunity and access to recreation for all ages.
Festivities and supporting the arts are part of Willmar’s social events. Willmar Fests is a summer celebration that combines three festivals, Aqua Fest, International Fest and Kaffee Fest, into one great opportunity for the whole family. The fall offers Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! as another special event for all ages.
rAymond (pop. 764)
You might be surprised to see the variety of businesses on our redeveloped Main Street, ranging from banking and insurance to carpenters and cabinet builders to auto repair and auto sales to our award-winning supermarket. We also have two recreational businesses, Apol’s Harley Davidson and Tensen Marine. For a small town, we have BIG things to offer.
Many Raymond visitors enjoy the outdoors by biking or taking walks around town or on our beautiful nature trails down by the lake bottom. Visitors also enjoy playing golf at Hawk Creek Country Club - our challenging, yet affordable, 9-hole public course.
The Raymond Civic & Commerce also hosts or supports several family friendly events each year, starting with the Memorial Day Parade in the spring, a National Night Out meal with games each summer, the Raymond Harvest Festival in the fall, and the Holiday Express each winter. Come explore our town and you’ll see why Everybody Loves Raymond!
pennocK (pop. 507)
Seven miles west of Willmar on State Highway 12 is the town of Pennock which was once a water stop for the railroad. Pennock was established and platted by the railroad in 1871 as St. Johns. The name was changed to Pennock in 1891 and was incorporated as a village in 1903. Not far from Pennock is the Guri Endreson cabin which is the original home of the Lars and Guri Endreson family, one of the first families to settle in the county.
hAwicK (pop. 287)
The city of Hawick is home to 287 residents along Highway 23 between New London and Paynesville. Like so many towns, Hawick came into existence with the establishment of a post office along the railroad line.
AtwAter (pop. 1133)
The city of Atwater has great neighborly living. There are city parks
with playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing, hiking, basketball courts, sand volleyball, baseball, softball and little league fields.There also are youth summer recreation programs.
Atwater community is host to ACGC Elementary School which is home to pre-school through 6th grade students. The children receive weekly instruction from music, physical education, arts and media teachers along with their regular classroom instruction. The 3rd weekend in June is the annual “Atwater Days.” The 2nd weekend in September is the annual Thresher Show. The city of Atwater is host to many wonderful organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Legion Post #375, 4H Club, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts and Atwater Area Historical Society. Come and join our neighborhood. City Office 320-974-8760
prinsburg (pop. 497)
Prinsburg is a small town where big things happen.
The town is home to a number of businesses including Central Minnesota Christian School, a K-12 school founded in 1911.
Prinsburg boasts a bank, water management company, general contracting company, fire station, gas station and many other businesses.
This close-knit community where faith and family are very important, has an Annual 4th of July Celebration which features a worship service, dinner, silent auction, kids carnival, trapshooting, tractor pulls, parade and fireworks.
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Where The Lakes Begin - www.willmarlakesarea.com - 800.845.8747