Mayor's Welcome

We would like to take this opportunity to "Welcome you to Lake Benton". We have a very friendly and active community. While you are here you will enjoy our small town hospitality and the efforts of our business people to provide for your needs.

We are conveniently located in southwest Minnesota on the crossroads of the nation, U.S. #75 (International Highway King of Trails) and U.S. #14 (Laura Ingall’s Wilder Historic Highway).

We are also fortunate to be in the valley of the Hole-in-the-Mountain on Buffalo Ridge, a part of the Coteau des Prairies. The west end of Lake Benton lake is in our city limits. This 2,875 acre recreational lake is approximately seven miles long and provides endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Visitors come to our unique and scenic town each year to enjoy camping, water sports, fishing, horseback riding, plays at the historic Opera House, festivals, historic buildings, sites, and specialty shopping, as well as marveling at the unique vistas so uncommon to the prairies.

We are a four-season funland. Besides spring and summer activities, fall provides bountiful game for all kinds of hunting — deer, pheasants, waterfowl, and other game. Winter sports include snowmobiling, downhill and cross country skiing, ice fishing and winter camping.

Lake Benton is also known as the "Original Wind Power Capital of the Midwest".  600 plus wind turbines grace the skyline along the Buffalo Ridge, bringing clean, renewable energy to the forefront.

Another new addition to our community is the Heritage Museum and Wind Power Learning Center of SW Minnesota. The facility, which includes a museum, is now open to the public and features a wind power kiosk complete with interactive workstations enabling users to learn about this clean, renewable energy.

We are proud of our school, which includes grades K-6. The city library also provides a fine selection of materials on a wide variety of subjects. Many denominations are represented among our six churches.

As you browse through this site you will soon see why we are proud of our community, its services, and other interesting things to see and do. We hope you’ll enjoy your stay — whether it is for a few hours or for several days.

Should you be considering expanding or moving your business, Lake Benton is a place you should consider. The city and economic development authority are able to assist you with any inquiries you may have.

If we can be of any help, let us know. Perhaps you’ll consider making Lake Benton your home, too!

- Michael W. Carpenter, Mayor