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Watkins is a growing community of over 960 people, rich in its German-Catholic heritage with a history dating back to 1886 with the building of the railroad and was established as a Village on May 2, 1893. Located in Meeker County, 60 miles west of the Twin Cities area and 25 miles southwest of St. Cloud.  MN State Highway #55 runs east and west through Watkins while CSAH #2 runs north and south through the City.

The City of Watkins was named after a railroad employee for the Sault Ste. Marie Railroad and is also the birthplace of Eugene J. McCarthy, a former United States Senator and 1968 Presidential Candidate.

Several large employers in the City include Mies Outland, CentraSota Cooperative, 5 star rated Hilltop Health Care Center, United Packaging Inc., & Mid-Minnesota Concrete.

The City of Watkins is a Plan A Statutory City governed by a Mayor and four Councilpersons.

The City has an Electronic Message Board for posting public notices of meeting dates/times or for community events.

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