The Spirit of Community in Delano is defined by the
Creativity, Resilience, and Community Investment of its people.
Your Adventure Starts Here
Start your adventure. Scan the code. Discover the story. Explore Delano.
Delano’s story is one of Creativity, Resilience and Community Investment.
These values have shaped our community for generations and are at the heart of Delano’s Spirit of Community. They have carried us through times of growth, hardship and change and continue to thrive today.
Virtual Tour…
Click on the COLOR TRAILS below
GREEN TRAIL - Heritage Center/ 2nd St
RED TRAIL - Bridge Ave.
LIME GREEN TRAIL - River St. North of Bridge
PURPLE TRAIL - River St. South of Bridge
YELLOW TRAIL - Railroad Ave.
BLUE TRAIL - Bridge Ave /Hwy. 12
ORANGE TRAIL - Central Park
How the Trail Works
The Spirit of Community Trail features 50+ historic sites, along with additional sites recognizing many nonprofit organizations that contribute to our community.
At each location, look for a bronze commemorative plaque and QR code. Scan the code to discover stories, photographs, videos and other pieces of Delano’s history connected to that place.
The trail invites you to explore beyond a single destination. Join the trail wherever you are, or create your own route—from the Heritage Center in historic downtown, to the library, sculpture park or Central Park. With several loops to explore, every adventure can be different.
Connect the stories you discover outdoors with exhibits inside the Delano Franklin Township Area Heritage Center, located in the Old Village Hall across from current City Hall.
Bring History to Life
The Spirit of Community Trail is more than a walking tour. It is an invitation to discover how the people, places and experiences of Delano’s past have shaped the community we share today.
Enjoy your adventure!
Created by the:
Wendy Gilmer, Chair
Kathy Workman, Historian and Researcher
Debbie DeBeer, Webmaster
Randy Szarzynski, Graphic Designer
The Spirit of Community Trail builds on the Minnesota Historical Society grant-funded interpretive plan developed for Delano. Through research, community listening sessions and local archives, an independent third party identified three characteristics that make Delano unique: Creativity, Resilience and Community Investment. These themes provide the foundation for telling Delano’s story and exploring the Spirit of Community that continues to shape our community today.
The content of this page is brought to you by the Delano Spirit of Community Trail Committee in honor of Delano's 150th Anniversary.