Eagle Lake is in southern Minnesota and is nestled in a region known for its beautiful natural landscapes, with several lakes and rivers nearby.  The Minnesota River flows just west of Eagle Lake, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.  Eagle Lake’s geographic location provides easy access to outdoor recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.  The 2022 census reported 3,229 residents living in Eagle Lake.  

Eagle Lake is a rapidly growing community that is experiencing a shortage of available child care.  The local economy and childcare services in Eagle Lake have a reciprocal relationship. The state of the local economy influences the demand for childcare, while childcare services can contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting workforce participation.  Having adequate child care services is essential for parents to remain in the workforce and employers abilities to fill workforce demands.  

Eagle Lake is participating in the Rural Child Care Innovation Program to explore and implement local and right-sized solutions that address the child care shortage in the city to support workforce development, retention, and economic growth.