Welcome to Ogilvie, Minnesota
Small Town Pride. Big Community Heart.
Tucked into the scenic landscape of Kanabec County, Ogilvie is a vibrant small town with a rich history, a strong sense of community, and a warm welcome for all who visit. With just under 400 residents, Ogilvie offers the charm of rural Minnesota living alongside exciting local events and natural beauty that draws visitors year-round.
Known for its iconic 1918 concrete water tower and deep railroad roots, Ogilvie celebrates its heritage through community events like Back to the Tower Days and exhibits at the local museum. Whether you’re enjoying a stroll through town, attending a school game with the Ogilvie Lions, or stopping for a bite at a local café, you’ll feel the heart of this tight-knit community.
Just outside town, the Ogilvie Raceway brings adrenaline and entertainment with weekly dirt track races that attract fans from across the region. Nature lovers will also appreciate nearby rivers, trails, and forests ideal for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Conveniently located on Highways 23 and 47, Ogilvie is easy to reach but hard to forget. Whether you’re here for an event, an outdoor adventure, or a peaceful weekend escape, Ogilvie invites you to slow down, explore, and connect.
Visit Ogilvie — where history, hospitality, and hometown spirit come together.
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Discover Ogilvie, Minnesota
Small Town Spirit, Big Community Heart
Located just off Highways 23 and 47 in scenic Kanabec County, Ogilvie is a charming small town of around 390 residents, known for its warm hospitality, rich history, and lively local traditions sunrise.maplogs.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14en.wikipedia.org+14.
Location & Access
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Nestled along Minnesota State Highways 23 and 47, Ogilvie is easily reached from Mora, Cambridge, and the Twin Cities, making it a great day-trip or weekend destination .
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The Groundhouse River meanders nearby, adding serene natural beauty to the town’s setting en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
Heritage & Hometown Pride
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Incorporated in 1899 and named after local landowner Oric Ogilvie Whited, Ogilvie has retained its small-town character while embracing growth exploreminnesota.com+5en.wikipedia.org+5en.wikipedia.org+5.
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The iconic Ogilvie Watertower, built in 1918 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, stands tall as a symbol of early 20th-century progress and remains a beloved landmark en.wikipedia.org+1local.moraminn.com+1.
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Local culture thrives through institutions like the Ogilvie Tower Museum, where visitors can delve into community stories and heritage en.wikipedia.org+3local.moraminn.com+3moramn.com+3.
Vibrant Community Life & Events
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Ogilvie’s high school sports teams—proudly called the Lions—embody community energy and local pride en.wikipedia.org+1sunrise.maplogs.com+1.
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Nearby Ogilvie Raceway, a 3/8-mile dirt clay oval track, offers thrilling weekly racing events from spring through fall. It hosted top-tier events like the World of Outlaws in recent years kanabeccounty.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
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Seasonal celebrations like Back to the Tower Days bring together residents for festivities, vendors, and fun.
Outdoor Attractions & Local Flavor
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The proximity to forests, rivers, and Highway 47’s scenic corridor make Ogilvie a gateway to hiking, fishing, birding, and exploring rural Minnesota charm exploreminnesota.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
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Within walking distance of downtown, you’ll find local shops, casual dining at spots like McBee’s Saloon & Eatery, and friendly gathering places treasured by residents and visitors alike tripadvisor.com.
Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Connection
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As part of the Mora Area Chamber of Commerce, Ogilvie benefits from County-wide promotion, tourism resources, and economic development that spotlight our unique heritage and local events sunrise.maplogs.com+3exploreminnesota.com+3moramn.com+3.
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The Chamber supports small businesses with marketing, visitor information, and annual events—including county fairs, canoe races, snowmobile excursions, and winter ski events—helping Festivities like these spotlight Ogilvie’s warm welcome and cultural richness .
Why Ogilvie Shines
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Historic Landmarks | Tour the 1918 concrete-fired water tower and visit the local museum |
| Exciting Weekly Racing | Catch local and touring racing events at Ogilvie Raceway |
| Community Pride | Cheer for the Lions & enjoy annual festivals like Back to the Tower Days |
| Rural Recreation | Access river, lake, and forest adventures just minutes from downtown |
| Warm Small-Town Vibe | Stroll tree-lined streets, chat with shopkeepers, and experience genuine hospitality |
Plan Your Visit Today
Explore the charm of Ogilvie by catching a race at the clay oval, stepping back in time at the Watertower, or joining in local celebrations. Reach out to the Mora Area Chamber of Commerce—or visit our museum and Chamber office—to discover upcoming events, maps, and local services.
Ogilvie: Where history meets horsepower & hometown spirit.