Apple Valley is a combination of modern urban living, traditional small town values, and suburban amenities. The 17 square miles that make up Apple Valley are filled with residential developments, retail areas, parks and playgrounds. Located about 20 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Apple Valley has easy access to the entire metro area. Residents can find almost everything and anything they need along County Road 42, which runs right through the heart of the city. If it’s not on 42, then it’s on Cedar Avenue which intersects 42 near the center of town. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities available to people of all ages and Apple Valley residents are known for taking full advantage of all the recreational pursuits available to them. 

History

The earliest European settlers came to the area known today as Apple Valley by steamboat, horseback and their own two feet. They were attracted to the rich soil and lush forests found throughout the area. In 1858, Union Township was formed and instantly a disagreement ensued. After only 20 days, the people of Union agreed to divide into two townships the eastern portion was to be named Lebanon and the western Burnsville. The area was largely undeveloped and uninhabited until the rapid expansion of the Twin Cities in the post World War II era. There was a housing boom in the 1960s. The developer building most of these homes had a reputation for putting an apple tree on each new lot. New residents to the area felt this better represented their town and changed the name to Apple Valley in 1968 and at the same time voted to incorporate the town. 

The Minnesota Zoo

The newest and largest zoo in the state is located right in the heart of Apple Valley and has over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Minnesota Zoo is located on 500 rolling, wooded acres and is home to its own tropical forest and aviary, a marine center, boreal forest, tundra and a family farm. There are over 3,000 animals covering more than 400 species. The zoo is open year-round and has an Imation IMAX Theater. This 600 seat theater is designed to entertain guests with various two and three-dimensional movies. If the weather is too wet or cold, visitors can ride along the monorail and view the zoo in a covered, narrated train car. 

Parks/Recreation

There are hundreds of acres of parkland in Apple Valley and over 60 miles of trails for a variety of uses. There are also dozens of fields, courts, rinks and diamonds for a variety of athletic pursuits. One of the most well known, and largest parks is the 2,000-acre Lebanon Hills Regional Park. Camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, cross-country skiing, and swimming are just a few activities residents enjoy in the park. They city also has its own public golf course known as Valleywood Golf Course. It is decorated with beautiful ponds, mature trees, and rolling hills. As prestigious as this course sounds, you don’t have to be a knickers wearing, scotch drinking, card-carrying member to enjoy it. 

Education

Most of the children who reside in Apple Valley attend school in School District #196. The district is the fourth largest one in the state and has a reputation for being one of the best in the state. There are currently 18 elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools in the district. Many of the schools have been recognized by national organizations with some receiving awards for a variety of programs and overall excellence. Apple Valley is also home to the nationally renowned School of Environmental Studies otherwise known as the “Zoo School.”

-Home Owner's Resource Guide