This Man Created Minnesota’s Smallest City… In His House! The Feds Even Recognize It!
Step into the whimsical world of Mount Holly, Minnesota where creativity reigns supreme and the entire city is located in a Shakopee man’s house.
SHAKOPEE, MN – Nestled in the charming Twin Cities suburb of Shakopee, a delightful little town has emerged, captivating the hearts of locals and art enthusiasts alike. Mount Holly, the brainchild of Shakopee native and resident Mike Haeg, is a shining example of the power of creativity and community spirit… it’s also Minnesota‘s tiniest city. Oh, and it’s literally just the Haeg family home.
The Birth of a Tiny Metropolis
Back in 2003, Haeg took a bold step by registering Mount Holly with the state and federal government, officially designating it as a city. This one-lot property, situated just northeast of the county jail, is home to a mere four residents: Haeg, his wife Tammy Dahlke (who proudly bears the title of First Lady), and their two children.
A City That’s Real, Believe It or Not
If you’re skeptical about the existence of Mount Holly, simply search for it on MapQuest, and you’ll find the address right there. Google Maps also confirms its location, complete with reviews from curious visitors.
A website called “Mt. Holly Public Works” showcases a variety of art and musings, further solidifying the city’s presence in the digital world. You can visit it here. You can also visit the City of Mount Holly’s official Facebook page here.
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A City Alive with Art and Celebration
Despite its diminutive size, Mount Holly is a lively hub of artistic expression and community engagement. Haeg, a multifaceted artist with a passion for graphic design, woodworking, photography, and even knitting, has infused the city with his creative spirit. From junk guitars to pottery, his artistic endeavors know no bounds.
Staying Connected Through Creativity
The birth of Mount Holly was not only a celebration of creativity but also a response to the fear of social disconnection. When Haeg and his wife purchased their house, they worried about losing touch with their city friends. Mount Holly and its festivities have served as a means to foster community, maintain connections, and, most importantly, have a great time.
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A City with All the Trimmings
Don’t let Mount Holly’s size fool you; this tiny town boasts all the essential elements of a thriving city. Haeg publishes an occasional newsletter, aptly named the city newspaper, chronicling the goings-on of this close-knit community. The city even has its own library, a “Little Free Library,” encouraging the love of reading among its residents and visitors alike.
Mount Holly Days: A Celebration of Fun
One of the most anticipated events in Mount Holly is the annual “Mount Holly Days,” a fall celebration that showcases the city’s unique character. The festival features a film festival and a derby race for “non-cub scouts,” where participants race small cars on the sidewalk outside Haeg’s house. It’s a delightful display of the city’s whimsical nature and community spirit.
Recognition in the Art World
Haeg’s creative genius has not gone unnoticed in the Twin Cities arts community. Shauna Ruthenbeck, a member of the Savage Arts Council and Shakopee resident, speaks highly of Haeg, describing him as “awesome.” Mount Holly has even caught the attention of the Walker Art Center, with references featured during its Open Field program in Minneapolis.
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Challenges in the Land of Mount Holly
Like any city, Mount Holly is not immune to the occasional challenge. On one Easter morning, Haeg discovered that the Mount Holly sign outside his house had been stolen, presumably by an admirer or mischief-maker who found it too cool to resist. As Haeg wisely told reporters at the time, “No matter how small your city is, you still got problems.”
Mount Holly may be small in size, but it is undeniably large in heart and imagination. This tiny town serves as a reminder that with creativity, passion, and a sense of community, even the smallest of spaces can become a source of joy and inspiration. Happy travels!
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