Crookston is a warm and friendly community of about 8,200 people, located in the heart of the Red River Valley on the banks of the meandering Red Lake River. The city was incorporated in 1879. Named after Colonel William Crooks, a railroad builder and pathfinder,

Crookston features a large historic district in the downtown area. A walking tour of the area provides visitors a close-up look at the unique turn of the century architecture. While you are touring you might include shopping at a number of unique stores, each offering a tantalizing array of merchandise.

The Grand Theatre, where vaudeville once reigned, is the oldest continually operating movie theatre in the United States. Today, it features stadium seating and state of the art sound system, amidst the beautiful 1910 architecture. Finish your tour at Widman's Candy Shop, which still offers old-fashioned soda fountain treats along with their famous "Chippers" chocolate-covered potato chips and other hand-dipped candies.

The Polk County Historical Museum is located on Highway 2 East. On the museum grounds, see the world's largest ox cart, a log house from 1868, the blacksmith shop, and an 1890's schoolhouse. The museum holds thousands of items arranged in displays that give visitors an authentic glimpse into our pioneer past.

Just north of the community you'll find the picturesque campus of the University of Minnesota Crookston. During the summer months, the campus teems with color as flowers bloom in artfully arranged and carefully tended beds throughout the grounds. Visitors are welcome to browse on their own, with the help of signage identifying the many varieties of plants.

Each August, Crookston celebrates its heritage with the Ox Cart Festival, now considered one of the top Festivals in northwest Minnesota. The Four-day celebration includes something for everyone, from the madcap bed races to pageants and parades to the spectacular fireworks finale. Set the third weekend in August, the festival features stage shows, talent shows, dances in the park and the Classic Car Show, one of the best in the region.

On the second Saturday of September Crookston participates in the King of Trails Marketplace, "400 miles of great bargains", as we host a downtown flea and farmers market. Also that weekend The Polk County Historical Museum hosts Pioneer Days with demonstrations and exhibits on pioneer life on the prairie.

Each December Crookston retailers and students from the University of Minnesota Crookston team up for "Winter Wonderland", with hundreds of lighted luminaries lining the streets, store holiday specials, sleigh rides in the park and Santa Land. Winter Wonderland is held the first Friday in December.

Glacial Ridge, recently designated as the nations newest National Wildlife Refuge, is just ten miles from Crookston on US Highway 2. The new refuge will link twelve existing conservation areas, and when fully restored, will provide important habitat for many species of wildlife, as well as a variety of opportunities for public recreation.