The Community Today

Hayward is a small town. Population 246 and growing, located 4 miles east of Albert Lea. The community is surrounded by small family farms and is noted for its rural hospitality. Businesses in the community are predominately agriculture related and include major manufacturing, retail, and services.

Stores and restaurants provide opportunities for trail users. The city park located in the center of town provides recreational opportunities including ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball, playground equipment, and a picnic pavilion.

History

Hayward is named for one of the town’s early settlers. David Hayward, who moved from Postville Iowa and settled here. Hayward was settled around 1855, but the town wasn’t formally incorporated until 1925.

Initially, wheat was the primary crop grown by farmers in the surrounding area. Production of more diverse crops including onions, potatoes, and carrots soon followed. Dairy and livestock production also became important to the farm economy.

Hayward provided services for the agricultural community. Warehouses were built in town for storing crops. A Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad station was located in the community. A post office was established in 1864.

By 1911, the community included the railroad station and post office, three stores, elevator, creamery, blacksmith shop, feed mill, bank, hotel, and residences.