St. Ansgar has been named the "Garden Spot of Iowa" and rightfully so. Its thriving farmland, stately trees and colorful local gardens lend dignity and charm to this friendly, small town. This proud tradition has been a part of St. Ansgar's history since it was founded in 1853 by a group of Norwegian immigrant farmers, led by the Rev. Claus L. Clausen a Danish minister. This town is named after a French monk and bishop, who in the 9th century was a missionary to the Scandinavian countries and was made the patron saint of Denmark.

St. Ansgar is also known as the Home of the Albino Deer.

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The population has remained near the 1,100 mark for the past thirty years. The 2000 population for Mitchell County is 10,874.