Preston

Climate Recreation Community Catastrophe

Preston
Eden Index

Climate 6.4 Recreation 4.2 Community 0.9 Safeguard

4.3/10

Preston, Minnesota is a small city located in Fillmore County in the southeastern part of the state. The climate in Preston is considered humid continental, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. Average high temperatures range from the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-4°C) in winter to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (29°C) in summer. Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average of around 35 inches (89 cm) annually.

Hydrologically, Preston lies in the Root River Watershed, with the South Branch of the Root River flowing through the city. The river is known for its excellent trout fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from near and far.

Outdoor recreation is abundant in and around Preston. The area boasts several state parks, including Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, where visitors can explore limestone caves and hike through picturesque forests. Additionally, the nearby Root River State Trail offers over 40 miles (64 km) of biking and hiking trails, providing scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing on the Root River are also popular activities during the warmer months. With its diverse natural beauty and outdoor amenities, Preston is a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

What is the Eden Index?

The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.


Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 6.4


Preston receives approximately 890mm of rain per year, with humidity levels near 83% and air temperatures averaging around 7°C. Preston has a plant hardyness factor of 4, meaning plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most plants will die off during the colder winter months. By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.

A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.


Weather Forecast




Streamflow Conditions

Upper Mississippi-Black-Root

Area Rivers

Upper Mississippi-Black-Root



Snowpack Depths

Upper Mississippi-Black-Root



Reservoir Storage Capacity

Upper Mississippi-Black-Root



Groundwater Levels


Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 4.2


The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences. Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.


Camping Areas

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Fontana County Park 55 986 ft
Howell Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River None 950 ft
Rodgers County Park 50 832 ft
Siggelkov County Park None 945 ft
Sever Lake Conservation Area - MDC 84 736 ft
Shelbina Lake City Park None 722 ft
Finger Lakes State Park None 725 ft
Belva - Deer Rec Area 56 828 ft
Lime Creek Park - Brandon None 858 ft
Downing County Park None 1,028 ft
Lake Jeanette 12 1,375 ft
Yenruogis County Park None 799 ft
Chicog Town Park None 1,010 ft
Whiteface Reservoir 58 1,489 ft
Namekagon Trail Bridge - St. Croix National Scenic River None 933 ft
Lacey - Keosauqua State Park 113 744 ft
Highland Ridge - Eau Galle Reservoir None 1,130 ft
Austin County Park None 578 ft
Gordon Dam None 1,023 ft
Lake Sugema County Park None 741 ft
Manhattan Bridge Access None 644 ft
Pine Ridge 8 770 ft
McKinley City Park 80 1,396 ft
Gouldsburg County Park 26 993 ft
Glen Hills County Park 61 1,183 ft
Riverside Landing - St. Croix National Scenic River None 896 ft
Alcock Park 40 1,018 ft
Cutshall Area None 921 ft
Skunk River Access None 630 ft
Deerwood City Park None 838 ft
North Woods Park None 1,080 ft
Chacauqua River Access None 721 ft
Dry Fork 18 763 ft
Shell Lake Municipal Park 42 1,224 ft
Cadotte Lake 27 1,657 ft
Benton City - Fry Area 25 843 ft
Waubonsie Trail Park 7 784 ft
Eau Galle Lake Spring Valley None 957 ft
Nugget Lake County Park 55 1,022 ft
Bear Head Lake State Park 75 1,523 ft
Oelwein City Park 30 1,013 ft
Totogatic Park 75 1,025 ft
Milroy Access 95 783 ft
Reicks Lake Park None 670 ft
Hoefle - Dulin Area County Park 16 774 ft
Vermilion Trail 40 1,430 ft
Binder Park 17 655 ft
Minne Estema Park 30 870 ft
Heritage City Park 18 1,439 ft
Turtle Lake City Park 18 1,265 ft
Roubidoux Springs None 775 ft
Fishermans Point City Campground 70 1,441 ft
Hannen County Park 90 817 ft
Fenske Lake 20 1,507 ft
Split Rock County Park 54 1,069 ft
Highland Ridge 45 1,105 ft
Clear Lake City Park None 1,164 ft
Hickory Hills Park - La Porte City 80 911 ft
Pioneer Park - Prairie Farm 30 1,028 ft
Hoodoo Point City Campground 85 1,362 ft
McFarlane Park None 804 ft
Lake Iowa County Park 122 892 ft

Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):


The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area. The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.


Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 0.9


The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.


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