Rogers, MN
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks & Points of Interest
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Rogers is a fast-growing northwestern suburb of the Twin Cities, known for its prime location at the crossroads of I-94 and Highway 101, excellent schools, and abundant parkland.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The full official name of the city is Rogers. It is a city located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, United States . Rogers is considered a northwest suburb and is an integral part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area (the "Twin Cities") . Hennepin County is the most populous county in Minnesota and the economic and cultural heart of the state, home to Minneapolis, its largest city.
Date of Foundation and Age
The area that is now Rogers was first settled in 1854 . Its growth as a community began in the 1880s when Thomas Rogers sold an acre of his land to the Great Northern Railroad, establishing a depot . The city was officially incorporated in 1914 . As of 2026, Rogers is 112 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Rogers is located at the geographic coordinates 45°11′N 93°34′W . Its precise elevation is approximately 293 meters (961 feet) above sea level . The city is strategically situated on either side of Interstate 94, with Minnesota State Highway 101 running north-south through the community. Its western boundary is formed by the Crow River . Rogers is a suburban city characterized by a mix of residential developments, commercial areas, and open spaces.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Rogers is a dynamic community that functions primarily as a residential suburb and a growing commercial and industrial center . Its economy is diversified, with a strong focus on:
- Distribution and Commerce: Its unique location at the intersection of I-94 and TH 101 has made it a major distribution center and a popular destination for businesses .
- Industrial Base: The city has a thriving employment base with over 11,000 jobs, including major industrial operations like Graco, CDI, and Reinhart FoodService .
- Destination Retail: Rogers is home to the largest Cabela's outdoor sporting goods store in the state of Minnesota, a major attraction for shoppers from across the region .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the population of Rogers was 13,295 . As of 2023, the population was estimated to have grown to 13,617, reflecting the city's rapid growth trend . By population, it is classified as a small city, though it is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, having expanded by over 400% since the year 2000 . The city is known for its highly educated populace, with over 52% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and a median household income significantly above the state and national averages .
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Rogers offers the best of both worlds: a safe, small-town community with top-rated schools and expansive parks, combined with big-city access and amenities just 25 miles from downtown Minneapolis. It's a destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, and a hub for businesses, anchored by the state's largest Cabela's retail store .
Geography
Water Bodies (Lakes and Rivers)
Rogers is nestled among several bodies of water that define its recreational landscape. Within and near the city are Lake Sylvan, Diamond Lake, and Lake Charlotte, which provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities . The city's western boundary is formed by the Crow River, a tributary of the Mississippi, offering opportunities for kayaking and canoeing . For a more significant excursion, the Mississippi River is located approximately 30 minutes away by car .
National and Regional Parks
While Rogers has its own extensive park system, it is also in close proximity to two major regional park reserves.
- Elm Creek Park Reserve: Located just a short drive from Rogers, this is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts . It features miles of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In the winter, it transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snow tubing.
- Crow-Hassan Park Reserve: About 15 minutes from Rogers, this reserve encompasses over 2,500 acres of natural beauty along the Crow River, offering trails for walking, wildlife observation, and fishing .
Local Parks and Recreation Areas
Rogers boasts over 452 acres of parkland, including numerous community parks .
- Rogers Lake Park: This beautiful natural park is centered around a lake, offering swimming, boating, and fishing. It features extensive trails through forests, picnic areas, and a large playground. The park is also home to historic sites, including the ruins of an old logging camp, highlighting the area's history .
- Henry's Woods: A scenic area with trails perfect for families to experience nature and enjoy the fall colors .
- Preserve Park and North Community Park: These parks offer amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails for residents .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Rogers experiences a humid continental climate, which is characteristic of the Upper Midwest . This climate is defined by four distinct seasons with large temperature variations: warm, sometimes hot and humid summers, and very cold, snowy winters.
Average Temperatures
- Hottest Month: July is the warmest month, with average daytime highs reaching 28°C (82°F) and nighttime lows around 17°C (63°F) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average daytime highs of -6°C (21°F) and nighttime lows plunging to -16°C (3°F) .
- Annual Average: The average temperature throughout the year is around 7°C (45°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: The city receives a significant amount of precipitation, averaging approximately 1,146 mm (45 inches) per year . The wettest month by far is June, with an average of 216 mm (8.5 inches) of rain . The driest month is January .
