In 1851, Canadian fur trader Edmund Brisset created a path from Minneapolis to Buffalo Lake by cutting through the dense forests once occupying the area. In paving the way for others, Brisset and crew made it possible for ambitious settlers to create Winnebago City, the tiny village now known as Buffalo. These early settlers were drawn to area lakes mainly for survival, catching fish and using water to hydrate farmland. In the 1880s, people were drawn to the lakes for another reason; many made livings by harvesting fish and ice. In the early 1900s, Buffalo’s lakes again created income for residents, drawing large numbers of tourists to the once numerous resorts.

In 2010, most of us do not depend on Buffalo’s lakes for survival. However, we still are drawn to them as places of beauty and activities. In addition, we enjoy the area parks, schools, retail establishments, trails, gardens, events, and activities that have come with tremendous growth. And so we tip our caps and say thank you to the people who worked—and continue to work to make our small city safe, beautiful, friendly and prosperous.

Michele Hertwig
Creator and Publisher of Experience Buffalo

Buffalo Minnesota
Buffalo, MN has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1887. After a 26.8% population jump from 2000-2004, almost 15,000 people live in this Wright County Seat. The total area of Buffalo is 7.8 miles; almost one quarter (22.72%) of that being water. Nicknamed the "City of Two Lakes", there are actually 26 lakes within 10 miles of downtown Buffalo.

These lakes provide year-round activities, and serve as a perfect background for the parks, trails, recreation, and natural beauty that makes Buffalo an exciting place to call home.

America in Bloom
It's official, Buffalo is the most beautiful city in America!

From July 16-17 2007, America in Boom judges visited Buffalo evaluating our city on Floral Displays, Environmentsal Awareness, Tidiness, Urban Forestry, Landscaped Areas, Heritage Preservation, Turf and Groundcovers and Community Involvement. The judges liked what they saw and on September 29, 2007 designated Buffalo as the America in Bloom winner of the 10,001 to 15,000 population category.
People have historically shown interest in creating a wonderful community. In 1909, The Great Northwest Magazine wrote, "Of no small import is the tendency to beautify the city and to render it attractive...its natural advantages are being improved to the fullest by its energetic and enterprising people."

Volunteerism, financial support, and partnerships are the three main ways community members and businesses continue to support America in Bloom by:

• Maintaining garden plots along Buffalo Lake Walk, West Pulaski Park, and Solbakken Park
• Planting 3500 flowers around Buffalo signs
• Planting the 1000 tree seedlings given to children during Buffalo Days
• Sponsoring the 120 hanging baskets along Buffalo Lake Walk and container gardens placed downtown and along Highway 55
• Keeping areas clean and graffiti free
• Planting a minimum of two trees at new homes

According to www.americainbloom.org benefits of participating in AIB reach further than a better outside appearance, including:

• increased levels of civic pride and involvement
• cooperation among residents, organizations, businesses and the municipality
• visible results
• increased property values
• increased economic development and a positive impact on the retail industry
• increased tourism and a positive impact on hospitality industry
• decreased vandalism

For more information call the City at 763-682-1181.

We would like to thank Elizabeth Husom for writing articles throughout the guide and all those who contributed photos: City of Buffalo, Dawn Elliott, Elizabeth Husom, Kellie Allyn's Photography, and the Wright County Journal Press.

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please be advised that information may change throughout the year.