Cities and Towns in Brown County, Minnesota
Founded in 1855, Brown County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Brown County was formed from Blue Earth County. The city of New Ulm is the county seat. With FIPS code of 15, Brown County has a population of 25,819 and area of 610.86 square miles (1,582 km²).
List of all cities in Brown County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cobden, MN | 56085 | 507 |
| Comfrey, MN | 56019 | 507 |
| Essig, MN | 56030 | 507 |
| 56073 | 507 | |
| Evan, MN | 56085 | 507 |
| Hanska, MN | 56041 | 507 |
| Klossner, MN | 56073 | 507 |
| New Ulm, MN | 56073 | 507 |
| Searles, MN | 56073 | 507 |
| 56084 | 507 | |
| Sleepy Eye, MN | 56085 | 507 |
| Springfield, MN | 56087 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Brown County, Minnesota
1. New Ulm
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 10.36 square miles
- Population: 13,500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 56073
- Latitude: 44.3138° N
- Longitude: 94.4603° W
City Location and History
New Ulm is the county seat and largest city in Brown County, located in southern Minnesota, along the Minnesota River. The city was founded in 1854 by German immigrants who named it after their hometown of Ulms in Germany. New Ulm quickly became a key center for German-American culture in the region, with German traditions, food, and language heavily influencing the community’s identity. The city was incorporated in 1860 and saw significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly with the establishment of various manufacturing industries.
New Ulm played a crucial role in Minnesota’s history, especially during the Sioux Uprising of 1862, where the town was besieged by Native American forces. Despite being largely destroyed in the conflict, New Ulm was rebuilt and continued to grow. The city’s history is still reflected in its architecture, local traditions, and historic sites. Today, New Ulm is a vibrant community that retains its German heritage and serves as a cultural and economic hub in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Ulm is home to several schools within the New Ulm Public Schools district, including New Ulm High School and Jefferson Elementary School, which offer a variety of academic, extracurricular, and sports programs. The Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School serves the private education sector. Major landmarks in New Ulm include the iconic Hermann the German statue, a 102-foot monument commemorating German heritage, located atop Hermann Heights Park. Another notable landmark is the Walt Disney House, where the famous animator’s family lived for a time in the late 1800s. Flandrau State Park, located just outside the city, offers hiking, picnicking, and swimming opportunities. The New Ulm Country Club is a well-regarded destination for golfers. The city is also known for its August Schell Brewing Company, which produces some of the state’s oldest and most celebrated beers, and hosts a popular Oktoberfest festival every year, further emphasizing New Ulm’s strong German roots. The Brown County Historical Society Museum showcases artifacts from the city’s early days, including its German immigrant history and involvement in the Sioux Uprising.
2. Sleepy Eye
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.11 square miles
- Population: 3,500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56085
- Latitude: 44.2963° N
- Longitude: 94.8724° W
City Location and History
Sleepy Eye is a small city located in southern Minnesota, about 15 miles southeast of New Ulm. It was founded in 1857 and named after the nearby Sleepy Eye Lake, which itself is named after a Native American leader, Chief Sleepy Eye of the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. Sleepy Eye’s early settlers were mostly of German and Scandinavian descent, drawn to the area’s fertile farmland. The city was officially incorporated in 1883 and quickly became an agricultural center, particularly known for its grain production and livestock farming.
The city has maintained a small-town atmosphere, with agriculture remaining a significant part of the local economy, although it has diversified in recent years with small businesses and light industry. Sleepy Eye is also known for its connection to Minnesota’s early immigrant communities, as well as for its historical preservation efforts. Today, the city is a friendly, tight-knit community that offers a slower pace of life, yet is still close to larger urban centers like New Ulm and the Twin Cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sleepy Eye is served by the Sleepy Eye Public Schools district, which includes Sleepy Eye High School and Sleepy Eye Elementary School. The district offers various academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in Sleepy Eye include Sleepy Eye Lake, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The Sleepy Eye Historical Society operates a museum and a collection of historic buildings that showcase the city’s early history, including artifacts from the time of the Native American tribes and early settlers. Another well-known site is the Sleepy Eye Heritage Village, which includes restored historic buildings and exhibits from the early 20th century. The Sleepy Eye Municipal Airport offers small-plane services and adds to the community’s charm as a rural town with modern amenities. The Sleepy Eye Community Center is a gathering place for events, festivals, and social gatherings, while the Veterans Memorial Park honors those who served in the military. The city also hosts the annual Sleepy Eye Summer Festival, which includes live entertainment, local food, and a parade.
