Willmar

The county seat and largest town in Kandiyohi County, Willmar is a regional center for business, healthcare, technology and shopping. Willmar is also the fastest growing multicultural city outside of the metro area. Seven public schools, a Christian school and a community/technical college offer educational opportunities for our youth. Ridgewater College hosts many continuing education programs from Minnesota universities which enable adults to further their education while they work. Several malls, quaint downtown shops, a growing number of big box stores and many kinds of dining opportunities make Willmar an interesting city to visit and live.
For relaxation, you can visit one of the 35 neighborhood parks, including a skate park for inline skaters and skateboarders. Another park hosts the fabulous Dorothy Olson Aquatic Center which offers fun for young and old all summer. Sports enthusiasts enjoy the trails and beaches on Robbins Island, Willmar’s largest park. It is a 55 acre island located between Willmar and Foot Lakes. The island hosts seven shelters, a soccer field, Frisbee golf course, swimming beaches, shore fishing and a public boat access.

During the last week of June each year, the city of Willmar grows by almost 20,000 persons. Visitors come to celebrate Willmar Fests, a four-day festival. The city comes alive with parades, a water ski show, a concert, block party, golf and running events, international festivities and fireworks. In July, the city welcomes one of the largest Christian music events, SonShine Festival. Thousands of families attend this four-day event and fill the RV and tent campgrounds, camp on the site or stay in area lodging facilities. In September, the arts community hosts the Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! festival. Locals look forward to summer and the downtown Becker Street open air market featuring local and multicultural products. Throughout the summer the Community Band performs at Rice Park. Year-round, the Barn Theatre performs six productions each year to a packed house. Schwanke’s Museum, a privately-owned museum, is a collection of 300 classic tractors, cars and trucks that bring us back to the era when agriculture was coming of age in Minnesota and the horse was being supplanted by the tractor.

Willmar was designated an All America City in June 2005 and is e-commerce certified by the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Government

Mayor/Council

City Administrator

City Clerk/Treasurer
333 Sixth Street SW
P.O. Box 755
Willmar, MN 56201
320.235-4913

Websites:

• http://www.willmarmn.gov/ (government site)
• www.willmar.com
• Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Visitor Information

Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
2104 Highway 12 East
Willmar, MN 56201
320.235.3552 or 800.845.TRIP (8747)

Demographics

2010 Population: 19,610
2008 Population: 19,130

Number of Households: 7,792
Persons per Household: 2.38

Labor Force: 9,507

Median Household Income: $33,455

Utilities