Cities and Towns in Benton County, Minnesota

Founded in 1849, Benton County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Benton County was one of nine original counties; formed from residual St. Croix County, and Wisconsin Territory. The city of Foley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 9, Benton County has a population of 41,459 and area of 408.28 square miles (1,057 km²).

List of all cities in Benton County, MN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Foley, MN	56329	320
	56357	320
Gilman, MN	56333	320
Oak Park, MN	56329	320
	56357	320
Rice, MN	56367	320
Saint Cloud, MN	56304	320
Sauk Rapids, MN	56379	320

Major Cities and Towns in Benton County, Minnesota

1. Sauk Rapids

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 4.75 square miles
• Population: 13,000 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 56379, 56303
• Latitude: 45.6210° N
• Longitude: 94.1736° W

City Location and History

Sauk Rapids is located in central Minnesota, along the banks of the Mississippi River, just north of the city of St. Cloud. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, and European settlers arrived in the early 1850s. Sauk Rapids was initially established as a trading post, and the city grew quickly due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. In the late 1800s, the city became an important milling and transportation center, benefiting from river traffic and the arrival of the railroad.

During the early 20th century, Sauk Rapids was incorporated as a city and continued to develop as a regional commercial hub. The city has seen significant growth and development in recent decades, driven by its proximity to St. Cloud and the increasing suburbanization of the area. Today, Sauk Rapids is a thriving city with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, and it continues to benefit from its location near one of Minnesota’s largest cities. The city’s historical significance and vibrant community make it an attractive place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sauk Rapids is served by the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, which includes Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and several elementary and middle schools. The district offers strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and sports teams. Major landmarks in Sauk Rapids include Great River Regional Library, which provides educational resources and community programming. Sauk Rapids Riverfront Park offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River, with walking trails, picnic areas, and a boat launch. The Sauk Rapids Veterans Memorial honors local veterans and offers a peaceful space for reflection. The Sauk Rapids Historical Society operates a museum that showcases the city’s past, including its early days as a logging and milling center. The Sauk Rapids City Hall is another notable landmark, housing municipal offices and serving as a community gathering point. The city is also close to the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, which offers entertainment, events, and recreational opportunities.

2. Rice

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.35 square miles
• Population: 1,400 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56367
• Latitude: 45.5982° N
• Longitude: 93.9826° W

City Location and History

Rice is a small town located in southern Benton County, Minnesota, approximately 6 miles south of the city of Sauk Rapids. The town was originally settled in the mid-1800s and named after the Rice family, who were early settlers in the area. The town’s location along the Mississippi River and the Northern Pacific Railway contributed to its development as a center for agriculture and trade. Rice was officially incorporated in 1887 and remained a quiet, rural community focused on farming and logging.

Over time, Rice transitioned from an agricultural hub to a bedroom community for nearby St. Cloud and Sauk Rapids. Today, the town’s economy is largely based on agriculture, small businesses, and residential development, though it has maintained a strong connection to its farming roots. Rice is known for its tight-knit community, friendly atmosphere, and its proximity to natural resources, making it an appealing place for families and individuals seeking a rural lifestyle near urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rice is served by the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, with students attending Rice Elementary School and Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. The local schools offer a variety of educational programs, including arts and sports. Major landmarks in Rice include the Rice Sports Complex, which features baseball and softball fields, as well as space for community gatherings and events. The town’s Rice Community Park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking paths, making it a popular place for family outings. The Rice River is a key natural feature of the area, and the town is near several regional parks and nature reserves. Rice is also home to St. John’s Church, one of the town’s oldest buildings, which serves as a historic site and community gathering place. The nearby Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and kayaking. Rice is a peaceful, rural community that blends its agricultural heritage with modern suburban living.

3. Clear Lake

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.55 square miles
• Population: 720 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 55319
• Latitude: 45.5426° N
• Longitude: 94.1700° W

City Location and History

Clear Lake is a small city located in the eastern part of Benton County, situated just to the northeast of the larger city of St. Cloud. The city is named after Clear Lake, a large body of water that serves as both a natural attraction and a recreational hub. The area around Clear Lake was originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples before European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. Clear Lake was officially settled as a farming community, and the lake became a key resource for transportation, fishing, and trade.

Clear Lake was incorporated as a city in 1902, and over the years, it has remained a small but vibrant community. Its economy has historically been centered around agriculture, though today, tourism and residential development play a larger role in the area’s growth. The city’s serene lakefront setting and proximity to St. Cloud make it an ideal location for both full-time residents and seasonal visitors.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clear Lake is part of the Sauk Rapids-Rice School District, with local students attending schools in Sauk Rapids or St. Cloud. The city has several parks, including Clear Lake City Park, which offers picnic areas, a beach, and access to the lake for boating and fishing. Clear Lake Boat Landing provides facilities for launching boats, making it a popular destination for lake enthusiasts. The city is home to the Clear Lake Historical Society, which operates a small museum showcasing the town’s history, including its early settlement and connection to the lake. Nearby, the St. Cloud State University provides cultural and educational opportunities, and the area’s local parks and nature preserves offer hiking, wildlife watching, and other outdoor activities. The town is also known for its annual Clear Lake Festival, which celebrates the city’s lakefront heritage with music, food, and community events.

4. Foley

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.93 square miles
• Population: 2,700 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56329
• Latitude: 45.5991° N
• Longitude: 93.9875° W

City Location and History

Foley is located in the southeastern corner of Benton County, along the Sauk River. The city was founded in the late 1800s and named after a prominent local businessman, Michael Foley, who contributed to the development of the area. Foley quickly became a commercial and agricultural center for the surrounding region, particularly known for its dairy farming and its role in the lumber industry. The Sauk River played a significant role in the city’s development, providing transportation routes for goods and logging materials.

Foley grew steadily throughout the 20th century and became known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere. Over time, the city has developed as a regional hub for services, retail, and agriculture, with several industries providing employment. Foley is also noted for its proximity to both the St. Cloud metropolitan area and several regional recreational areas, including parks and lakes.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Foley is served by the Foley Public Schools District, with Foley High School as the main secondary school. The schools offer a strong academic curriculum and extracurricular programs. Notable landmarks in Foley include Sauk River Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and a boat launch for access to the Sauk River. Foley City Park provides a space for family gatherings, picnics, and local events. The Benton County Fairgrounds, located near the city, hosts the annual Benton County Fair, which is a major event for the community. The Foley Public Library is a center for learning and community programs. The St. John’s Lutheran Church, built in 1902, is a historic site in the city and reflects the early cultural development of the town. The city is also close to the Sauk Rapids and Rice areas, offering additional recreational opportunities along the Mississippi River.