Bayport Prepares for Big Changes While Remaining Strong in Its Roots

The City of Bayport is a community of 3,000 tucked along the St. Croix River in Washington County, Minnesota. It’s a 30-minute drive to the heart of Minneapolis, with easy access to quiet Wisconsin communities just across the river. However, Bayport plays an important role in East Metro MSP. It is home to the county's largest employer and will face new opportunities in the coming years that could change the community forever.

Bayport Has Grown Alongside Andersen Windows

Since 1903, Andersen Windows has had a presence in Bayport and has become the largest employer in Washington County. Andersen Windows has more than 30 locations across three countries and is one of the most widely recognized brands of windows and doors.  

“Andersen Corporation has the same values that the City of Bayport has,” says Kline. “They produce high-end products and have expanded their lines to meet consumer preferences.”

Andersen Windows has also been a good partner to the city throughout the decades. Many Bayport residents have worked at Andersen at some point, while other employees commute from nearby East Metro MSP communities. Its foundation awarded $1.9 million in donations in 2025, with several contributions going to local causes. Since 1941, Andersen Windows has donated $74 million to various non-profits and community groups.

Andersen Windows remains a stable employer in East Metro MSP and part of Bayport’s economic fabric. 

The City is Planning for the Minnesota Correctional Facility Closure

The Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater, located in Bayport, is set to close in 2029. This opens a 100-acre site for redevelopment, creating a significant opportunity for the city. However, repurposing land that was used as a correctional facility isn’t easy, which is why the City of Bayport is already reviewing case studies and evaluating community needs.

“We aren’t necessarily working toward one singular idea, but rather navigating a process to get to the next point,” says Kline.

The city is participating in the state’s decommissioning study that will review how the buildings could be reused. It will examine how other municipalities have repurposed their closed facilities and the costs associated with any remediation. Bayport city officials are also meeting with state and local legislators to explore funding opportunities to advance potential projects.

Even with the City of Bayport proactively researching options and making plans, the site could take more than a decade to redevelop. Kline says it could take up to 20 years for any new build-outs to be complete.

Interestingly, the correctional facility acreage is in close proximity to the Xcel Allen S. King coal plant in Oak Park Heights, which is set to close by 2028. This opens up an additional 140 acres of land in one of the most desirable regions outside of Minneapolis-St. Paul.

“We are closely involved with what’s going on there,” says Kline. “We will do our best to support Oak Park Heights and Xcel Energy as they remediate and repurpose the plant, and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Bayport Attracts Families Across All Income Levels

While the closure of the correctional facility could create opportunities for developers, small businesses can also succeed in the community and move into the region now. Bayport is home to all types of workers, from entry-level employees to executives, and offers a wide range of housing options.

Kline also insists that Bayport has some of the best restaurants in the Twin Cities. Many chefs left high-stress kitchens to open their own restaurants along 5th Avenue. If you arrive hungry in Bayport, you won’t be disappointed.  

Beyond the restaurant scene, Bayport residents can enjoy four parks, including Lakeside Park, which has a fishing shoreline, swimming beach, and nearby boat ramp. The proximity to the St. Croix River is what attracts people to the region, allowing them to strike a balance between living in a major metro area and enjoying a peaceful day on the water.

Explore Other Communities in Washington County  

East Metro MSP is desirable for both businesses and families. It is home to major employers seeking access to the Twin Cities and to residents who want safe, quiet neighborhoods close to nature.

Learn more about other parts of Washington County, including the towns of Hugo, Newport, and Forest Lake. See what these cities have in common, how they work together, and how they stand apart.

If you’re ready to explore East Metro MSP, contact us at the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA). We can’t wait to show you everything this region has to offer.