St. James
Around St. James
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Countryside and towns · Minnesota · 21k people
St. James
Where the prairie meets the lake
prairie lake bluefield greenharvest gold
Welcome to St. James and the surrounding counties! Whether you're here for the fishing, the fairs, or just the friendly small-town vibe, you'll find plenty to love. Pull up a chair at a supper club, and don't be shy—everyone knows everyone here.
Clubs for St. James
No clubs for St. James yet.
The room
One room for everyone around St. James. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around St. James. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Watonwan County Courthouse Historic courthouse in St. James, built in the early 1900s.
- Jackson County Courthouse Classic county seat building in Jackson.
- Heron Lake Large natural lake, great for fishing and boating.
- Des Moines River Flows through both counties, popular for canoeing and fishing.
- Watonwan County Fairgrounds Hosts the annual county fair in St. James.
- Jackson County Fairgrounds Home of the Jackson County Fair.
- Outdoors Fishing for walleye and northern on Heron Lake
- Outdoors Canoeing or kayaking the Des Moines River
- With kids Attending the county fair with kids
- With kids Swimming at the community pool in St. James
- Evenings Dinner and drinks at a supper club
- Evenings Bar bingo at a local tavern
- Locals love Supper clubs
- Locals love Lakeside resorts
Through the year
- Watonwan County Fair July Multi-day fair in St. James with livestock, rides, and entertainment.
- Jackson County Fair August County fair in Jackson with 4-H shows and grandstand events.
- St. James Turkey Day June Celebration of the town's turkey heritage with a parade and activities.
- Madelia Summerfest July Community festival with food, music, and games.
- Heron Lake Water Carnival July Water sports, boat parade, and family fun on the lake.
A classic Midwestern climate: cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The best time to be out is from late spring to early fall, when the lakes and rivers come alive. Best: Late spring through early fall, especially June to September.
Talk like a local
- “the lake”
- Heron Lake, the go-to spot for fishing and swimming.
- “the river”
- The Des Moines River, for fishing or canoeing.
- “the fair”
- The county fair, a summer highlight.
- “Turkey Town”
- Nickname for St. James, the turkey capital.
Getaways
- New Ulm German heritage, Hermann Monument, and breweries.
- Fairmont Lakes, golf, and the Fairmont Opera House.
- Mankato Shopping, dining, and Minnesota State University.
- Spirit Lake Resort area with boating and fishing.
Local flavour
Rooting for Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Wild (NHL), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Golden Gophers (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Hotdish A comforting casserole staple across Minnesota
- Walleye Freshwater fish often fried or grilled, a local favorite
- Lefse Norwegian soft flatbread, often served with butter and sugar
- Wild rice soup Creamy soup made with Minnesota wild rice
Where people go
- Supper clubs Classic Midwest dining spots with steaks and old‑fashioneds
- Lakeside resorts Family cabins and fishing resorts on area lakes
- County fairs Annual gatherings with 4‑H, rides, and food stands
- Grain elevators Tall structures dotting the prairie skyline
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaNew UlmMinnesotaBavarian spirit, Minnesota heartFairmontMinnesotaPrairie skies, lake life.MankatoMinnesotaWhere the river bends and the bluffs hold you close.EsthervilleIowaWhere the horizon is wide and the welcome is warmer.Spirit LakeIowaClear water, bright skies, and a summer that never ends.Redwood FallsMinnesotaWhere the prairie sky meets the river bluffsWorthingtonMinnesotaHeart of the Turkey CapitalSpencerIowaWhere the lakes meet the prairie.
Watonwan and Jackson counties, MN. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.