The long, sweeping views from this hilltop setting are exactly what people love about living in Rural Ellendale Countryside, where quiet evenings and big southern Minnesota skies stretch out for miles. Here, a thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath single-family home with about 1,856 square feet of living space blends comfort and function, with open, light-filled areas inside and wide-open acreage outside — including 5 acres currently leased to a local farmer for added income — giving you room to roam, relax, or explore your hobby farm dreams. Help-U-Sell Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc. is a full-service local office proudly serving Ellendale and the surrounding countryside, and if you’re thinking of selling in the Rural Ellendale Countryside or Ellendale area, ask us how much you could save.
About 10097 72nd Avenue, Ellendale
Perched high on a hill so you can see for miles, this designer 3-bedroom, 1.75-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and wide-open space. Set on expansive acreage, the property provides a peaceful rural setting with endless scenery and room to roam. 5 acres are currently leased to a local farmer, generating $800 annually in additional income. Whether you’re looking for a private retreat, hobby farm potential, or a scenic place to call home, this property offers a rare opportunity to enjoy country living at its finest.
Property Highlights — 10097 72nd Avenue, Ellendale
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Square Feet | 1,856 |
| Year Built | 1999 |
| Style | Single Family |
About the Rural Ellendale Countryside, Ellendale Area
Set among gently rolling fields just west of Ellendale, this pocket of rural countryside offers a quiet, wide‑open feel while still keeping you connected to town. You are about 25 minutes south of Owatonna and roughly 30–35 minutes northwest of Albert Lea, with Rochester and the southern edge of the Twin Cities metro reachable in about an hour. Daily life here feels relaxed and neighborly, with long views, big skies, and a strong small‑town Minnesota sense of community.
Schools & Education — This area is served by NRHEG Public Schools, ISD 2168, which draws students from New Richland, Hartland, Ellendale, and Geneva. Younger students typically attend NRHEG Elementary School in Ellendale, covering kindergarten through grade 5, while older students transition to NRHEG Secondary School in New Richland for grades 6–12. The district is known for close‑knit class sizes, strong Panther pride in academics and athletics, and active community support for school events. Families also have access to early childhood programs and preschool options within the district and in nearby Owatonna and Albert Lea.
Parks & Recreation — Outdoor recreation here tends to start right outside your door, with quiet gravel roads for walking, running, and biking and plenty of space for gardening, hobbies, and watching wildlife. In town, Ellendale City Park offers a playground, ball fields, and open green space for picnics and community gatherings. For bigger adventures, you are within a short drive of Beaver Lake County Park to the east, popular for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, and Rice Lake State Park north of Owatonna, with hiking trails, birding, and paddling. In winter, the surrounding countryside turns into a playground for snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, and ice fishing on nearby lakes.
Shopping & Dining — Everyday essentials are close by in Ellendale, just a few minutes away along MN‑30, where you will find convenience shopping, fuel, and local services. For a full grocery run, larger retailers and supermarkets are in Owatonna and Albert Lea, each about a 25–30 minute drive, including options like Hy‑Vee, Walmart Supercenter, and other national chains. Local favorites such as The Ellendale Municipal Liquor Store & Grill and small-town cafés provide a spot to grab a burger, pizza, or a casual meal without going far. When you want more variety, Owatonna’s dining scene along Hoffman Drive and Bridge Street, and Albert Lea’s restaurants near Main Street and I‑35, offer everything from coffee shops and bakeries to family dining and takeout.
Commute & Transportation — From this rural stretch west of Ellendale, you are just a short drive from Interstate 35, which is the main north–south route through the region. Commuters can typically reach Owatonna in about 25 minutes, Albert Lea in around 30–35 minutes, and the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities in roughly an hour, depending on traffic and weather. Rochester, via a combination of local roads and US‑14, is usually about an hour away as well. Daily errands and school drop‑offs are mostly done by car, with light traffic and straightforward routes on MN‑30, County Road 3, and I‑35 making regional travel simple.
Community & Lifestyle — Life in this part of rural Ellendale is defined by space, privacy, and a genuine small‑town feel, without the formality of a large HOA. Neighbors tend to know each other by name, and it is common to see folks helping with a stuck vehicle, sharing garden produce, or chatting at the gas station or café in town. The broader Ellendale and NRHEG community rallies around school sports, church events, and seasonal traditions like local festivals, youth activities, and holiday gatherings. Even though you enjoy a peaceful country setting with starry night skies, you are still very much part of an active, supportive rural community that values hard work, family, and a slower, more intentional pace of life.
Why Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc.?
Help-U-Sell Heritage Real Estate of Steele County Inc. is a full-service real estate office that charges a set flat fee instead of the traditional 6% commission. You get everything — professional photography, MLS listing, showings, open houses, contract negotiation, and closing coordination — but you keep more of your hard-earned equity. The only difference between us and a traditional agent is the price you pay, not the service you receive.
*Savings calculated based on a 6% commission. Commissions are negotiable and not established by law. Results may vary. Fees may vary for land, commercial or luxury properties. Additional fees may apply.
Listing information is provided for general informational purposes and is subject to change without notice. All data including price, status, and property details should be independently verified with your real estate agent or the listing office before making any decisions. Listing data sourced from the MLS as of July 18, 2026.
