The city, home to just over 4,000 residents, boasts a strong German heritage, evident in its cultural events and community activities. With a variety of recreational parks and a bustling local business scene, Cold Spring offers a welcoming environment for families and visitors alike. “It is a great place to live, work, and belong,” says the City Administrator, Kris Dockendorf. She emphasizes the community’s warm, personal nature, where neighbors greet each other by first names and opportunities for involvement are abundant. From volunteering to participating in city government, residents find many ways to engage with their town. Dockendorf paints a picture of a town that offers both the security and friendliness of a smaller community while still providing the amenities of a larger city. “We have the stores, the entertainment, the restaurants,” she says, adding that a large city is only a short 15-minute drive away if something is missing. REVITALIZING MAIN STREET Cold Spring has a thriving downtown area that serves as the heartbeat of the community. Dockendorf shares that there are no vacant buildings downtown, and the businesses take immense pride in their appearances. “In the last seven or eight years, we’ve redone almost all the streets in the downtown area,” she states, pointing out the City Council’s efforts to maintain an inviting and aesthetically pleasing environment. Last year, Cold Spring received a Main Street Revitalization grant, which provided substantial assistance to businesses for various building projects. Many storefronts and interiors have been upgraded as a result.The enthusiasm for beautification extends beyond business owners. “Some residents joined together and raised $10,000 for hanging flower baskets around town. They did this all on their own, and now we keep them going,” Dockendorf shares, highlighting the community’s proactive spirit. Cold Spring is home to unique stores such as Trendsetters, Cinder Boutique, Little Sisters Antique Store, Vintage Lane Décor, Gentler Thymes, Lullaby Lane for baby and kids’ clothing, and Thirty Four Oaks 103 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 COLD SPRING, MN
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