Eden Valley, Minnesota

Fueled By Entrepreneurial Spirit

Embracing progress and growth while keeping community close at heart

Tucked away in central Minnesota, Eden Valley may have a population of just over 1,000, but it’s a community with a vision for growth and progress far exceeding its size. Life here may seem quiet at first glance, but the drive for development runs deep. It’s a place where neighbors know each other by name, and community fuels an entrepreneurial spirit.

Neighbors helping neighbors

Eden Valley’s identity is deeply rooted in its residents’ hard work and dedication. Mayor Brent Bengtson describes the town as “a small, quiet community with a high drive for growth — not just in housing but business. It’s a friendly town where neighbors help neighbors.”

The culture of mutual support is a cornerstone of Eden Valley’s success. Steve Schmitt, Meeker County Commissioner, underscores the entrepreneurial energy within the community. “A lot is happening in the workshops and small businesses around town,” he says. “People here use their talents and resources to build something meaningful. It’s a small town, but there’s a quiet, underlying energy where everyone’s doing their part to move forward.”

Everyone, from local business owners to civic leaders, works together to maximize the town’s potential. “In Eden Valley, people are resilient and resourceful,” Schmitt adds. We foster public-private partnerships that keep the town moving forward, ensuring that growth is driven by the community, for the community.”

Laying the groundwork

Updating infrastructure for a town like Eden Valley is about improving and laying the foundation for future growth. Over the past decade, the town has steadily upgraded its streets and utilities to ensure the community’s long-term sustainability.

“We’ve been on a ten-year journey to update our aging street infrastructure,” Mayor Bengtson explains. “There are a few more areas to finish, but within five to ten years, most of our infrastructure will be under 30 years old.”

Beyond roads and utilities, Eden Valley has also welcomed new commercial ventures, including the arrival of a Dollar General store — a significant addition for a community that previously lacked a general goods retailer. “It was a creative process to make this happen,” Mayor Bengtson notes. “We partnered with a developer from Louisiana and found a way to bring water and sewer to the property, even when it seemed like it might not be feasible.”

Schmitt, who owned the land where the Dollar General now stands, recalls how the project came together. “I bought the land, cleaned it, and put up a sign for sale. A developer driving through town noticed it, and that’s how it all started. It took about a year and a half to get everything up and running, but it’s been a great addition to the town.”

The project reflects Eden Valley’s resourcefulness in turning challenges into opportunities. With limited resources, the town relies on ingenuity and partnerships to bring essential services to the community, ensuring Eden Valley’s growth continues despite its small size.

Housing market tightens

One of the most pressing issues in Eden Valley is the housing market, which has become increasingly tight as the town grows in popularity. “Homes don’t stay on the market for long here,” Anderson notes. “We currently have 11 homes listed, seven already pending. Houses are selling quickly.”

Mayor Bengtson agrees, noting that there’s significant demand for housing, but the construction of new homes has slowed due to the rising costs of materials and high interest rates. “We do have open lots in town, but they’re privately owned or held by development companies. New home construction is happening, but external factors like lumber prices slow it down.”

The town is acutely aware of the need for more housing to accommodate its growing population. Over the next five years, Eden Valley plans to develop new housing to meet the demand. “We’re working on a plan to build a new housing development that will include a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and patio homes,” Mayor Bengtson explains. “We want to ensure we have options for families, retirees, and everyone.”

The goal is to create a development that not only meets the needs of current residents but also attracts new families and businesses to the area. With the town’s excellent school system and reputation as a safe, welcoming community, Eden Valley has become an attractive option for those looking to settle down in a place that offers the best small-town living.

Safety as a key attraction

One of the town’s strongest selling points is its commitment to safety. Despite being a small community, Eden Valley maintains its police force, which is increasingly rare in towns of its size. “We’re one of the few towns under 5,000 residents in the area that still has its police department,” Bengtson points out. “We employ two full-time officers and some part-time help during major events.”

The focus on safety is a major draw for families. “It’s a safe community where people can walk around at night, kids can ride their bikes, and families can enjoy our parks without worrying about traffic or other issues,” Mayor Bengtson says.

