Economic Development
Milnor is located in southeast North Dakota, in the heart of the scenic lakes, rivers, and prairies. Nationally protected lands such as the Tewaukon National Wildlife Refuge, the Storm Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Sheyenne National Grasslands and the North Country National Scenic Trail are located within minutes of the Milnor community. You will find opportunities to fish for perch, walleyes, and northern pike at our area lakes, or go hiking, hunting, boating, horseback riding, camping, or bird watching in the area. Storm Lake Wildlife Refuge, on the west side of Milnor, has a walking path and wildlife observation deck to relax and observe the waterfowl that nest in the area or watch the migratory birds traverse the North Dakota central flyway.
Milnor has added 25 new businesses in the last few years, some of which are anchor businesses in the community such as a veterinary service, HVAC/electrical business, a plumbing enterprise, pet care/kennel, and a licensed childcare center as well as some of our long-term anchor businesses; Stock Growers Bank, Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative, and Valley Plains Equipment. Our downtown business district has a new appeal with new street lights, sidewalks, and several new businesses. We have recently enlarged our childcare center, allowing for more openings for children to attend. Children, from infant through 12 years are welcomed for licensed daycare, preschool, and after-school programs. The present enrollment is 64 children in daycare and 21 in preschool. The Milnor Public School, K thru 12th year, offers a large variety of extracurricular activities and sports. Our community supports our students with scholarships and offers work experiences to prepare them for the future.
We have four parks within the community with amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball courts, pickleball, a baseball diamond, playgrounds, walking track, ice skating rink, and skateboarding. Lakeview Golf Course, located on Storm Lake, sports a 9-hole, 36 par course with relaxing fairways and terrific views of Storm Lake. Grab a bite to eat or a cold drink at the Lakeview Clubhouse after a day on the course. The community library is a great place to find the latest novel, or hang out at the Keg, a community ice cream shop, and enjoy your sweet treat at the Freedom Park gazebo next door. On Wednesday evenings in the summer, you can listen to local musicians, enjoy car shows, and visit with friends at the gazebo. Milnor has three churches, a medical clinic, senior center, veterans center, and many other city services you may enjoy. Whether you are looking for unique boutiques, fresh flowers, bakery goodies, a latte, or juicy burger, we have just what you need.
If you are looking for employment, many positions are readily available at local businesses as well as the internationally known Doosan Bobcat plant, located just 10 minutes from Milnor. The area's ultra-high-speed, fiber optic internet is available to meet your work-life or social needs. Milnor’s business and commercial district meld well together with opportunities and locations available for new businesses or industry interested in locating to our community.
Milnor has recently opened a new residential subdivision with 45 lots available for new homes and multi-family units. A residential playground, natural gas, and all the infrastructure needed for your home are available directly to each lot.
Milnor is proud of the many challenges we have met. We have been honored by several North Dakota state awards including “City of the Year” for our aggressive planning and growth. Additional awards are the Governor’s Main Street Awards – the 2019 Excellence Award, the 2020 Smart, Efficient, Infrastructure Award, and the 2021 Healthy, Vibrant Community Award and the Tree City award for the 448 trees we have planted in the last few years. These awards are given to communities that show growth and showcase innovative efforts to enhance the livability, health and attractiveness of their community, while demonstrating fiscally-sound planning and sustainability.
Come to Milnor to enjoy a safe, slower paced lifestyle with a great sense of community. Come to Milnor and grow with us.