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Mounds View, MN

Mounds View is a suburban city in Ramsey County, part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the city is Mounds View. It is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States . It is an integral part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area (also known as the Twin Cities), a vibrant and economically dynamic region and the largest population center in the Upper Midwest .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area's history as an administrative entity began on May 11, 1858, when the Township of Mounds View was organized on the same day Minnesota became a state . The Village of Mounds View was later incorporated in 1958, exactly 100 years after the township's formation . Based on its incorporation in 1958, the city is 67 years old as of 2025. The city is named after the small hills or mounds that were once a prominent feature of the local landscape .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Mounds View is located at geographic coordinates 45°6′26″N 93°12′27″W . It is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of the downtowns of both Minneapolis and Saint Paul . The city lies at the juncture of Interstate 35W and Mounds View Boulevard . The elevation of the city is approximately 912 feet (278 m) above sea level . It is a suburban city with a total area of 4.15 square miles (10.75 km²) .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Mounds View is primarily a residential suburb with a significant and growing economic role as a medical hub and industrial center . Major employers include Medtronic (which has a large campus in the city), Sysco Distributing, and MultiTech . The city supports a variety of labs, warehouse/distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities . Its economy is complemented by local retail and service businesses, many located along the Mounds View Boulevard (County Road 10) corridor .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Mounds View was 13,249 . By this measure, it is classified as a small city. The city is characterized as a diverse, third-ring suburb of the Twin Cities . According to the 2010 census, the racial makeup was 81.3% White, 7.0% Asian, 5.5% African American, and 5.0% Hispanic or Latino .

City's "Business Card" (Briefly)

Mounds View is perhaps best known for its beloved and iconic roadside attraction, the Mounds View Mermaid. This 38-foot fiberglass statue, perched atop the Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, has been a quirky landmark and a symbol of community identity for decades, recently restored to its former glory to greet visitors and residents alike .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The main water feature in Mounds View is Rice Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The creek flows through the southeast part of the city, providing a natural corridor for local wildlife and drainage .

Climate and weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Mounds View has a humid continental climate (Köppen classification Dfa), characterized by four distinct seasons with great temperature extremes. It features warm, wet summers and freezing, snowy, windy winters . The city enjoys a moderate amount of sunshine, with the clearest skies typically occurring from mid-June to mid-October .

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures vary significantly throughout the year, ranging from an average low of 9°F (-13°C) in winter to an average high of 83°F (28°C) in summer .

Month Avg. High (°F/°C) Avg. Low (°F/°C)
January 24 / -4 10 / -12
February 29 / -2 14 / -10
March 42 / 6 26 / -3
April 58 / 14 38 / 3
May 69 / 21 49 / 9
June 78 / 26 59 / 15
July 82 / 28 63 / 17
August 80 / 27 61 / 16
September 71 / 22 53 / 12
October 58 / 14 41 / 5
November 42 / 6 28 / -2
December 28 / -2 15 / -9

*Source: Weather Spark *

Precipitation and Humidity

The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation, with an average of over 48 inches (1,238 mm) of rainfall equivalent per year . The wet season is long, lasting from April to October.

Sunny Days and UV Index

The sunniest and clearest period is from June to September. July is the sunniest month, with the sky clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 70% of the time . The longest day of the year is around June 20, with 15 hours and 38 minutes of daylight .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Comparison with Other Cities

Mounds View's climate is typical of the Upper Midwest, with a greater temperature range than coastal cities. It experiences colder winters and warmer, more humid summers than a city like Seattle, but it is less extreme than areas further north in Minnesota . Its temperature patterns are most similar to cities like Volgograd, Russia, and Benxi, China .

Landmarks

Mounds View Mermaid

The undisputed symbol and most famous landmark of the city is the Mounds View Mermaid. This 38-foot fiberglass statue first appeared in the 1960s atop the Mermaid Supper Club (now the Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center) . For decades, it served as a beloved roadside attraction for motorists on Mounds View Boulevard and a key part of the community's identity .

After being removed in 2018 due to structural concerns, the city purchased the mermaid for one dollar and declared it a historical landmark . Following an extensive restoration, a new and improved mermaid was unveiled in the summer of 2024 to a crowd of over 1,000 people. The statue is now located on the ground near the Mermaid Event Center, where it continues to welcome visitors and serve as a unique and cherished symbol of Mounds View .

Transport

Main Highways and Roads

Mounds View's location at the junction of key transportation corridors makes it highly accessible. Interstate 35W (I-35W) is a major interstate highway that runs through the city, providing direct routes to Minneapolis and other northern suburbs . U.S. Highway 10 also passes through the city . The primary local thoroughfare is Mounds View Boulevard, which is the city's portion of County Road 10 .

Public Transportation System (Bus)

Public transportation in Mounds View is provided by Metro Transit, the region's transit operator. Several bus routes serve the city, connecting it to the broader Twin Cities metropolitan area.

