Welcome to Mora, Minnesota
Where Small-Town Charm Meets Big-Time Adventure
Located in the heart of east-central Minnesota, Mora is a vibrant community known for its rich Scandinavian heritage, year-round outdoor recreation, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. As the seat of Kanabec County, Mora offers the perfect blend of tradition, adventure, and opportunity—making it a destination worth exploring and a community worth calling home.
Visitors to Mora are greeted by iconic symbols like the giant Dala horse and Swedish Mora clock, honoring the city’s deep Swedish roots. Throughout the year, Mora celebrates its heritage and spirit with community events like Vasaloppet USA, America’s largest cross-country ski race, drawing participants and spectators from across the nation.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love—paddle the Snake River, hike and bike scenic trails, explore nearby forests and lakes, or hit the snowmobile routes in winter. Families can cool off at the Mora Aquatic Center, enjoy local parks, and take part in youth-friendly events and programs.
Downtown Mora is the heart of the community, featuring locally owned shops, cafés, a historic movie theater, and seasonal farmers markets. The city also boasts strong schools, healthcare facilities, an airport, and a growing business community supported by the Mora Area Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend, attending a festival, or exploring a new place to live and work, Mora invites you to experience its friendly people, scenic surroundings, and small-town pride.
Come discover Mora—where culture, community, and adventure come together in every season.
More from the web:
“A City for All Seasons”
As the vibrant county seat of Kanabec County, Mora offers a blend of charming small-town atmosphere and dynamic regional activity. Nestled at the crossroads of Highways 23 and 65 along the scenic Snake River, Mora is home to roughly 3,665 residents who enjoy easy access to amenities and attractions unique to our region local.moraminn.com+15en.wikipedia.org+15exploreminnesota.com+15.
️ Heritage & Roots
Founded in 1882 by pioneer Myron Kent, Mora was named after Mora, Sweden, reflecting its rich Scandinavian heritage en.wikipedia.org+2ci.mora.mn.us+2en.wikipedia.org+2. This heritage lives on through iconic landmarks:
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A giant Dala horse statue
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The distinctive Mora clock
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Sister-city links with Mora, Sweden, symbolized by Vasaloppet-inspired community events collection.mndigital.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5kanabeccounty.org+5.
Don’t miss the stately Kanabec County Courthouse, a Romanesque landmark built in 1894 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places en.wikipedia.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14kanabeccounty.org+14.
All-Seasons Outdoor Fun
Mora truly is “A City for All Seasons”:
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Winter: Host of the annual Vasaloppet USA, Minnesota’s largest cross-country ski race, plus groomed trails and snowmobile routes kanabeccounty.org+14moramn.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14.
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Spring & Summer: Paddle the Snake River, cast lines in pristine lakes, hike forest trails, or cheer at Mora’s half‑marathon, bike tour, and canoe race exploreminnesota.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
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Fall: Attend the county fair, Oktoberfest-style community festivals, and enjoy colorful drives through east-central Minnesota.
Downtown & Culture
Stroll historic Union Street and discover:
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Quaint specialty shops, local restaurants, the nostalgic Paradise Theatre, and the lively Crystal Bar & Grill.
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The Mora Aquatic Center, featuring water slides, lap lanes, and diving boards flickr.com+12moramn.com+12exploreminnesota.com+12.
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Kanabec History Center, offering rotating exhibits and programs that celebrate the region’s past collection.mndigital.org+14moramn.com+14exploreminnesota.com+14.
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Access to regional transit, the nearby Mora Municipal Airport, and local radio station Lakes 103 kanabeccounty.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7en.wikipedia.org+7.
Chamber & Community
The Mora Area Chamber of Commerce acts as a visitor center and business advocate, promoting everything from arts and tourism to health and public services kanabeccounty.org+6exploreminnesota.com+6m.yelp.ca+6. They coordinate a vibrant calendar of events—including ski races, arts showcases, and outdoor festivals—and support local businesses year-round .
Why Mora Stands Out
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Historic Charm | Romanesque courthouse & Scandinavian landmarks |
| Outdoor Range | Skiing, snowmobiling, paddling, biking, fishing |
| All-Year Events | Vasaloppet USA, county fair, marathons, bike tours |
| Community Amenities | Theater, aquatic center, history museum, airport |
| Strategic Location | Within an hour of MSP, St. Cloud & Duluth |
Plan Your Visit
Experience the warmth of east-central Minnesota in Mora—where every season offers something new:
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Visit the Chamber office on N Lake Street for event listings, local maps, and business info.
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Join the Vasaloppet, canoe race, bike tour, or county fair.
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Stay downtown, enjoy community eateries, catch a show, or slide into the aquatic center.
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Explore nearby lakes, parks, trails, and the Snake River for outdoor adventure.
Mora: rich in heritage, alive with activity—and always ready to welcome you.