By Rachel Kats

Small cities are everywhere in Minnesota. Of the state’s 856 cities, more than half have fewer than 1,000 residents, and one in every 10 has a population of less than 100 people. These tiny communities carry local traditions forward, solve problems with creativity, and take pride in places that might be easy to miss on a map but can leave a lasting impression once you visit. Their strengths look different than those of larger cities but have just as big of a role in helping to define the character of Minnesota as a whole. Here’s a closer look at some of the state’s smallest cities and the stories they carry.

Barry

POPULATION 16

Barry is peaceful and quiet; the kind of place residents describe as a good home. The city was once a community of about 200 people with a lumber yard, bowling alley, saloon, bank, livery stable, and even a horse racing track. Locals say those memories tend to surface on crisp fall days.

The Continental Divide runs under Barry’s main street, sending water north toward Hudson Bay and south toward Big Stone Lake and eventually the Gulf of Mexico. A recently unearthed 66-foot well, likely from the late 1800s, hints at the days when steam engines passed through town. These wells were drilled by horses that walked in a circle to turn the bit. Residents believe the water was used for the steam engines that ran west on the railroad tracks out of town.

Barry is close to services and dining options, yet it still lets residents come home to a few streetlights and kind neighbors.

Denham

POPULATION 39

Denham is a friendly rural city with pride in its history. Locals know Denham has good food and fun events, even though travelers rarely find it unless they wander in from the ATV trail.

The city was once a busy railroad farming community with a bank, hotel, cafe, post office, two gas stations, a creamery, and a blacksmith shop. Today, the two local bars host yearly events like Denham Daze at Mikey’s Bar, and the women’s summer softball team still brings people together. Residents love the hometown feel, and the new playground in the city park is already a favorite spot for local families.

Leonard

POPULATION 43

Leonard is small, friendly, and family oriented, the kind of place that always feels like home. For a city with just over 40 residents, it has an impressive list of amenities, including a church, cafe, gas station, grocery store, bar, Reichert Saddlery & Farm Supply, two parks, and more. Locals like to say that if you can’t find it in Leonard, you don’t need it.

Residents share memories of 4-H softball games where right field met the highway and players had to pause for passing cars. The former Leonard Co-op Creamery, in operation from 1917 to 1989, was well known for its ice cream. The Hard Times Bash, now nearly four decades strong, remains Leonard’s signature community event. People love the parks and the steady feeling of home. Many who grew up here come back often to visit or retire, and families from nearby townships continue to gather at the park.

Westport

POPULATION 41

Westport is a quiet and close-knit city with a history shaped by change. Before a fire in November 1952, Westport had more than 1,100 residents. The fire destroyed much of the town, and the community was rebuilt on a smaller scale. Locals remember that where City Hall sits today, there was once a blacksmith shop that kids liked to explore.

Westport was first platted in 1866 and became a village in 1926. Its post office opened in 1883 under the name Belcher. It was renamed Westport in 1888 and stayed in operation until 1966. The old school closed in 1969 and later became a bar and grill, which is now vacant. Residents said the best part of Westport is the laid-back attitude, the close relationships among neighbors, and the wildlife that often wanders through town.

Rachel Kats is publications and web editor at the League of Minnesota Cities. Contact: [email protected] or (651) 215-4032.