City of Loretto: Community Life -

The city of Loretto, Minnesota is a small, western city located northwest of Minneapolis. With its population of just over 650 residents, the community within Loretto is close-knit. Residents enjoy a number of events and amenities found both within and outside of their city. The city of Loretto maintains strong ties with its neighboring cities, and residents often utilize these relationships for greater community involvement.

Loretto has a number of events and activities within the city that residents can get involved with. One of the most popular is community ball programs. Geared towards children and teens, the community of Loretto provides numerous t-ball, softball, and baseball teams for adolescents to get involved with. The games take place on the Loretto ballfields, and residents often enjoy watching a game or two on a sunny, summer afternoon. Loretto’s most popular community event is the annual Fun Fest. Fun Fest takes place each year during the month of September. A celebration of life in Loretto, activities at the Fun Fest include inflatables, a rock wall, KRWC radio Road Show, K9 demonstration, concessions, Gonzo the Clown, face painting, a photo booth, pony rides or petting zoo, and the Loretto Market. Other highlights include a softball game and fireworks. Each year the Fun Fest is loved by all. One other event that takes place in Loretto are city-wide garage sales. Occurring during the month of May, residents are encouraged to join in on a weekend of garage sales throughout the entire community. This event always has great participation and is fun for all involved.

Loretto has several local businesses and restaurants within the city. One of the most popular restaurants is the Choo Choo Bar and Restaurant. A railroad-themed restaurant established in a historic 1915 building, the Choo Choo Bar and Restaurant offers great food and a unique environment. The restaurant is home to many railroad artifacts, and guests can enjoy dining in a train caboose or an outdoor patio where real trains pass by.

Another popular restaurant is the Detour 19 Bar and Grill. The Detour 19 Bar and Grill is a family-run restaurant and serves traditional, small-town bar food and grilled entrees. Loretto has a historical church within its city limits. The Saints Peter and Paul church was built in 1903 and is still in operation to this day. It has been an important part of the community for over 100 years.

While Loretto’s city area is small, and limited in the events and amenities that it can provide, Loretto belongs to a greater community made up of the surrounding cities of Loretto, Independence, Maple Plain, Delano, Rockford, and Greenfield. If Loretto residents are desiring a business, service, event, or amenity that is not available within their small city, they have access to the resources of their neighboring cities. Additionally, Loretto’s location near large suburban employment cities such as Plymouth and Wayzata ensure that top-notch dining, shopping, and entertainment is just a short drive away.