DELANO, MINNESOTA is a small town with a population of 5,050 (in April 2006) located on US Hwy 12 where it crosses the South Fork of the Crow River in the southeastern corner of Wright County. Delano is just 27 miles from downtown Minneapolis, and just 45 minutes by car from the Twin Cities International Airport.
HOMETOWN FLAVOR
In 1855, John E Ellis arrived in the Big Woods Country in southeast Wright County and staked a claim which later became the major part of the City of Delano. Originally named "Crow River," the citizens of the area renamed the village "Delano" after Frances R Delano, the superintendent of the railroad. By the time of incorporation in 1876, Delano was a thriving metropolis of Wright County. The Great Northern Hotel served as the major rest stop for salesmen who made calls in Watertown, Mayer, New Germany, Lester Prairie and Winsted.
 HISTORY
There is a lot of history to this small town and early in 1999 the first Historical Society of Delano was formed. For more information on Delano's history contact the local library at 763-972-3467 or the Delano Historical Society, Jon Steinmetz, President, 763-972-2655.
The Crow River (pictured here) was an important and historic part of Delano. Today it adds scenic beauty to downtown.
GROWTH
While Delano is a city of growth and promise, it is important to the people who live and work here to maintain the small town atmosphere. The City is conveniently located due west of Minneapolis using I-394/Hwy 12, approximately 27 miles, and yet is surrounded by family farms, lakes and wooded areas.
PARKS
Our extensive and growing parks system is something the entire community enjoys. The gazebo in Central Park on the north end of the city was built and donated to the city by the General Federated Women's Club of Delano. For neighborhood park and trail maps click here.
 AREA CHURCHES
There are ten churches serving the Delano area. Denominations include: 3 Catholic, 3 Lutheran, Assembly of God, Evangelical Free, Methodist, and United Church of Christ. A full list of all area churches, with addresses and phone numbers, appears in the Community Directory published by the Chamber of Commerce.
St Peter's Onion Dome, located in downtown Delano, can be seen for miles.
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
The Delano area has a multitude of clubs and organizations for all ages and interests. Please follow our Directory link or the Clubs and Organizations page for contact information.
DELANO'S 4TH OF JULY
Delano's 4th of July Celebration, includes the oldest and largest 4th of July Parade in the State of Minnesota. The Parade is always on July 4th and always begins at 10:30 a.m. The Parade route begins at the High School on Elm Ave; runs west on Elm Ave to 3rd Street; south on 3rd Street to Railroad Ave; west on Railroad Ave to River Street; and north on River St to the Park at the north end of town. The Parade route is closed to traffic as early as 8:30 a.m. on the day of the parade.
The celebration is usually a 3 to 4 day event which includes a carnival, the Parade, the Coronation of Miss Delano, Baseball and Softball Tournaments, an 8K Run, Music and Dancing, and of course Fireworks. The Fireworks are always on the last day of the celebration which may or may not be July 4th.
Go to the official Delano 4th of July website for more information on 4th of July activities, or contact Celebration Chairman, Alex Roeser at 763-972-2951 . The community website, delanomn.com, will have the celebration schedules, the parade route, and other information as they become available.
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