Laporte, MN

Laporte is a small town located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The population was 1,853 at the 2010 census. Laporte is home to the historic Laporte Mill and the Laporte Lumber Company. The town's economy is based on agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

The first settlers arrived in Laporte in 1851. The town was founded by John A. Laporte and named for his birthplace of La PORTE-sur-Yonne, France. In 1854, the first mill was built on the banks of the Mississippi River near what is now downtown Laporte. The mill produced lumber for local buildings and furniture for export to Europe. By 1880, there were six mills operating in Laporte; two of which were owned by John A. Laporte himself. Today only one mill remains - the Historic Laporte Mill - which is open to visitors during summer months.

Laporte has been home to several notable people over its history including: Governor Alexander Ramsey; author Louisa May Alcott; and composer Jules Massenet