- Snowfall: Snow is a major feature of winter, with the highest proportions of snowfall occurring in January (49% of precipitation), February (47%), and December (45%) .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are generally high, averaging around 84% , contributing to the continental feel of the climate .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Springs are cool and gradually warm up. This is a wet season, with April and May seeing significant rainfall . It's a time of renewal, with parks and trails beginning to open up.
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot, with the most sunshine. June is the wettest month, but July and August are excellent for enjoying the lakes and outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking . This is the peak season for farmers markets and community events .
- Fall (September-October): Falls are crisp and beautiful, with September remaining warm and October turning cooler . This is an ideal time for hiking to see the fall colors at places like Henry's Woods or the park reserves .
- Winter (November-March): Winters are very cold and snowy . While the weather is harsh, it offers opportunities for ice skating at the Rogers Activity Center, outdoor rinks, and cross-country skiing and ice fishing at Rogers Lake Park and Elm Creek Park Reserve .
Landmarks & Points of Interest
[Cabela's]
While not a historical monument, Cabela's is the undisputed king of attractions in Rogers. It is renowned as the largest outdoor sporting goods store in the state of Minnesota . More than just a store, it's a destination in itself, offering a unique shopping experience with massive wildlife dioramas, a mountain replica, and an aquarium. It's a must-visit for sportspersons and families, serving as a major draw for visitors from across the metro and greater Minnesota .
[Rogers Activity Center]
The Rogers Activity Center is a key community landmark, serving as the hub for recreation year-round. It features an indoor playground, making it a perfect destination for families with young children, especially on rainy or cold days . The center offers year-round skating and hosts a wide variety of community and recreational programs for all ages .
[Historic St. Martin Catholic Church]
The establishment of St. Martin Catholic Church and its school in the late 19th century was pivotal to the community's early growth, cementing Rogers as a local hub . The church stands as a testament to the city's historical roots and the importance of its founding families and institutions.
Parks as Landmarks
Rogers' park system forms the backbone of its community identity. Rogers Lake Park is a significant natural landmark, offering a central lake, trails, and historic sites from the logging era . Henry's Woods provides a serene natural escape within the city limits, beloved for its walking trails and scenic beauty .
Memorials
The city's history is also remembered through its founding families. Names like Otto Scharber, a prominent local businessman whose family ran a John Deere dealership, are still key contributors to the community and are part of the city's living history .
Transport
Main Airports and Regional Access
Rogers does not have its own commercial airport. It is served by the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) , the major airport for the region.
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): Located approximately 25-30 miles southeast of Rogers. The travel time to the airport is about 45 minutes by car .
- Shuttle Service: Scheduled van and shuttle service to and from MSP is provided by Groome Transportation, which includes Rogers as a stop on its route from St. Cloud .
Major Highways
The city's transportation network is one of its greatest assets. It is uniquely situated at the intersection of two major regional roadways:
- Interstate 94 (I-94): The main east-west interstate that runs right through Rogers, providing direct and quick access to downtown Minneapolis (25 miles east) and St. Paul .
- Trunk Highway 101 (TH 101): A major north-south state highway that intersects with I-94 in Rogers, facilitating travel throughout the western metro and to points north .
Public Transportation
Public transportation options are available for commuting to Minneapolis.
- Bus Service: The primary public transit option is the Metro Transit bus line 781, which provides service from Rogers to downtown Minneapolis. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around $3 .
- Private Bus: Private bus services also operate along this route, offering a similar trip duration of about 40 minutes .
Local Travel
The city is designed for easy local travel, with 35.9 miles of trails, paths, and sidewalks connecting neighborhoods, parks, and schools, promoting walking and biking . Ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available .
Distance to City Center
- Miles to Downtown Minneapolis: 25 miles . The estimated travel time by car is 34-40 minutes, depending on traffic .
Sport and Sports Legends
While the city of Rogers itself may not be home to major professional sports franchises, the name "Rogers" is deeply intertwined with a legendary figure in American football history. Furthermore, its location in the Minneapolis metropolitan area places it within easy reach of world-class sporting events and venues.
