APPLE VALLEY FARMINGTON ROSEMOUNT
COMMUNITY GUIDE | 2023
Enjoy the good life in Apple Valle
Welcome to the seventh Apple Valley-Farmington-Rosemount Community Guide , which aims to provide information to longtime or new local residents , as they find community connections in civic life , the arts , the outdoors , volunteerism and more . The guide is focused on getting out and enjoying life with family friends and neighbors .
As of the printing of this guide in fall 2023 , the events listed are subject to change and we encourage users of this guide to check with event organizers and venue operators to determine the status of their offerings .
In recognition that many Dakota County residents cross municipal boundaries every day for work , recreation and other activities , the staff of the Dakota County Tribune and Sun Thisweek have assembled this guide with information about Apple Valley , Farmington , Rosemount and beyond . Following is a description of what folks can find in each of three communities we feature in the guide .
Farmington and Rosemount
The cities of Farmington and Rosemount share much in common other than their location in central Dakota County . Both communities have more than 23,000 residents . Both have downtown commercial areas with some historical elements and several locally-owned businesses . Both have long and storied histories in Dakota County . Residents in both cities have demonstrated support for efforts
that build community , such as with their annual festivals and events , school endeavors and volunteer organizations .
Farmington was once a small town serving area farmers and made a strong bid to be the county seat at one time . Farmington ’ s late-19th century roots shine through upon a single visit to its historic downtown in the southern end of the city .
Established in 1875 , Rosemount is still cherished by its residents for the city ’ s small-town feel though many of its historic structures are long since gone .
Visitors to both communities will find a slow-paced , classic grid street layout around the downtown areas filled with friendly faces , plenty of locally-owned establishments and pleasant parks . Farmington is highlighted by some old-fashioned Victorian homes and bungalows in the walkable older part of town . Rosemount ’ s downtown area is a center for many activities , including a Dakota County branch library , Steeple Center arts and cultural site and three schools – Rosemount elementary , middle school and high school .
Farmington and Rosemount often feel like the rural small towns of their inception , both with thriving grain elevators and trains running through town , but there is also a faster-paced , modern suburban side .
Farmington ’ s north end features many recreational
6 | APPLE VALLEY • FARMINGTON • ROSEMOUNT | Community Guide 2023