Mower County

Mower County

Welcome to Mower County! Find Your Place Here.

Mower County real estate offers residents beautiful open spaces, plentiful shopping and dining, and strong school districts. Home to communities including Austin, Dexter, and Grand Meadow, the county provides small town living with every modern convenience. For a friendly, safe community that offers a quality of life that cannot be beat, Mower County is the place for you.

This southern Minnesota county is rich in history, and the Historical Society has sought to preserve as much of that as possible. Visit one of the many locations that bring the past to life, such as a one-room schoolhouse, the Paramount Theatre, or the General Store. And, of course, no day in Mower County is complete without a trip to the Spam Museum.

If you are a nature lover, youā€™ll enjoy the miles of biking and hiking trails that span throughout the county, as well as several lakes and rivers. The Cedar River State Water Trail runs directly through Austin, allowing canoes and kayaks to travel all across the county. The observatory and nature center offer plenty of educational programs, beautiful views, and even more hiking trails.

Located on Interstate 90 between Rochester and Albert Lea, residents in this county have easy access to countless other amenities, including the world-renowned health care provided by the Mayo Clinic. Find out what makes Mower County so special ā€” Check out our listings of homes for sale in Mower County today.

143 Active Homes For Sale  |  Median Home Price $167,900

Our Office

1419 1st Ave SW, Austin MN, 55912 |  | 507-433-0013

Recreation

Mower County provides a variety of recreational facilities and amenities giving residents the opportunity to get out and get active. From nature centers and parks, to boat access and trails, there are plenty of spaces to play, hike, bike, and swim. For a fantastic recreational activity the whole family can enjoy, try camping out at Beaver Trails Campground!

Shopping

No matter what youā€™re shopping for, youā€™ll find the perfect retailer in Mower County. From large stores like Sears and Wal-Mart in Austin to small boutiques like Starrā€™s Gifts & More in Grand Meadow, there is everything from apparel to shoes to home goods, all nearby. Plus, additional commercial areas are located in neighboring Albert Lea.

Dining

Hungry? Mower County has everything from fast food to unique dining spots. Whether youā€™re in need of a family-friendly eatery or the perfect place for date night, youā€™ll find it here. If youā€™re looking for delicious burgers or pizza, stop by The Oasis in Dexter. Craving a big juicy steak? Head to the Old Mill Restaurant in Austin in you wonā€™t go home disappointed.

Green/Environmental

Mower Countyā€™s sustainability practices are centered mainly in Austin. Austinā€™s Sustainability Taskforce works to implement policies and best practices to increase environmental friendliness. With the addition of these practices, Austin has earned the designation of GreenStep City.

Schools

The school districts available to the residents of Mower County include:

  • Austin Public Schools ISD 492
  • Grand Meadow Public Schools ISD 495
  • LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools ISD 499
  • Southland Public Schools ISD 500
Transportation

Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit (SMART) provides public transportation services to the residents of Mower County through the city of Austin. SMART connects residents to the surrounding communities of Albert Lea and Owatonna, providing both regular and dial-a-ride services.

Local Government

The Mower County Board of Commissioners provides services to the communities within the county while providing administrative and budgetary oversight. This five-member board consists of one member from each county district and meets three times a month to discuss county policies and ordinances.

City History

Mower County was first carved out of Rice County on February 20th, 1855, and formally established by Governor Willis A. Gorman on March 1st, 1856. The county was named after John Edward Mower, a member of the territorial legislature. Agriculture began as the countyā€™s main industry, which is still true of many areas today, outside of the main districts of Austin, which is the county seat. The county is now home to just under 40,000 residents.

Mower County provides a variety of recreational facilities and amenities giving residents the opportunity to get out and get active. From nature centers and parks, to boat access and trails, there are plenty of spaces to play, hike, bike, and swim. For a fantastic recreational activity the whole family can enjoy, try camping out at Beaver Trails Campground!

No matter what youā€™re shopping for, youā€™ll find the perfect retailer in Mower County. From large stores like Sears and Wal-Mart in Austin to small boutiques like Starrā€™s Gifts & More in Grand Meadow, there is everything from apparel to shoes to home goods, all nearby. Plus, additional commercial areas are located in neighboring Albert Lea.

Hungry? Mower County has everything from fast food to unique dining spots. Whether youā€™re in need of a family-friendly eatery or the perfect place for date night, youā€™ll find it here. If youā€™re looking for delicious burgers or pizza, stop by The Oasis in Dexter. Craving a big juicy steak? Head to the Old Mill Restaurant in Austin in you wonā€™t go home disappointed.

Mower Countyā€™s sustainability practices are centered mainly in Austin. Austinā€™s Sustainability Taskforce works to implement policies and best practices to increase environmental friendliness. With the addition of these practices, Austin has earned the designation of GreenStep City.

The school districts available to the residents of Mower County include:

  • Austin Public Schools ISD 492
  • Grand Meadow Public Schools ISD 495
  • LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools ISD 499
  • Southland Public Schools ISD 500

Southern Minnesota Area Rural Transit (SMART) provides public transportation services to the residents of Mower County through the city of Austin. SMART connects residents to the surrounding communities of Albert Lea and Owatonna, providing both regular and dial-a-ride services.

The Mower County Board of Commissioners provides services to the communities within the county while providing administrative and budgetary oversight. This five-member board consists of one member from each county district and meets three times a month to discuss county policies and ordinances.

Mower County was first carved out of Rice County on February 20th, 1855, and formally established by Governor Willis A. Gorman on March 1st, 1856. The county was named after John Edward Mower, a member of the territorial legislature. Agriculture began as the countyā€™s main industry, which is still true of many areas today, outside of the main districts of Austin, which is the county seat. The county is now home to just under 40,000 residents.

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Mower County Listings