3. Comfrey
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.75 square miles
- Population: 500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56019
- Latitude: 44.0170° N
- Longitude: 94.8885° W
City Location and History
Comfrey is a small rural city located in the southeastern corner of Brown County, approximately 25 miles southeast of New Ulm. Originally settled in the 1870s, Comfrey was named after the Comfrey plant, which grew abundantly in the area. The city was founded on the success of farming, particularly the cultivation of wheat, corn, and livestock. Over time, Comfrey became known as a key center for agricultural trade, with grain elevators and other farm-related industries being central to its economy.
Incorporated in 1881, Comfrey developed steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city’s size and population have remained relatively stable, with agriculture continuing to be the backbone of the local economy. In recent years, Comfrey has faced population decline, which is common in many rural Minnesota communities. Despite this, it remains a peaceful and scenic place for those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to larger cities for employment and amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Comfrey is served by the Comfrey Public School District, which includes Comfrey High School and Comfrey Elementary School. The district is known for its focus on small class sizes and community involvement. Major landmarks in Comfrey include Comfrey Park, which provides a space for local gatherings and outdoor activities. The Comfrey Community Center is a hub for local events, including community dinners and seasonal festivals. The Comfrey Historical Society works to preserve the history of the area, with a museum that showcases local artifacts, including farming equipment and historical documents from the town’s founding. The Comfrey United Church is one of the town’s prominent historical buildings. The surrounding rural landscape is known for its agricultural beauty and scenic countryside, offering opportunities for hiking and photography. Comfrey also hosts a variety of annual community events, such as the Comfrey Picnic, which includes games, local food, and family-oriented activities. Despite its small size, Comfrey retains a strong sense of community and tradition, celebrating its agricultural roots and welcoming visitors to experience its peaceful rural charm.
4. Sanborn
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.45 square miles
- Population: 500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56083
- Latitude: 44.2114° N
- Longitude: 94.6258° W
City Location and History
Sanborn is a small, rural community located in the southwestern part of Brown County, approximately 20 miles southwest of New Ulm. The town was established in the 1870s and was originally named Sanborn Station due to its location along the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad. Like many small towns in the area, Sanborn’s economy grew based on farming, with the surrounding farmland primarily producing grains and livestock.
Sanborn was incorporated as a village in 1881 and, over the years, has remained a quiet rural community. Its population has seen a slow decline, similar to other small farming towns, but it has remained a stable and picturesque area. The town’s location near the Minnesota River provides residents and visitors access to outdoor activities, including fishing and wildlife viewing. Today, Sanborn serves as a peaceful place for those seeking a rural lifestyle, offering easy access to larger regional cities like New Ulm while maintaining its small-town charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sanborn is served by the Sanborn Public School District, which includes Sanborn High School and Sanborn Elementary School. The district is known for offering quality education and a variety of extracurricular opportunities for students. Key landmarks in Sanborn include the Sanborn Community Park, a popular location for family gatherings, sports, and outdoor events. The Sanborn Fire Hall is a historic building and serves as a local landmark for both its historical value and role in the community. The Sanborn Historical Society has a museum that preserves and displays artifacts from the early days of the town, including its agricultural history and railroad heritage. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Minnesota River and farmland, making it a popular spot for photography and outdoor enthusiasts. Sanborn also hosts several community events each year, such as the Sanborn Picnic, which features a parade, local food, and live music, celebrating the town’s history and agricultural roots.