Oakridge, Minnesota facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oakridge
|
|
|---|---|
 Oakridge, Minnesota
Location in Minnesota
Oakridge, Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Winona |
| Elevation | 1,224 ft (373 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 507 |
| GNIS feature ID | 654856 |
Oakridge, sometimes called Oak Ridge, is a small place in Winona County, Minnesota, in the United States. It's known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes or buildings that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government. Instead, it's part of a larger area called Mount Vernon Township.
Contents
Exploring Oakridge: A Minnesota Spot
Oakridge might not be a big city, but every place has its own story and location. Understanding where it is helps us learn about the geography of Minnesota.
Where is Oakridge Located?
Oakridge is found in the southeastern part of Minnesota. It's specifically located within Winona County, which is known for its beautiful bluffs and the nearby Mississippi River. The community sits within Mount Vernon Township.
Geographic Details of Oakridge
- Coordinates: You can find Oakridge on a map using its coordinates: 44°07′15″N (North) and 91°55′12″W (West). These numbers pinpoint its exact spot on Earth.
- Elevation: Oakridge is located at an elevation of about 1,224 feet (or 373 meters) above sea level. This means it's quite a bit higher than the nearby river valleys.
- Time Zone: Like much of Minnesota, Oakridge observes the Central Time Zone. This means during standard time, it's 6 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-6). During daylight saving time, it shifts to Central Daylight Time (UTC-5).
- Area Code: If you were to call someone in Oakridge, their phone number would likely start with the 507 area code.
What is an Unincorporated Community?
The term "unincorporated community" might sound a bit confusing, but it's quite simple.
- It's a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city or town.
- These communities don't have their own mayor or city council.
- Instead, they are governed by the larger county or township they are located in.
- For Oakridge, this means local services and rules come from Winona County and Mount Vernon Township.
Why are Some Communities Unincorporated?
Many small settlements remain unincorporated because they are too small to form their own city government. Sometimes, residents prefer to be governed by the county, as it can be simpler and might involve fewer local taxes. It's a common way for smaller groups of people to live together without the full structure of a city.
