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History
Caledonia is a city with a rich history and a bright future. Founder Samuel McPhail called the city Caledonia after the ancient name of his native Scotland.
Caledonia is surrounded by hardwood forests which provide a haven for wildlife. Hunting and trapping are popular pursuits in the area, and bird watchers enjoy spotting a number of different species in and around the city, including the Acadian Flycatcher and Louisiana Waterthrush. Spring-fed streams challenge fishermen as they angle for trout. And less than 15 miles away, the Mississippi River offers a number of recreational activities. Beaver Creek Valley State Park, three miles west of Caledonia, has camping sites from primitive to modern. Keep an eye out for wild turkeys, because Caledonia is known as the Wild Turkey Capital of Minnesota!
In the winter, groomed trails attract snowmobilers , and there are opportunities for snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing as well.
In the city of Caledonia, you'll find a varied and robust business community with an excellent mix of retail, service and manufacturing concerns. A strong economic base helps keep taxes in the city among the lowest in the state. There are a number of programs in place to assist businesses that want a start in Caledonia. Housing is plentiful and affordable here, too!
Among the city's assets are excellent schools with two parochial schools, a public elementary school and a middle/high school, built in 2003. Medical and dental care is available in the city, and there are two hospitals within 25 miles of Caledonia. A number of civic and service organizations work to create a strong sense of community and a vision for the future.
There are a number of events that help bring residents and visitors together, including the annual Christmas Parade and the Bluff and Valley Hot Air Balloon Rally held the first weekend of December. Scottish Heritage Night, the fourth Saturday in March, pays homage to Caledonia's founder with an evening of Scottish music, food and entertainment.
Every August, the Houston County Fair arrives with entertainment, contests, 4-H and open class exhibits, a carnival and of course, lots of corn dogs, cotton candy and caramel corn! The fair is held the third week of August, but visitors enjoy stopping at the fairgrounds year-round to see the historical buildings of History Lane, including an old school house, pioneer cabin, church, and town hall. The Houston County Historical Society's museum is also located at the fairgrounds.
General Information
There are two motels in Caledonia (Americinn and Crest Red Carpet Inn) for a total of 70 rooms available.
Caledonia is located in the Southeastern corner of the state, where the land transitions from rolling hills to scenic bluffs and the Mississippi River Valley. It is not uncommon to see magestic eagles soaring or sitting high in the treetops. Deer, wild turkeys and coyotes are plentiful. Bear, cougar and bobcats are present, but rarely seen. Area streams offer the trout fisherman access to some of the best trout fishing in the state. Bike trails, hiking trails, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, horse trails, boating and bird watching are activities that lure people to the area.
Caledonia makes a great "hub" for day trips because it is centrally located between some of the regions favorite attractions. You can explore parts of three states; MN, IA and WI, while headquartered in Caledonia. The Mississippi River is just 17 miles away. Plan one day as a "cruise day" on the Julia Belle Swain, a paddlewheeler docked in nearby La Crosse, WI. Another day could be spent cycling nearby bike trails along the Root River. Explore Amish country in the nearby Canton-Harmony area. Hike the bluff lands and explore the Effigy Mounds near McGregor, IA. Canoe the Upper Iowa River or the Root River. Don't forget to check out the Caledonia area either! Take a tour of the town and check out the unique architecture of the oldest jail in Minnesota, the impressive limestone courthouse, the Houston County Historical museum complex and much more.
Learn more about this city
City of CALEDONIA, MN official site
City of CALEDONIA, MN chamber of commerce
City of CALEDONIA, MN yellow pages
City of CALEDONIA, MN newspaper
County of HOUSTON, MN official site