Cold Spring is a Stearns County city on the Sauk River, at the gateway to the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes. If you are thinking about buying or moving here, this spotlight covers the basics: where it is, who lives here, schools, parks and what homes have been selling for in the area.
Where it is
Cold Spring is in Stearns County and is part of the St. Cloud metro area. Its ZIP code is 56320. Minnesota Highway 23 runs through town. The Sauk River cuts through the city, and the city calls itself the gateway to the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes, a well-known spot for boating and fishing.
Community
The 2020 Census counted 4,164 residents in Cold Spring. The town is home to the headquarters of Coldspring, the granite company formerly known as Cold Spring Granite, whose stone is part of the FDR Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is also home to Cold Spring Brewing Company.
Schools
Cold Spring is served by the ROCORI School District, named for the three communities it mainly serves: Rockville, Cold Spring and Richmond. District schools include Cold Spring Elementary, John Clark Elementary, Richmond Elementary, ROCORI Middle School and ROCORI High School. If you are shopping for a home, check with the district on which elementary school serves a specific address.
Parks and trails
Frogtown Park, on the north side of town along the Sauk River, has a large playground, a paved walking and biking path, a canoe landing, fishing spots on the bank and a rental shelter with a kitchen. The ROCORI Trail follows an old rail line between Cold Spring and Richmond, where it connects to the Glacial Lakes State Trail. A future segment is planned to link Cold Spring and Rockville. See the city recreation page for details.
The market in Stearns and Benton counties
In September 2026, Stearns County, which includes Cold Spring, recorded 183 closed sales with a median sale price of $316,250. Neighboring Benton County recorded 38 closed sales with a median of $297,575, according to Minnesota Realtors local market updates. These are county-wide numbers, not Cold Spring only. See our full September home sales report.
Tips if you are looking in Cold Spring
- Lake property? Ask about shoreland rules, septic or sewer service and flood zones before you make an offer near the river or the lakes.
- First-time buyer? Read our guide to Minnesota Housing’s Start Up program.
- Property tax notices arrive in November. See our Truth in Taxation guide.
- Comparing towns? See our spotlights on St. Joseph, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park.
Sources: City of Cold Spring (home, recreation and Frogtown Park pages); City of Rockville ROCORI Trail page; ROCORI School District; MnDOT city map (2020 Census population); Wikipedia: Cold Spring, Minnesota; Minnesota Realtors Local Market Updates, September 2026: Stearns County and Benton County. Checked Oct. 27, 2026.
Market figures and rates change often and are for general information only. Contact a licensed professional for advice on your situation.
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