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Audubon, MN
Audubon, Minnesota, located in Becker County, was founded in 1872 and named after naturalist John James Audubon. In August 1871, a railroad official’s inspection tour, accompanied by Audubon’s niece, was inspired by the area’s wildflowers, birds, and lakes. She requested the settlement be named after her uncle, and streets were later named for local birds. The area was originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe, who hunted and fished in the region.
The Northern Pacific Railroad’s arrival in 1871 spurred growth, making Audubon a hub for trade and agriculture. By 1873, the town had a newspaper, The Audubon Journal, and by 1876, it boasted a store, blacksmith, saloons, hotel, and professionals like attorneys and a physician. Incorporated in 1881, Audubon grew with businesses like a creamery, clothing store, and hardware shop by 1896.
Agriculture, particularly grain and livestock, drove the economy, supported by the railroad and local co-ops. The 20th century saw steady growth, with TEAM Industries establishing a factory, bolstering jobs. The 2005 film Sweet Land, set in 1920s Audubon, highlighted its rural charm, though filmed elsewhere.
Despite challenges like a 1957 tornado and economic shifts, Audubon remained a close-knit community. Its population peaked at 565 in 2020, with 561 in 2024. Today, it hosts over 20 businesses, including Lake Park Audubon Elementary, three churches, and recreational facilities like ballfields and parks. Events like the Norman County Fair and Fun in the Flatlands celebrate its heritage. The town’s industrial park and residential developments signal ongoing growth, blending its pioneer roots with modern vitality.
