Welcome to the City of Princeton
Welcome to Princeton , Minnesota — a growing community situated near the Rum River with offerings and benefits that range from economy and business to fun and recreation .
Princeton , and its surrounding townships , share a region rich in history and characteristics that range from cutting-edge businesses in the city ’ s industrial park and downtown area to the family farms and country stores that dot the countryside . The community ’ s future remains bright .
In 2021 , the city ’ s population tipped over the 5,000 mark threshold to 5,388 . The city of Princeton geographically straddles the line between Sherburne and Mille Lacs Counties . Most of the city limits are within Mille Lacs County , and Princeton is both the largest and southernmost city in Mille Lacs County . At a distance of about 50 miles from Minneapolis , Princeton sits just far enough away from the dense city to maintain its small-town charm .
To the south of it are the Twin Cities and all its suburbs , with multiple retail developments and parks between here and there . Just outside of town headed to the north is “ the north country ” and beautiful Mille Lacs Lake , where many people in the area have a cabin or otherwise go for recreation . U . S . Highway 169 runs north-south through the city , and U . S . Highway 95 runs east-west .
A drive through the downtown business district reveals a mix of longtime , family-owned businesses along with new shops and interesting places to visit .
Downtown shoppers can find a bookstore , copy center , boutiques , clothing and shoe stores , beauty and barber shops , thrift stores , an active library and several varieties of restaurants . People flock to the seasonal ice cream shop and make regular visits to the local lapidary store .
Gas stations , convenience stores , coffee purveyors and a host of other businesses add to Princeton ’ s dynamic personality . Its community is supported by an active chamber of commerce and tourism , a thriving senior population , hard working professionals and energetic young people . In 2024 , Princeton was declared an age-friendly community .
Health care is centrally located at a Princeton-based hospital that wins performance awards routinely . There are several fine facilities for independent and assisted living , as well as quality living that includes options both in the city and out in the country .
Princeton boasts many options for entertainment , including a bowling alley , roller-skating rink and a splash park as well as live-performance presentations in the community Performing Arts Center . Anyone can satisfy the mood for a meat raffle and a beer or maybe float down the Rum River . They can play disc golf or see races at the local Princeton Speedway .
In the way of annual entertainment and events , Princeton and its rural outskirts pull together to host the massive Mille Lacs County Fair each August . In the city each year is a summer festival that includes a traditional candy-throwing parade . Summertime also brings spectacular , annual , free-by-sponsorship fireworks display over the fairgrounds . When winter rolls along , the entertainment continues with Light Up Princeton Christmas light displays and a Mini Dazzle Parade .
Near the Rum River is one of Princeton ’ s sliding hills , when the snow comes , so do the sledders and snowboarders . In cold and especially warm weather , there are people fishing on the banks and other favorite spots near the Rum River , many hoping to catch a walleye . There are several parks within the city , each with its own distinct personality and one with camping . The possibilities range from being in solitude on a walking trail in the woods to spending the day watching baseball and using the playground and picnic facilities . Biking and pedestrian trails lead to interesting walks through the city .
Nature lovers enjoy the nearby Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge that is blended into the area . It consists of tens of thousands of acres of conservation land beloved to those who live here . People visit to hike trails , watch birds , see wildlife , snowshoe , ski and volunteer to help maintain the land .
Contact Info
https :// www . princetonmn . org / -ORhttps :// www . facebook . com / CityOfPrincetonMinnesota
Princeton Community Guide • March 2025 Page 5