Welcome to Kasson, Minnesota
A Growing Community Rich in History • 13 Miles West of Rochester
Kasson is a thriving city in Dodge County, Minnesota, with a population of 6,851 (2020 census). Located along U.S. Highway 14 and Minnesota State Highway 57, Kasson is part of the Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area and serves as the largest city in Dodge County. The city was incorporated on February 24, 1870, and named after Jabez Hyde Kasson, owner of the original townsite who settled in the area in 1856.
City Hall & Local Government
Kasson City Hall
Address: 401 5th St. S.E., Kasson, MN 55944
Phone: (507) 634-7071
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8AM to 5PM | Friday: 8AM to 1PM
Website: www.cityofkasson.com
Government Structure
The City of Kasson operates under a city council/city administrator form of government. The governing body consists of a Mayor and four City Council Members, with two council members and the mayor elected every two years via citywide vote. The City Council makes laws, sets policies, adopts budgets, and oversees the community agenda. The City Administrator is appointed by the City Council to implement initiatives and direct all city operations.
Advisory Boards & Commissions
Several boards provide recommendations to the City Council including the Planning and Zoning Commission, Park & Recreation Commission, Economic Development Authority, and Library Board.
City Services & Departments
Municipal Services
The City of Kasson provides municipal electric utility service to all residential, commercial, and business properties. The city's energy portfolio includes 50% wind and renewable sources, exceeding Minnesota's 25% requirement. Solar panels were installed on City Hall in 2011 and on the Kasson Aquatic Center in 2013.
Key Departments
Police Department: View Information
Fire Department: View Information
Public Works: View Information
Parks & Recreation: View Information
Parks & Recreation
Veterans Memorial Park
201 7th St. NW, Kasson, MN 55944
Features: Kasson Aquatic Center, tennis courts, sand volleyball pit, ball fields, picnic shelters, playground with slides, swings & climbing structures, picnic tables
Lions Park
610 West Veterans Memorial Hwy 34, Kasson
Features: Skate park, playground with slides, swings & climbing structures, picnic tables, green space
Kasson Meadows Park
812 19th St. NE, Kasson, MN 55944
Features: Playground, plentiful green space for outdoor activities
Bigelow-Voight NW Park
804 14th Ave NW, Kasson
Features: Green space for outdoor recreation
Blaine's Northeast Park
600 11th Ave NE, Kasson
Features: Green space and recreational area
East Diamond Park
600 11th Ave NW, Kasson, MN 55944
Features: Ball field for baseball and softball
Recreation Facilities
Kasson Aquatic Center: 201 7th Street NW, Kasson, MN 55944 | Phone: (507) 634-7755 | Register Online at KassonPool.com
Dodge County Ice Arena: 100 11th St NE, Kasson | View Information
Rolling Hills Transit: Transportation services available. Hours: 6:45 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday-Friday. Call (507) 634-4340 or visit rhtbus.com
Annual Events & Festivals
Dodge County Free Fair
Minnesota's Oldest County Fair - Over 165 years of tradition! Features 4-H, FFA, and Open Class exhibits, grandstand events including bull riding, stock car racing, trailer races, and demolition derby. Free admission except grandstand events. Location: Dodge County Fairgrounds, 62922 State Hwy 57, Kasson.
Festival in the Park
Annual volunteer-organized celebration held the second weekend in August at North Park. Features parade, fireworks display, Kasson Ambassador ceremony, bellyflop contest, eating contest, and musical showcase. Celebrating the town's heritage since 1991.
Big Iron Classic
Midwest's Largest "Working Class" Truck Show - First weekend after Labor Day. Over 600 semi-truck tractors and trailers on display, attracting 20,000+ visitors. Features truck viewing, vendor booths, food, live entertainment, light show at dusk Friday, "Parade of Big Rigs" through Mantorville on Saturday, and truck pull ($10 admission). Free public admission to all other events. Contact: (507) 208-0222
Schools & Education
Kasson shares a school system with neighboring Mantorville through the Kasson-Mantorville School District #204. The "K-M KoMets" (school colors: royal blue and white) are part of the Hiawatha Valley League Conference and Zumbro Education District (ZED).
Kasson-Mantorville High School
Grades 9-12 | Enrollment: ~600 students
Address: 101 16th St. N.E., Kasson, MN 55944
Phone: (507) 634-2961 | Attendance: (507) 634-1174
Kasson-Mantorville Middle School
Grades 5-8
Address: 606 16th St. N.E., Kasson, MN 55944
Phone: (507) 634-4464
Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School
Features integrated curriculum with strong reading, math, and science focus. STEM initiative through Project Lead the Way.
K-M Community Education
Early childhood education and community enrichment programs including the "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" program.
District Website: www.komets.k12.mn.us
Local Attractions & Points of Interest
Kasson State Theatre
Address: 221 Main Street West, Kasson
Family-friendly movie theatre featuring the largest curved screen in Southeast Minnesota. Includes concession stand and small side room for private parties.
Kasson Public Library
Address: 16 1st Avenue NW, Kasson
Community library providing resources, programs, and services for all ages.
Historic Sites
Kasson features several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
Kasson Municipal Building
Also known as Old City Hall. Built in 1917, designed by Purcell & Elmslie in the Prairie School style. Listed on National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Historic Kasson Water Tower
Located on 4th Avenue NW. A landmark structure on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jacob Leuthold Jr. House
Historic residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Eureka Hotel
Historic building recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
Kasson Public School
Historic 1912-era school building placed on the National Register thanks to preservation efforts by KARE (Kasson Alliance for Restoration).
Local Services
Banking
Home Federal Savings Bank - 2 branch locations in Kasson
Bremer Bank - 1 branch location
Location & Transportation
Kasson is strategically located 13 miles (21 km) west of Rochester along U.S. Highway 14, and 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Mantorville, the Dodge County seat. The city is an endpoint of Minnesota State Highway 57. The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's main freight rail line runs through the city.
Public Transportation: Rolling Hills Transit provides local transportation services. Hours: 6:45 AM - 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Rates: In-town $2, Out of town (under 8 miles) $4, Out of town (over 8 miles) $6. Call (507) 634-4340 or visit rhtbus.com
Community Resources
Dodge County: www.co.dodge.mn.us
Kasson Chamber of Commerce: The city actively supports local businesses through chamber partnerships and Buy Local campaigns.
Dodge County Transfer Station: View Information
New Resident Information: Welcome to Kasson Guide
