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Aurora, Minnesota facts for kids

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Aurora
Photo: Erlend Bjørtvedt
Photo: Erlend Bjørtvedt
Motto(s): 
"Star City of the North"
Location of the city of Aurorawithin Saint Louis County, Minnesota
Location of the city of Aurora
within Saint Louis County, Minnesota
Country United States
State Minnesota
County Saint Louis
Area
 • Total 3.91 sq mi (10.13 km2)
 • Land 3.70 sq mi (9.57 km2)
 • Water 0.21 sq mi (0.56 km2)
Elevation
1,470 ft (450 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 1,678
 • Density 453.88/sq mi (175.27/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP Code
55705
Area code(s) 218
FIPS code 27-02872
GNIS feature ID 0660700
Website City of Aurora

Aurora is a small city located in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, United States. It's known for being in a beautiful area with forests and lakes. In 2020, about 1,678 people lived there.

The city is connected by important roads like Saint Louis County Highways 100 and 110, and Minnesota State Highway 135. These roads help people travel in and out of Aurora.

History of Aurora

Aurora was first planned out in 1898. It officially became a city in 1903. A post office has been serving the community since 1903, helping people send and receive mail.

Geography and Nature

Aurora covers about 3.86 square miles (10.13 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. The city is surrounded by a mix of pine and leafy trees. Many lakes are also nearby, making it a great place for nature lovers.

Aurora's Economy

Aurora is located in northeastern Minnesota's Mesabi Range. This region is famous for its history of mining. For many years, the area produced a lot of iron and taconite ore, which are important for making steel.

Arts and Culture in Aurora

Northern Lights Music Festival

Aurora is home to the Northern Lights Music Festival, one of Minnesota's biggest summer events. This festival brings professional opera, chamber music, and symphonic music to the Iron Range. It also offers lectures and educational programs.

The festival starts every year on July 1st. It helps bring money to the local communities and teaches young people about music. The artistic director, Veda Zuponcic, grew up in Aurora. You can find more information at Northernlightsmusic.org.

Fun in Aurora: Parks and Recreation

Aurora is right next to the Superior National Forest. It's also very close to Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort, which is only about two miles away.

People in Aurora love outdoor activities. Popular things to do include hunting, fishing, boating, and riding ATVs and snowmobiles. There are many trails around Aurora for ATVs and snowmobiles, some of which go all the way to Lake Superior.

Aurora MN co hwy 100 IMG 1500
Aurora Post Office

Aurora's Population Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
1910 1,919
1920 2,809 46.4%
1930 1,463 −47.9%
1940 1,528 4.4%
1950 1,371 −10.3%
1960 2,799 104.2%
1970 2,531 −9.6%
1980 2,670 5.5%
1990 1,965 −26.4%
2000 1,850 −5.9%
2010 1,682 −9.1%
2020 1,678 −0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census
2013 Estimate

Population Details from 2010

In 2010, Aurora had 1,682 people living in 777 households. Most residents were White (98.2%). About 19.3% of the people were under 18 years old. The average age in the city was 48.4 years.

Transportation in Aurora

The main roads that serve Aurora are State Highway 135 (MN 135), County Highway 100, and County Highway 110. These highways connect Aurora to other towns and areas.

Famous People from Aurora

Aurora has been the birthplace of several notable individuals:

  • Frederick A. Cina (born 1908) was a lawyer who also served as a state representative in Minnesota.
  • Jeno Paulucci (born 1918) was a very successful businessman in the frozen food industry. He created popular brands like Chun King, Jeno's Pizza, and Jeno's Pizza Rolls.
  • Francine York was an actress born in Aurora. She moved to Hollywood and appeared in many movies and TV shows, including The Doll Squad, Curse of the Swamp Creature, Perry Mason, and Lost in Space.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Aurora (Minnesota) para niños

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