Quality living

The town’s parks are also a significant part of its appeal. Eden Valley recently completed a brand-new park featuring a splash pad, picnic shelters, and a fully equipped event space that has become a popular venue for family reunions, graduations, and weddings. “The park gets used a lot,” Mayor Bengtson shares. “It’s become a central gathering place for the community, and it’s something we’re proud of.”

Eden Valley’s sense of community extends beyond its public amenities. Nancy McNab, President of the Chamber of Commerce, notes that the town’s civic organizations are vital in keeping residents engaged and connected. “We have over 20 active civic organizations here, and everyone’s involved in something,” she says. “From the Chamber of Commerce to the Historical Society, people here care about improving our town.”

Strategic advantages

While Eden Valley’s housing market and infrastructure are critical to its growth, the town’s business community is also thriving. Several local businesses have experienced significant growth in recent years, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

One of the standout success stories is a custom cabinet shop that has doubled or even tripled in size over the last decade. “The owner is shipping cabinets all over the state,” Mayor Bengtson shares. “His business has grown tremendously, which is impressive considering the challenges in the housing market.”

Another business that has seen remarkable growth is IsoNova, which processes egg products. “They’ve been expanding yearly for the last few years,” McNab says. “They’ve added multiple new buildings and are investing millions in their growth. It’s been great for the town.”

These businesses and others have succeeded in Eden Valley thanks partly to the town’s proximity to larger cities like St. Cloud and Minneapolis. “We’re located on Highway 55, which gives businesses easy access to the Twin Cities,” Mayor Bengtson notes. “It’s a great location for companies looking to move products or source materials.”

Expanding event spaces

In addition to its growing business sector, Eden Valley is known for its community events, which draw visitors from nearby towns and cities. The annual Valley Days festival is a major highlight, bringing people from all over to enjoy the town’s festivities. “Valley Days is our biggest event,” Mayor Bengtson says. “It brings a sizable crowd into town every year.”

The Citizens for Progress, a local nonprofit, also organizes various events throughout the year, including concerts in the park, school supply drives, and even a famous tea party. “Our last tea party sold out in record time,” McNab says. “We had 60 tickets, and they were gone before we could advertise it.”

One of the town’s most unique attractions is the Amazing Farmyard, a family-friendly farm that has been operating just west of town for nearly 20 years. “They’re planning to build a convention center that will hold up to 650 people,” Schmitt says. “It’s going to be a major asset to the area, as there aren’t many event spaces of that size around here.”

Fiber optic connectivity

Eden Valley’s leadership has ambitious plans for the town’s future. In addition to the new housing development, they are focused on attracting more businesses and continuing to improve the town’s infrastructure. Mayor Bengtson and Schmitt serve on the Meeker County and city EDAs (Economic Development Authorities) and are actively working to create growth opportunities.

“One of our priorities is to establish strong relationships with businesses that want to move here,” Mayor Bengtson says. “We’ve had much interest from Twin Cities metro area companies, and we’re working to make Eden Valley an attractive option for them.”

The town’s strategic location and fiber optic internet service make it an ideal spot for businesses looking to expand. “We have two internet service providers, and one offers fiber optic,” Mayor Bengtson notes. “That’s been a game-changer for us, especially during the pandemic when people started working from home. Businesses here can take advantage of e-commerce and other modern business techniques.”

Small town, big ambitions

Eden Valley may be a small town, but its ambitions are anything but modest. Focusing on infrastructure, housing, business growth, and community engagement, the town’s leadership ensures that Eden Valley remains where people want to live, work, and invest.

As Mayor Bengtson puts it, “This community is forward-thinking. Any challenges we face are opportunities to make something great. I’ve lived here for 17 years and am proud of our accomplishments. Eden Valley’s best days are still ahead.”

AT A GLANCE

Eden Valley

What: A small town in central Minnesota in Meeker and Stearns counties known for its close-knit community and agricultural roots.

Where: Central Minnesota, spanning Meeker and Stearns counties.

Website: https://ci.edenvalley.mn.us/