• Newspaper
  • Community

  • History

    The Freeborn County Shopper began serving the city of Albert Lea and a large share of Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa in 1974. Originally it was called the Showcase Shopper. The Shopper is distributed every Tuesday to 18,000 homes in Albert Lea and the surrounding areas.

    The Showcase Shopper was renamed the “Freeborn County Shopper” in March of 1977 following its acquisition by Shopper Enterprises. In August of 1995 the Freeborn County Shopper along with its sister shopper in Austin Minnesota, The Mower County Shopper, and the Web press facility, Central Graphics, in Blue Earth Minnesota was purchased by Boone Newspapers. The three separate facilities comprised the company known as “Southern Minnesota Shoppers Inc.”

    Throughout the years the Freeborn County Shopper has always made a strong commitment to providing the highest quality service to our advertisers and readers. We believe in producing a top quality advertising publication that serves as the primary advertising source in Freeborn County on a weekly basis. The staff at the Freeborn County Shopper has over 100 years of experience in the Shopper business and are here to serve all of your advertising needs!

    Goal

    Your Success its our Goal.

    Internet presence

    www.freeborncountyshopper.com

  • Geographic location

    Albert Lea is located in Freeborn County, Minn. The county is in Southeastern Minnesota along the border with Iowa.

    Population

    Albert Lea 18,356

    Freeborn County 32,584

    History

    Albert Lea was founded in 1890 by Col. Albert Lea

    Climate

    Albert Lea typically experiences four distinct seasons. Winter typically lasts longer than the other, ranging from October through March.

    Education

    The area features a good public education system including a new high school built in 2000. In addition, Riverland Community College is located in the area.

    Culture

    Like many areas of Minnesota, Albert Lea’s culture features a strong Norwegian descent.

    Recreation

    The area is known for its excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing during the winter months. And it features wonderful conditions for bicycling and fishing during the spring and summer.

    Area information

    143 West Clark
    Albert Lea, MN 56007

    1-507-373-3938
    E-mail: alfccoc@albertlea.org
    www.albertlea.org