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Hawley, MN: A City on the Grow

  • Writer: Prairie Hills Estates
    Prairie Hills Estates
  • Jul 1
  • 3 min read

If you've driven through Hawley lately, you've probably noticed something: this small city is growing fast. New businesses, new schools, and new amenities are popping up across town, and it's easy to see why more families are choosing to put down roots here. Here's a look at what's happening.


1. A Brand New Middle School

Hawley Public Schools broke ground on a new middle school in May 2024, and it will open its doors for the 2026-27 school year. The $34 million building is part of a larger $53 million referendum and will house grades 5-8, giving the district much-needed room to grow. Superintendent Phil Jensen has said the district's enrollment is expected to climb significantly over the next several years, and this new building helps make sure Hawley schools can keep up.


2. Sanford Health is Expanding

Sanford Health and Hawley Medical Campus, LLC recently announced plans for a new 9,000-square-foot clinic on the west edge of town along Highway 10. The new facility will offer roughly twice the space of Hawley's current Sanford clinic and will also include independent living and memory care units, giving local seniors more options to stay close to home. It's a major investment in the health and long-term care of the community.


3. Valley Premier Bank is Building New

Valley Premier Bank has served Hawley for over 130 years, and now the bank is building a new location at 411 Leonard Street on the west side of town. The move is designed to offer better visibility and easier access for customers, and once the new building is complete, the historic downtown bank space will be repurposed into a hub for professional services Hawley doesn't currently have.


4. A Beautiful 18-Hole Golf Course

Hawley Golf and Country Club has been a community fixture since 1923. It's an 18-hole, par 71 course set among mature trees and rolling hills, with a pro shop, practice facilities, and event space for gatherings up to 100 guests. Locals consistently call it one of the best values in Northwest Minnesota.


5. Top-Notch Schools

Beyond the new middle school, Hawley Public Schools offers state-of-the-art facilities, small class sizes, and a wide variety of course offerings for students of all ages. It's consistently recognized as one of the strongest school districts in the region, which is a big part of why families continue to choose Hawley.


6. A Strong Sports and Activities Program

Hawley's activities program gives students plenty of ways to get involved, and the results speak for themselves. Recent highlights from the community include:

Plus there's other extra-curricular opportunities like Robotics, music, FFA and so much more. Follow our Nugget FB page to take it all in. It's clear Hawley students have no shortage of opportunities to compete and perform at the highest level - whether in academics or sports and other programs.


7. The Golden Prairie District

On the west side of town, the Golden Prairie District has transformed a couple of acres along Highway 10 into a growing hub of new businesses, from salons to specialty shops. What started as one developer's gamble has turned into a genuine business boom, and it's a great example of how much momentum Hawley has right now.


Why It All Matters

New schools, an expanding health system, a growing bank, and new businesses don't happen in towns that are standing still. Hawley is investing in its future, and that makes it an exciting place to put down roots, whether you're raising a family, building a career, or just looking for a great community to call home.


Curious what it's like to build here? Explore available lots in Prairie Hills Estates and see for yourself why Hawley is a city on the grow.


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