Fans of aviation will be tickled to learn that Little Falls is home to the childhood house of flying great Charles Lindbergh, who rose to fame after being the first to make a non-stop flight from New York to Paris.
If you're looking to live smack-dab in the middle of the Land of 10,000 Lakes, then look no further than Little Falls. This modestly sized Minnesota town, named for the small waterfalls that settlers discovered along the Mississippi River here, is just about as central as it gets. What Little Falls may lack in grandeur it more than makes up for in small-town charm and friendly attitude, making it a fine place to call home. What's more, the town also boasts historic venues, parks and wildlife retreats.
Moving to Little Falls
Rents in Little Falls are modest, with monthly rates well below what you would expect in a larger city, and you can find an apartment to rent all year round. With no major university within its bounds or the need to fight for housing with tourists, you can find two-bedroom apartments for rent in Little Falls quite easily, which affords just enough space without the need to care for a yard or other single-family home responsibilities. That being said, townhouses are in high supply in Little Falls, so if you are seeking property rentals with more amenities and space -- one of these units could be the answer to your crossed fingers.
When is the right time to move?
Since temperatures in Central Minnesota regularly dip down to or below 0 degrees, (yes, Fahrenheit... and yes, that is very cold) you would be doing yourself a favor by moving in the summer months. Remember, winter can begin as early as October here and snow may stay on the ground through April (trust us, though, it's still a great place to live!).
We know you're excited to pack up your moving truck, but start to look for a home at least a few weeks before you need to move in. Even with a fair amount of apartments, townhouses and a few single-family homes on the rental market, you should listen to that voice in your head telling you to be prepared. Standard documents such as a valid ID, proof of income and enough money to put down a deposit should allow you to win over your new landlord and get a lease locked down in no time.
Neighborhoods of Little Falls
With just under eight square miles to call home, Little Falls doesn't have many distinct neighborhoods per se. Still, where you choose to make your address might still be informed by the part of town that offers you the best access to your favorite amenities and the right type of housing. Little Falls has a river running through it -- you may have heard of it -- called the Mississippi. It's kind of a big deal. As a result, riverfront rentals are a definite possibility, putting you closer to ice fishing in the winter or maybe some shore-side fishing in the summer.
East of the Mississippi: The part of town east of the river offers addresses from 1st through 12th Streets SE. You will find apartments and houses here, but the primary advantage is that you will be a stone's throw from I-10, which can take you to nearby St. Cloud in just over 30 minutes. If you are commuting to the neighboring city, or just want to check out the Crossroads Shopping Center there, then living on the east side of Little Falls makes sense. It also offers you the opportunity to reside in Little Falls' historic downtown area.
West of the Mississippi: This side of the river may seem tempting because of the ample park land. Included in the parks on this side of town is the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, named after the pilot's father, who was a Minnesota Congressman. Living on the west side could very well put you within walking distance of this park or others, including Pine Grove Park or Mill Park, which is immediately adjacent to the river.
Living in Little Falls
What is there to do in this town? Plenty, we are happy to say. If you're a museum buff, listen up. The Minnesota Fishing Museum, Paul Larson Memorial Museum, Minnesota Military Museum and Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum all put down roots in Little Falls.
When weather permits, or if you're a brave soul willing to take up snowshoeing and other winter sports, you can also get a kick out of the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge or one of the town's biking and hiking trails. Once the snow hits the ground, many of these same pathways become accessible to snowmobilers. If you're interested in some long distance exercise, a bicycle trail along the Mississippi River will lead you towards "The Cities," otherwise known as Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Up for some slower paced fun? Take a stroll through the downtown historic district and wander in and out of the local shops, or grab a bite to eat at the American Legion Club or Little Fiesta Mexican Restaurant.