Cities and Towns in Big Stone County, Minnesota
Founded in 1862, Big Stone County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Big Stone County was formed from Pierce County. The city of Ortonville is the county seat. With FIPS code of 11, Big Stone County has a population of 5,145 and area of 496.95 square miles (1,287 km²).
List of all cities in Big Stone County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Barry, MN | 56210 | 320 |
| Beardsley, MN | 56211 | 320 |
| Clinton, MN | 56225 | 320 |
| Correll, MN | 56227 | 320 |
| Graceville, MN | 56240 | 320 |
| Odessa, MN | 56276 | 320 |
| Ortonville, MN | 56278 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Big Stone County, Minnesota
1. Ortonville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.24 square miles
- Population: 1,900 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56278
- Latitude: 45.3057° N
- Longitude: 96.4462° W
City Location and History
Ortonville is the county seat of Big Stone County, located in the westernmost part of Minnesota, near the South Dakota border. The city sits along the northern shore of Big Stone Lake, which forms part of the border between Minnesota and South Dakota. Ortonville was founded in the late 1800s, and the arrival of the railroad helped establish the city as a center of commerce and trade for the surrounding rural agricultural areas. The city was incorporated in 1881 and named after Jesse Orton, a railroad official who played a significant role in the area’s development.
Throughout the early 20th century, Ortonville was a hub for the local agriculture and grain industries, with farming and railroad transport being central to its economy. Today, the city continues to serve as an administrative, business, and cultural center for the surrounding communities. Ortonville also attracts visitors due to its proximity to Big Stone Lake State Park, which is known for its recreational activities and stunning views. With a population of just under 2,000, the city has maintained a small-town charm while being an important center for regional trade and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ortonville is served by the Ortonville Public School District, which includes Ortonville High School, Ortonville Middle School, and Ortonville Elementary School. The schools offer a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports teams, arts, and a strong community spirit. Major landmarks in Ortonville include Big Stone Lake, which is a central feature of the city’s landscape and offers boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. Big Stone Lake State Park is a popular destination for hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking, while Ortonville’s Historic Downtown features charming brick buildings and local businesses. The Ortonville Dam is another prominent landmark, marking the entry to the lake and providing recreational activities like fishing and picnicking. The Big Stone County Museum showcases the area’s history, with exhibits on the local Native American tribes, pioneers, and the early days of the city’s development. The Yellow Bank River, which flows into Big Stone Lake, is also a scenic area for outdoor activities, including canoeing and kayaking.
2. Graceville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.04 square miles
- Population: 700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56240
- Latitude: 45.3395° N
- Longitude: 95.7294° W
City Location and History
Graceville is a small city located in the northern part of Big Stone County, Minnesota, along the Yellow Bank River. The city was founded in the late 19th century and named after Grace Church, a significant religious establishment in the community. Graceville’s early development was closely tied to agriculture, particularly wheat farming, which was the dominant industry in the area. The arrival of the railroad in the early 1900s helped to further connect Graceville to other parts of Minnesota, boosting trade and making it an essential stop for transporting agricultural goods.
Graceville has long been a center of rural life, with its economy primarily focused on agriculture and small businesses. The city’s location near Big Stone Lake and the Yellow Bank River also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. In recent decades, Graceville has become more residential, with many people commuting to larger cities for work while enjoying the peace and quiet of small-town living. The town’s small population and rural setting make it a popular place for those looking for a slower pace of life, with easy access to natural beauty and regional amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Graceville is served by the Graceville Public School District, which includes Graceville High School and Graceville Elementary School. The schools offer a variety of programs, with an emphasis on community involvement and sports. Notable landmarks in Graceville include Graceville City Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, and sports facilities for local events. The Yellow Bank River provides scenic views and opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The Graceville Historical Society operates a museum that showcases the city’s history and local culture, including exhibits on its agricultural past. The Yellow Bank Wildlife Management Area, located just outside of town, is a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking. While small, Graceville’s community is close-knit, with annual events such as the Graceville Fall Festival drawing visitors from surrounding areas. The nearby Big Stone Lake offers outdoor recreation, including camping, boating, and hiking.
3. Beardsley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.00 square mile
- Population: 170 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56211
- Latitude: 45.3713° N
- Longitude: 96.2447° W
City Location and History
Beardsley is a very small rural community located in the northern part of Big Stone County, Minnesota, approximately 20 miles west of Ortonville. Founded in the late 1800s, Beardsley developed primarily as an agricultural hub, with wheat and livestock farming playing key roles in its early economy. The town is named after George Beardsley, a local landowner and early settler. Over the years, Beardsley has remained a quiet, rural community with a strong focus on agriculture, though its population has steadily declined, reflecting broader trends in rural America.
Despite its small size, Beardsley holds historical significance as part of the larger agricultural region that has sustained many families in the area. While the town has experienced a decrease in population over the years, it remains a peaceful place to live, offering close proximity to the larger towns and cities in the region while retaining its agricultural roots. Beardsley’s location near both Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota-South Dakota border also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, with hunting, fishing, and boating being popular activities for both residents and visitors.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beardsley is part of the Big Stone City School District and students typically attend schools in neighboring communities like Ortonville. Major landmarks in Beardsley include Beardsley Park, which offers a quiet space for picnics and family gatherings, as well as access to nearby agricultural land and fields. The town’s proximity to Big Stone Lake State Park also makes it a convenient spot for visitors who want to enjoy water activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Beardsley’s Historic Downtown retains some old buildings from the town’s early days, though much of the commercial activity has moved to nearby towns like Ortonville. The Beardsley Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, and the surrounding prairie landscape provides scenic views and opportunities for outdoor exploration, including birdwatching and wildlife photography. Beardsley is also within easy reach of Big Stone Lake, which remains a major attraction for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
4. Clinton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 400 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56225
- Latitude: 45.3057° N
- Longitude: 96.3375° W
City Location and History
Clinton is a small, rural town located in the western part of Big Stone County, Minnesota, along the Minnesota River. The town was originally settled in the 1870s, primarily as an agricultural community, and was named after Clinton, a nearby town in Iowa. Early settlers were primarily German and Scandinavian immigrants, who established farms and built the town’s early infrastructure. The arrival of the railroad helped Clinton become a key regional transportation hub for agricultural products, especially grain.
Throughout the 20th century, Clinton remained a quiet, rural community, with farming continuing to be the backbone of the local economy. However, like many small towns in the region, Clinton experienced a population decline as younger generations moved to larger cities for work and opportunities. Despite this, Clinton retains its charm as a peaceful rural community that is well-connected to nature, offering easy access to local parks, the Minnesota River, and nearby recreational areas.