Jordan, city in Scott County, Minnesota, United States
Jordan is a small city in Scott County, Minnesota, surrounded by wooded hills and open land near the Jordan River. With about 6,700 residents, the city features a downtown area with local shops, parks, nearby lakes, and a historic brewery now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Jordan was founded in the mid-1800s when Thomas Holmes built a sawmill along the Jordan River, and his brother William soon after laid out the town. The early settlement grew through breweries and other businesses, became officially a city in 1891, and later experienced change during alcohol prohibition.
Jordan takes its name from the nearby Jordan River. The downtown area features local shops, antique stores, and small cafes that form the heart of community life. Residents gather regularly at parks and during festivals, which reflect the town's strong neighborly traditions and pride in local heritage.
Jordan sits about 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis and is easy to reach via highways. The city offers local accommodations, restaurants serving home-style meals, and convenient access to parks, lakes, and nearby natural reserves for outdoor activities.
Jordan became known beyond the region following a scandal in the 1980s that was later immortalized in a song, revealing a hidden chapter in the town's past. The city is also home to Minnesota's largest candy store, which draws visitors from across the region.
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