Economic Development Authority

A great place to relax, meet people, and enjoy park amenities. Island Park has always been a source of pride. Go by the park or be at the park on a nice summer day and see a baseball being played, softball tournaments going on, kids at the swimming pool, and people holding reunions in the shelter. Drive through Island Park during the lunch hour and notice all the people eating their lunch in their cars next to the river or at a picnic table.

There are a variety of amenities in the area. "If you are in to sports, there is plenty to do. There are softball leagues and many golf courses around. I also enjoy many of the lakes in the area for fishing and just general recreation."

The BARC is a community facility that offers a space for a variety of activities and events. "Free activities at BARC including hall walking, large exchange book library, puzzle exchange, sign-out of audio books, VHS Movies, DVD movies and over 3,000 music CDs. Comfortable sitting rooms to play board garnes, watch a movie on a large screen TV, or read a book. Free Wi-Fi available. The BARC Library and hallways serve as an art gallery, featuring local artists."

"It is easy to take a bike ride or walk along our quiet country roads."

Windom has a number of amenities and still has a unique small town feel. "You can go to the store and know most everyone there. You can have multiple conversations while shopping. It is the small town feel that makes Windom a great space to live."

"I love that I can get a group of friends together to play sand volleyball any night of the summer, or rent out the gym in BARC for the evening in the winter. Or if I want to golf a quick round after work, most days I'm able to head out and play with relative ease. There are numerous sports leagues to be a part of, or fun exercise classes to partake in at the fitness center, or lakes to hang out at for those of us who like to stay active."

Rahn plays a round of golf most mornings before heading to work. He is joined by a few others who do the same thing. "You can do that in a rural community like Windom. I have time for this, since there is no traffic on the way to work, it is reasonable to golf (affordability), and there are not so many people on the course (so you can play at your own pace)."

Drew and other community members have the opportunity to play adult hockey twice a week at a convenient time. "Adult hockey in Windom is more affordable and convenient than in the cities. I have friends that pay between $600 and $1,000 to play in a one day a week league in the cities. In the cities you are playing at 10pm or later sometimes. In Windom, we get to play at 7:30pm and it costs less than $250 to play twice a week all winter.

Located on the East Side of Windom Cottonwood Lake is a convenient and safe place for family tubing and water skiing. "Using Cottonwood Lake for family tubing and water skiing is great because there are usually at most 3 or 4 other boats on the lake. This provides a very safe lake to do these activities. You do not have to worry about then getting hit when falling off a tube by other boaters."

"I like that I can get to work in about 5 minutes or 1 song on my radio. :)"

"Cottonwood County ranks about 20th among MN counties for bird species observed this year (ebird.com); Wolf Lake Nature Area, Des Moines River, Lawcon Park (Mt. Lake), and other sites are birding hotspots."

"I just love the ability to walk and ride bike throughout the city." Windom has a well developed network of sidewalks and other pedestrian infrastructure. Imporvements are made annually to improve walkability and bikeability.

"We have great friends who love and care for us. Some community members are like grandparents to our kids, the youth have been great babysitters, and they have helped us grow in our faith and walk with Christ through some of the family challenges we have faced. The support and encouragement we have gotten from so many in the community, and in our walk with Christ, have helped us thrive through the challenges."