Reads Landing, Minnesota facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reads Landing
Unincorporated community
US-61 and the Canadian Pacific Railway run through town
Reads Landing, Minnesota Location in Minnesota Show map of Minnesota Reads Landing, Minnesota Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Wabasha County
Township	Pepin Township
Elevation	709 ft (216 m)
Population  (2014)
• Total	164
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	55968
Area code(s)	651
GNIS feature ID	649857

Reads Landing is a small, unincorporated community in Minnesota, United States. This means it's a place with a shared identity but no official local government. It is located in Wabasha County, within Pepin Township. The community sits right along the famous Mississippi River.

Reads Landing is found between the towns of Lake City and Wabasha. You can find it along U.S. Highway 61. It's also near other small places like Camp Lacupolis and Maple Springs.

What is the History of Reads Landing?

Main Street (circa 1872) in Reads Landing

Reads Landing was officially planned and laid out in 1856. In the late 1800s, around 1878, it was a busy place. The community had many different businesses and buildings related to trade and travel. However, over time, many of these businesses moved to the nearby town of Wabasha.

The community has had a post office since 1850. This post office is still open and serving the area today. Interestingly, at one point, people thought Reads Landing might become the capital city of Minnesota!

What Historic Buildings are in Reads Landing?

One special building in Reads Landing is the Reads Landing School. This school was built in 1870. It is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, this old school building is home to the Wabasha County Historical Society Museum. It helps people learn about the area's past.

How Do People Travel Through Reads Landing?

The Empire Builder train, run by Amtrak, passes through Reads Landing. This train travels between cities like Seattle and Portland and Chicago. It uses the BNSF train tracks that go through the town. However, the train does not stop in Reads Landing. The closest train station for passengers is in Red Wing. This station is about 27 miles (43 km) to the northwest.

Who are Some Famous People from Reads Landing?

• James Huff Stout (1848–1910) was a notable person who lived in Reads Landing. He was a businessman and also served as a legislator in Wisconsin.