Nerstrand

History of Nerstrand

In 1856, Norwegian immigrant Osmund Osmundson moved to Wheeling Township in Rice County, where he homesteaded at the present site of Nerstrand, building a house and farm. In 1877, he built a store on what became the right-of-way for railroad tracks on what is now Main Street. In 1885, the Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad (later the Chicago Great Western Railway) was constructed, extending from Lyle, Minnesota, in Mower County to St. Paul. Osmundson platted the town on the line, naming it after his hometown of Nedstrand in Norway. Osmundson later became a state legislator.

Thorstein Veblen, who grew up just outside of the town, became a nationally renowned sociologist and economist. His farmstead is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nerstrand’s first city hall was built in 1897. A newer one was built in 1907. That building, as well as homes belonging to Osmund Osmundson and another famous Nerstrander, Tosten Bonde, are also considered national historic landmarks. Numbers to Know

nerstrand

Fire Department (non-emergencies) 507-332-8000 Nerstrand Elementary Charter School 507-333-6850 Post Office 507-334-7719 Sheriff’s Office 651-385-3155

nerstrand Utilities & Services Cable TV, Internet

Jaguar 800-250-1517 Northfield Wi-Fi 612-991-4260 Municipal Utilities 507-332-8000 Water & Sewer –billed by the City of Nerstrand Garbage/Refuse- Flom Disposal , 507-334-5767 (Friday pickup)

Government

City Hall: 221 Main St., Nerstrand 507-332-8000 Mayor: Niki Portillo City Clerk: Dana Jans, cityclerknerstrand@gmail.com City Council: Jennifer Schwab, Jennifer Valek, Monica Gernadt and Tom Voge

Places to visit

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Located just a few miles up the road at 9700 170th St. E by Nerstrand, Big Woods features nearly 3,000 acres of the old growth woods that covered much of southern and central Minnesota before settlers arrived. The park offers environmental education, birding, a visitor’s center, camping and hiking on a variety of wooded trails. Additional features include Hidden Falls waterfall, spectacular spring wildflowers, and fabulous fall color. Wintertime activities include snowshoeing and cross country skiing, on occasion by moonlight. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Nerstrand City Hall Built in 1908, the hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of Rice County’s best examples of municipal buildings constructed in the first decades of the 20th Century.

Nerstrand Meats & Catering This family owned business has been in operation at the same location since 1890. They maintain a century old tradition of preparing, producing and serving fine smoked meats and specialty foods.

Thorstein Veblen Farmstead National Historic Landmark This historic farm is not only the homestead of world renowned economist Thorstein Veblen, but also a working flower farm and farm stay destination. Tours are by appointment only, scheduled on Wednesday afternoons between Memorial Day and Labor Day, located at 16538 Goodhue Avenue, Nerstrand. For more information, see www.historicveblenfarm.com.

Valley Grove Church Visit these two historic churches on a hill, built by Norwegian immigrants. The 1862 church is a stone building and the 1894 church is made of white clapboard. Valley Grove Church, with its cemetery and Oak savanna and prairie, is on the National Register of Historic Sites and is maintained and promoted by the Valley Grove Preservation Society. For more information, visit www.valleygrovemn.org or email info@valleygrovemn.org.

A SETTING TO HELP YOUR CHILD GROW! Nerstrand Elementary is now accepting applications for 2021-2022 enrollment in grades K-5

Learning. Creating. Exploring. We offer daily instruction in Music and Phy. Ed!

Apply online at www.nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us For more information or to arrange a tour, call 507-333-6850