Frontenac, Minnesota facts for kids
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Frontenac (/ˈfrɒtɛnæk/ fron-TEH-nak) is a small community in Minnesota, United States. It is located in Goodhue County, right on the Mississippi River. Frontenac is known as an unincorporated community, meaning it doesn't have its own local government like a city. It's also a census-designated place (CDP), which is an area the U.S. Census Bureau defines for gathering population data. In 2020, about 249 people lived there.
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Frontenac's Story: A Look at Its Past
The area where Frontenac is today was first settled by James Wells. He set up a trading post before 1850. He mostly traded with Native Americans until a railroad was built in the 1870s.
In 1854, two brothers, Israel and Lewis Garrard, discovered the area during a hunting trip. They bought a lot of land there. By 1857, a community was officially started. It was first named Westervelt in 1855, honoring the postmaster at the time, Evert V. Westervelt.
The Garrard brothers changed the name to Frontenac in 1860. They named it after Louis de Buade de Frontenac. He was a French colonial governor of Canada in the late 1600s. There's no record that he ever traveled to the Mississippi River.
Frontenac as a Resort Town
Frontenac's beautiful scenery soon attracted wealthy people. It became a popular spot for summer homes with great views of the lake. Several hotels were built, including the Lakeside Hotel in 1867. These hotels helped Frontenac become famous as a resort town in the late 1800s.
The Railroad and Two Frontenacs
In the 1870s, a railway line was built to Frontenac. However, the town's founders didn't want to sell land to the railway company. So, the train line was built a bit away from the main town. This railway connected the area to bigger cities.
A new community grew up around the railway station and later the highway. This new area was called Frontenac Station. The original town then became known as Old Frontenac. Both areas are in Florence Township. They are counted as one place in the U.S. Census.
Where is Frontenac? Its Geography
Frontenac covers an area of about 1.846 square miles (4.78 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 1.844 square miles (4.78 square kilometers), is land. Only a tiny part, about 0.002 square miles (0.01 square kilometers), is water.
Who Lives in Frontenac? Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 104 | — | |
| 2010 | 282 | — | |
| 2020 | 249 | −11.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
At the 2010 United States census, there were 282 people living in 114 homes in Frontenac. The population changed over time, as you can see in the table above.
Places of Worship in Frontenac
St. John Lutheran Church is a Christian church in Frontenac. It belongs to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Christ Episcopal Church is also in Old Frontenac. This church has a special outdoor amphitheater.
Fun Things to Do in Frontenac: Attractions
Mount Frontenac Ski and Golf
The Mount Frontenac Ski Resort used to be on the edge of Frontenac Station. It had 17 ski runs and 6 lifts. The ski area covered about 80 acres (32 hectares). Its longest run was 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) long. The ski runs are now closed. This area is now an 18-hole golf course.
Frontenac State Park
Frontenac State Park was created in 1957. It includes the land between Frontenac Station and Old Frontenac. It also covers land to the north and some to the south. The park has floodplains along the Mississippi River. It also has tall bluffs that are important for many migratory bird species. You can also find prairies and hardwood forests there.
The park is part of the Mississippi Flyway, which is a major route for birds. It is also in the Driftless Area. This is a unique region in the north central United States that was not flattened by glaciers.
Getting Around: Transportation in Frontenac
Frontenac is located along U.S. Highway 61. This highway also carries U.S. Highway 63 at that point.
The Empire Builder train, run by Amtrak, passes through Frontenac. This train travels between Seattle/Portland and Chicago. However, the train does not stop in Frontenac. The closest train station is in Red Wing, about 10 miles (16 km) away.
The Frontenac Airport is about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Frontenac Station. A private group manages this airport.
Famous People from Frontenac
- John F. Hager, who was a Wisconsin State Assemblyman and a businessman, was born in Frontenac.
See also
In Spanish: Frontenac (Minnesota) para niños
