St. Croix Valley Community Guide 2024 | Page 5

St . Croix Valley COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024
St . Croix Valley COMMUNITY GUIDE 2024

Bayport blends old and new , big and small

The city of Bayport can celebrate 50 years of being a city this year . Bayport is a blend of history and modernity , small-town living and city convenience .
In 2023 , the city pavilion was rebuilt in a joint project with the American Legion to celebrate a century of community .
Bayport dates to 1922 . Formerly known as South Stillwater , Bayport is the result of a mid- 1800s merger of three towns : Middletown , Bangor , and Baytown . Renamed Bayport in 1922 , it officially became a city in 1974 . Today , 4,000 residents call this place home .
Bayport residents and visitors celebrates Derby Days – a weekend packed full of festivities surrounding the main event : a Duck Derby , cheering on hundreds of rubber ducks as they race down the creek at Perro Park .
From an ice-fishing tournament in the winter to an ice cream social in summer , Bayport
Bayport City Hall 294 Third St . N ., Bayport 651-275-4404 ci . bayport . mn . us
citizens find reasons to gather throughout the year .
A marina , boat rental , and public boat access make Bayport a favorite for boaters attracted to the beauty of the St . Croix River .
Bayport ’ s public parks offer recreation at Lakeside Park , Barkers Alps , Perro Park , and Village Green Park . At the south end of the city , the St . Croix Savanna Natural Area attracts hikers , nature lovers , bird watchers , and photographers with its hill prairie and oak savanna . About 115 species of birds have been spotted in the area .
Bayport has a variety of independent restaurants featuring local ingredients and classic comfort food .
Bayport is home to Andersen Corporation , an internationally known window and door manufacturer . Andersen began in Hudson , Wisconsin , in 1897 as the Andersen Lumber Company , moving to what was South Stillwater in 1913 to become one of the most successful companies in the valley .
Furthering its historical significance , the city also holds the state ’ s oldest prison , first established in 1853 .
The Bayport City Council has five members and typically meets at 6 p . m . the first Monday of the month .
Bayport City Council
• Mayor Michele Hanson mhanson @ ci . bayport . mn . us
• Connie Carlson ccarlson @ ci . bayport . mn . us
• John Dahl jdahl @ ci . bayport . mn . us
• Ethan Gilmore egilmore @ ci . bayport . mn . us
• Katie Hill khill @ ci . bayport . mn . us
Community Guide 2024 | St . Croix Valley | 5