The County Road H Park & Ride lot, located at the intersection with I-35W, serves as a major transit hub for the area, allowing residents to commute via express bus services .

Major Airports in the Region

While there are no airports within Mounds View's city limits, it is conveniently located near the major airports of the Twin Cities.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Moe's American Grill

A quintessential neighborhood bar and grill located on Mounds View Boulevard, Moe's is a popular local gathering spot known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic American menu . The restaurant is particularly noted for its take on the famous Twin Cities staple, the Juicy Lucy—a burger with a cheese-filled patty, which they call the Moe's Burger . The menu also features a wide selection of other burgers, sandwiches, steak, ribs, and pasta, making it a go-to for casual dining . Reviewers consistently describe it as a solid, reliable choice for what it is: a good, local American grill .

RJ Riches Family Restaurant

A short distance away on Highway 10, RJ Riches is a beloved, family-owned diner that has built a reputation on serving classic American comfort food in famously large portions . A true local institution, it is especially popular for breakfast, which is served all day. Patrons flock here for giant omelets, pancakes, and hearty breakfast skillets. The extensive menu also covers lunch and dinner with options ranging from burgers and sandwiches to gyros and meatloaf. The "must ask for a to-go box" reputation is a point of pride for this Mounds View staple .

Mermaid Bar & Grille

Part of the larger Mermaid Entertainment & Event Center, the Mermaid Bar & Grille offers a gastropub dining experience. Located on Mounds View Boulevard, it's a convenient option for those looking to combine a meal with entertainment like bowling . The menu features items like burgers, including one marketed as Wagyu beef, and seasoned fries . It serves as a casual dining spot within a larger entertainment complex.

Sports and Local Athletics

High School Sports: The Mounds View Mustangs

As a suburban city, the heart of Mounds View's sports culture beats at Mounds View High School. The school's teams, known as the Mustangs, compete in the Suburban East Conference of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) , primarily in Class AAAA, the state's largest class . The Mustangs have a strong athletic tradition, with football and baseball being particularly prominent.

The Mounds View Mustangs football team is a regular contender, with games against conference rivals like East Ridge drawing significant local attention . The team's history includes competitive seasons and section playoff appearances.

The Mounds View Mustangs baseball program is also a source of community pride. The team consistently fields a competitive roster and has a history of developing college-level talent. Alumni from the program have gone on to play at schools like the University of Iowa and St. Olaf College . The program is known for its strong core of returning players, making them a team to watch in the state section playoffs .

Local Sports Facilities

While Mounds View itself does not have a large, public stadium, the primary venue for high school sports is Mounds View High School. For other recreational sports and activities, residents often utilize facilities in nearby cities. For year-round, family-friendly athletic fun, Zero Gravity Adventure Park offers trampolines and a ninja warrior course, while InnerActive provides an indoor playground for children .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Universities in the Neighboring City of Arden Hills

Mounds View does not have universities within its own city limits, but it is in close proximity to higher education institutions in the neighboring city of Arden Hills, just to the west .

Bethel University is a private, interdenominational Christian university located in Arden Hills, situated off the east shores of Lake Valentine. It is a significant institution in the area, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs .

University of Northwestern – St. Paul is a private Christian liberal arts university with a campus that lies partially in Arden Hills and partially in Roseville, bordering the southern edge of Lake Johanna . It is another key institution of higher learning serving the region, including students from the Mounds View area.

Mounds View Public Schools (District 621)

K-12 education in Mounds View is primarily served by the highly-regarded Mounds View Public Schools (Independent School District 621) . This district includes several elementary schools, middle schools, and Mounds View High School, which is the central hub for the community's academic and athletic spirit. The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, serving not only Mounds View but also parts of surrounding communities like Arden Hills .

Healthcare Facilities

Apple Tree Dental - Mounds View Center for Dental Health

Mounds View is home to a significant dental care facility. The Mounds View Center for Dental Health, part of the Apple Tree Dental network, is located at 2442 Mounds View Blvd, across from Mounds View City Hall . This center is not a general hospital, but a specialized dental clinic offering a comprehensive range of services .

The center provides preventive and restorative (general) dentistry, dental implants, and sedation dentistry. It is particularly notable for its mission to serve diverse populations, including children and families, people with special needs, and the elderly . The clinic accepts Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and offers a sliding fee scale, making it a key healthcare resource for the community .

Apple Tree Cares Program: The Mounds View center hosts a special program called Apple Tree Cares, which provides urgent care tooth extractions for uninsured patients in need . This program operates on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with care provided by University of Minnesota School of Dentistry student volunteers under faculty supervision. A small, free-will donation is requested for this service .

For comprehensive medical services beyond dentistry, residents of Mounds View typically access the wide range of hospitals and clinics available in the nearby Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.

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