Drive the main streets of Pequot Lakes, and you’ll find the hallmarks of small-town American life–a local hardware store and post office, hair salon, accountants’ office, grocery store, and gas station.
Mix in the picturesque Paul Bunyan trail, historic Cole Memorial Building, and iconic “fishing bobber” water tower, and you’ve got a town fit for a storybook.
But small town vibes aren’t the only reason housing demand has gone up in Pequot Lakes. Here’s why this municipality is becoming the go-to destination for families moving north:
Big community events
Despite its dearth of city blocks, Pequot is known for some of the biggest community events in the area.
Stars and Stripes Days feature an annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Pequot Lakes Fire District, plus a fabulous parade and fireworks display organized and paid for by the community.
Then there’s Bean Holes Days–a one-of-a-kind celebration based on the legendary history of Pequot Lakes. Huge cast-iron kettles are filled with beans and buried underground overnight to cook. Next morning, they’re dug up, and beans are served freely to all.
Events like this keep life personal and attract families who want to make these traditions a part of childhood memories.
Free fresh air
Stretching from Brainerd to Bemidji, the 97-mile-long Paul Bunyan Trail connects 15 towns through beautiful woodland and along lakeshores.
In Pequot, it’s joined by Sibley Lake–a local favorite for fishing–and the Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park, where daring hikers can climb 100 feet into the air and catch breathtaking views from the fire tower itself.
For families who want to spend time outdoors year-round, Pequot offers the ideal living situation of everyday utilities plus free access to nature.
People who make good neighbors
Stop into any shop in town and ask the cashier their name. Odds are you’re talking with a local who doubles as a school teacher, firefighter, or church deacon.
That’s because the residents of Pequot Lakes are invested in their neighbors. With the small-town Midwest “Americana” feel comes the reality that when trouble raises its head, there isn’t someone bigger and better to come along and fix it. Residents know this and take it in stride.
You’ll find insurance agents campaigning for high school auditorium upgrades and business owners on the board of local relief organizations. Funds for town necessities are raised at weekly meat raffles. Pequot Lakes is a town invested in itself and its own growth, not just the seasonal tourist bloom.
Ever Greener
While long-time locals struggle with the idea of expansion, the truth is their town has the personality and values that so many families are looking for.
Single-family homes under the towering pines of Pequot Lakes are becoming more and more desirable as inventory falls behind demand. Meanwhile, younger generations keep their eyes peeled for rental options that will allow them to start building a life “up north” today.
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