Back ألبرت ليا Arabic البرت ليا ARZ آلبرت لی، مینهسوتا AZB Albert Lea Catalan Альберт-Ли (Миннесота) CE Albert Lea CEB Albert Lea DAG Albert Lea German Albert Lea Spanish Albert Lea (Minnesota) Basque
Albert Lea, Minnesota | |
|---|---|
 The historic downtown | |
| Motto: Land Between the Lakes | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 43°39′18″N 93°21′51″W / 43.65500°N 93.36417°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Freeborn |
| Founded | 1855 |
| Incorporated (village) | 1859 |
| Incorporated (city) | 1878 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Rich Murray |
| • City Manager | Ian Rigg |
| • City Attorney | Kelly Martinez |
| • Public Safety Director | JD Carlson |
| Area | |
| • City | 15.14 sq mi (39.21 km2) |
| • Land | 13.29 sq mi (34.42 km2) |
| • Water | 1.85 sq mi (4.79 km2) 12.69% |
| Elevation | 1,247 ft (380 m) |
| Population | |
| • City | 18,492 |
| • Estimate (2022)[4] | 18,396 |
| • Density | 1,391.53/sq mi (537.27/km2) |
| • Urban | 17,992 |
| • Metro | 30,718 (US: 428th) |
| • Demonym | Albert Leans |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code | 56007 |
| Area code | 507 |
| FIPS code | 27-00694 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2393902[2] |
| Website | cityofalbertlea.org |
Albert Lea (/ˌælbərt ˈliː/ AL-bərt LEE)[5] is a city in Freeborn County, in southern Minnesota.[6] It is the county seat. Its population was 18,492 at the 2020 census.[3]
The city is at the junction of Interstates 35 and 90, about 90 miles (140 km) south of the Twin Cities. It is on the shores of Fountain Lake, Pickerel Lake, Albert Lea Lake, Goose Lake, School Lake, and Lake Chapeau. Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake are part of the Shell Rock River flowage.
The city's early growth was based on agriculture, farming support services and manufacturing, and it was a significant rail center. At one time it was the site of Cargill's headquarters.[7] Other manufacturing included Edwards Manufacturing (barn equipment), Scotsman Ice Machines, Streater Store fixtures, and Universal Milking Machines. As in many U.S. cities, Albert Lea's manufacturing base has substantially diminished. A major employer was the Wilson & Company meatpacking plant, later known as Farmstead and Farmland. This facility was destroyed by fire in July 2001.
Albert Lea’s major assets are its lakes. In the center of town is Fountain Lake. This is a recreational lake, known for boating, fishing, water skiing, and paddle boarding. It also has a walking path around its perimeter (approx.5 miles). In the city and connected by a channel to Fountain Lake is Albert Lea Lake. This large natural lake is primarily used for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It is bordered by Myre Big Island State Park which features a natural oak savanna landscape. This State Park is known for its wildlife with 234 different kinds of birds. Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent. There is a hiking trail, bike trail, cross country ski trail and snowmobile trail. There are 43 beautiful parks in Albert Lea that boast many activities.
Currently, Albert Lea averages 42 events per year, with the majority held on Broadway Avenue in the National Commercial Historic District. The most popular events are: The Big Freeze – an annual winter event featuring a blue ice plunge, chili cook‐off, ice and snow activities; Wind Down Wednesdays – an outdoor festival & market featuring music, food and arts and crafts vendors; held every June, July and August on Broadway Avenue since 2014; Eddie Cochran Days – 3 days of music, cars and fun, held annually in the downtown commercial district, featuring an annual car show and cruise with over 65 awards presented by the Mayor, and Thursdays on Fountain – a weekly outdoor music event held at the gazebo on Fountain Lake Park in the summer months.
The city benefits from a diverse economic base, ranging from health care, education, manufacturing (primarily food related), and financial, to unique design and boutique‐type businesses. The city’s location on the crossroads of interstates 35 and 90, its natural beauty, seven lakes and bays, offer a unique environment for its residents and visitors. These same benefits make destinations within the region very accessible, including Big Ten and professional sports, professional theater and music, the Mall of America, and Mayo Clinic in Rochester. [8]
- ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Albert Lea, Minnesota
- ^ a b "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
USCensusEst2022was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Minnesota Pronunciation Guide". Associated Press. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved July 4, 2011.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "Cargill Timeline". cargill.com. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
- ^ "About Us | City of Albert Lea". cityofalbertlea.org. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
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