Ninety miles west of the Twin Cities metro area, Willmar is the fastest growing multi-cultural city in greater Minnesota. With a 2008 population of 19,130, Willmar is the County Seat and largest town in Kandiyohi County, making it a regional center for business, healthcare, technology, and shopping.
Surrounded by lakes, rolling hills, and rich farmland, Willmar combines the friendly neighborliness of a small town with the opportunities of a large metropolitan area.
Agricultural expansion and the establishment of Willmar as a division point on the Great Northern Railway determined the growth of the community. The Lakotah Indians were indigenous to Kandiyohi County. The first settlers arrived during the 1850s attracted to the fertile land and an abundance of timber and game. The Great Sioux Uprising of 1862 left the township abandoned for several years. The advent of the railroad in Kandiyohi County in 1869 brought new settlers. Many were of Swedish and Norwegian origins; hence the predominance today of residents of Scandinavian heritage.
Known as "The City of Parks," Willmar has 38 neighborhood parks which provide both recreation and relaxation for area residents. The area is also home to hundreds of lakes, miles of biking/walking trails, an outdoor Aqautic Center, State Park, Environmental Learning Center, Open Air Market, and many other unique attractions. Willmar is nationally known for the SonShine Christian Music Festival which attracts 20,000 visitors to the area and the Little Crow Water Ski Team in nearby New London which provides world class water skiing each weekend throughout the summer.
The Willmar economy is driven by the agriculture industry and turkeys are at the top of the list. The Jennie-O Turkey Store is the largest processor of turkeys in the United States and largest employer in the Willmar area. The healthcare industry is well represented by Rice Memorial Hospital, Affiliated Community Medical Center ,and Family Practice Medical Center employing over 1,600 employees combined. Education is also a priority with the Willmar Public Schools, Community Christian School, and Ridgewater College providing excellent educational opportunities.