Famous Athletes Connected to the Area
The most significant sports figure associated with the name Rogers is Eddie Rogers (Edward Lowell Rogers) , a College Football Hall of Fame inductee. Although born in Libby, Minnesota, and later practicing law in the Twin Cities, his legacy is a point of pride for the region .
- Who He Was: An Ojibwe athlete, his Ojibwe name was Ay-Nay-Way-We-Dung, which translates to "Echo in the Woods" . He was a standout football player at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School and later at the University of Minnesota .
- Connection to the University of Minnesota: Rogers played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1901 to 1903 and was the team captain in 1903. That year, the team achieved an undefeated 11-0-1 record, won the Big Ten title, and Rogers was named a third-team All-American .
- Legacy: After his playing career, he coached at Carlisle and the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul . He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968 . A bronze bust in his honor stands outside the courthouse in Walker, Minnesota .
Professional Sports in the Nearby Twin Cities
Residents of Rogers are just a short drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul, which are home to several major professional sports teams. These venues and teams are the primary sporting attractions for the area.
Major Sports Teams and Venues Nearby
- Minnesota Vikings (NFL): Play at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, an architectural marvel with a massive translucent roof, which also hosted Super Bowl LII.
- Minnesota Twins (MLB): Play at Target Field in Minneapolis, consistently rated one of the best ballparks in America for its sightlines and downtown setting.
- Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA): Play at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
- Minnesota Lynx (WNBA): One of the most successful franchises in WNBA history, also playing at the Target Center.
- Minnesota Wild (NHL): Play at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, known as one of the best live venues in the NHL.
- Minnesota United FC (MLS): Play at Allianz Field in St. Paul, a soccer-specific stadium renowned for its striking, translucent exterior.
Collegiate Sports
The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers compete in the Big Ten Conference. Their football team plays at the historic Huntington Bank Stadium, and their ice hockey teams are legendary, playing at 3M Arena at Mariucci (men) and Ridder Arena (women).
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Rogers is well-served by a network of community clinics that are part of larger, respected health systems in Minnesota. These facilities provide comprehensive primary and specialty care for residents.
Primary Care and Multispecialty Clinics
Several major clinic operators have a presence in Rogers, ensuring access to a wide range of healthcare services without needing to travel far.
M Health Fairview Clinic - Rogers
- Address: 14040 Northdale Blvd, Rogers, MN 55374
- Phone: (763) 488-4100
- Overview: Part of the M Health Fairview system, a large and comprehensive healthcare network in Minnesota. This clinic offers primary care services for individuals and families . As part of a major health system, patients have access to a vast network of specialists and the resources of university-affiliated hospitals .
Park Nicollet Clinic - Rogers
- Address: 13688 Rogers Dr, Ste 200, Rogers, MN 55374
- Phone: (952) 977-0300
- Overview: Part of the Park Nicollet health system, which is integrated with HealthPartners. This clinic provides primary care and a variety of specialty services, emphasizing coordinated and patient-centered care.
Children's Minnesota - Partners in Pediatrics - Rogers Clinic
- Address: 13980 Northdale Blvd, Rogers, MN 55374
- Phone: (763) 428-1920
- Overview: This clinic is part of Children's Minnesota, one of the largest freestanding pediatric health systems in the United States. It offers comprehensive pediatric care, from newborn care and immunizations to management of chronic childhood conditions like asthma and diabetes . This local clinic connects families to the entire Children's Minnesota hospital network for specialized care .
Rogers Office
- Address: 21395 John Milless Dr, Ste 100, Rogers, MN 55374
- Phone: (763) 504-6400
- Overview: A medical office providing healthcare services to the community. Further details on its specific specialty were not available in the search results.
Hospitals and Specialized Care Nearby
For hospital-based care, including emergency services and specialized surgeries, residents of Rogers are in close proximity to top-tier medical centers in the northwest Twin Cities suburbs, such as Maple Grove and Plymouth.
- North Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale and its clinic in Maple Grove (9855 Hospital Dr) provide advanced care, including Level I trauma center services .
- Maple Grove Hospital, a collaboration between North Memorial and Fairview, provides comprehensive hospital services, including maternity care.
- Clinics in nearby Maple Grove offer specialized services, including Twin Cities Orthopedics for sports medicine and orthopedic surgery .