Le Center, MN

Le Center is a small town located in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The population was 2,814 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

The town was founded in 1856 and named for Leander J.C. Penfield, a railroad official who helped finance the construction of the railroad through the area. Penfield also donated land for the town's first school and church, which were built in 1857 and 1858 respectively.

Le Center's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and manufacturing; however, since the 1990s it has experienced significant growth due to its proximity to Minneapolis and St Paul as well as its strong housing market. As a result of this growth, Le Center has seen a number of new businesses and restaurants open up in recent years, including an Ikea store and several Starbucks locations.

Le Center is located within walking distance of several parks and recreational areas, including Penfield Park (which features a pond), Lake Harriet (home to numerous fishing opportunities), Minnehaha Creek (a popular spot for kayaking), Falcon Heights Park (with tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, soccer fields, baseball fields, an ice rink), White Bear Lake (home to numerous golf courses) as well as many smaller parks throughout the town itself.

The public schools in Le Center are operated by Hennepin County Public Schools district #204 . The schools include:

Elementary Schools:

Bishop Blanchet Elementary School , Cedar Grove Elementary School , Eastview Elementary School , Forest Hills Elementary School , Glenwood Avenue Elementary School , Harding Avenue Elementary School , Hillside View Elementary School , Linden Hills Middle School & Marshall Middle School ; High Schools:

Eastview High School ; Harding High School