Community Profile
Waseca is known for our comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Just one hour south of all the big-city conveniences of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, located 13 miles west of Owatonna and 25 miles east of Mankato at the crossroads of State Highway 13 and US 14. Waseca offers big city conveniences with the advantages of small town living. Waseca is a vibrant community of 9,737 people comfortably nestled between beautiful Clear and Loon Lakes.
Waseca serves as the county seat of Waseca County and a vital part of its heritage. Waseca was incorporated as a village in 1868. "Waseca" is a Dakota Indian word meaning "rich in provisions." Waseca's main street is lined with storefronts that years ago provided patrons with hitching posts for horses. Historic homes peek from behind stately, century-old trees. Quiet streets wrap around city parks and ball fields while the 1897 Courthouse still stands proudly as a reminder of our city's early beginnings.
The Mayor and City Council have set the course for a prosperous future through their strong commitment to public safety and investment in parks, trails, the water park and other amenities.
Employees of the City are dedicated to meeting the needs of its residents. Highly trained professionals deliver police and fire services to the community. City employees maintain a street system, electric, water and wastewater utilities, and an airport.
As our community grows, so do our cultural opportunities. Our community is blessed with the abundant natural beauty of our lakes, a nature reserve, a vibrant main street, and stately historic homes. In this setting, the arts and humanities are flourishing. We are proud of our Historical Society, Waseca Arts Center, and public library.
Recreational opportunities abound as well. We have fifteen beautiful city parks offering a variety of activities, including picnic areas, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, ball fields, playground equipment and biking and hiking trails.
Waseca Public Schools is one of the best Districts in the state of Minnesota, with a K - 12 population of approximately 1900 students. Teachers, parents, and the community work hand in hand to offer the perfect combination of a world class education, in award winning schools, in a friendly, small town environment.