| Wright
County lies in East Central Minnesota, bordered on the north
by the Mississippi River and the east by the Crow River. Due
to its proximity to the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, this
county is one of the fastest growing in the state.
Farmland, rivers and lakes characterize the landscape of
Wright County. It was established in 1855, and named, after
much debate, for New York politician Silas Wright, a former
U.S. senator. Pioneers from all over Europe, with a majority
coming from Germany and Sweden, settled in what was then
the Big Woods - large stands of oaks, elms and basswood
trees - to make their living from the land.
Buffalo
was established as the county seat in 1873 and is the county's
largest city with a population of 10,097. Seventeen cities
and 18 townships exist in the county, which has a total
estimated population of 89,986. The population is estimated
to have increased by 31% in the last ten years, since the
1990 census counted a population of 68,770.
The People of Wright County value their natural surroundings,
demonstrated by the 2800 acres devoted to our park system.
The county has a long history of setting aside scenic areas
for the use of all residents, thanks to the foresight of
the Parks Board members and County Commissioners. The Parks
system covers 30 county parks, park reserves, forests, wayside
rests and lake accesses. An excellent system of parks along
the North Fork and main branch of the Crow River offers
access to one of the region's most scenic and accessible
state canoe routes. Five parks feature swimming beaches
for summer fun. Two wooded campgrounds with lake access
providing campers with a spot to pitch a tent or park a
camper. The Ney Nature Center, in Ney Park near Maple Lake,
provides area school children and other groups with a facility
for environmental education that's close to nature.
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