Cities and Towns in Chippewa County, Minnesota
Founded in 1870, Chippewa County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Chippewa County was formed from Pierce County and Davis County. The city of Montevideo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Chippewa County has a population of 12,357 and area of 582.80 square miles (1,509 km²).
List of all cities in Chippewa County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Clara City, MN | 56222 | 320 |
| Maynard, MN | 56260 | 320 |
| Milan, MN | 56262 | 320 |
| Montevideo, MN | 56265 | 320 |
| Watson, MN | 56295 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Chippewa County, Minnesota
1. Montevideo
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 5.36 square miles
- Population: 5,600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56265
- Latitude: 44.9504° N
- Longitude: 95.7164° W
City Location and History
Montevideo, the county seat of Chippewa County, is located in southwestern Minnesota along the Minnesota River, about 100 miles west of Minneapolis. The city was first settled in the mid-1800s and was named after the capital of Uruguay, Montevideo, due to its picturesque setting near the river, which resembled the South American city. In its early days, Montevideo was a major trading hub due to its location along the river, and it quickly became a center for agriculture and commerce.
Montevideo was officially incorporated as a city in 1881 and grew rapidly in the late 19th century, benefiting from the development of railroads and an increase in agricultural production, particularly wheat, corn, and livestock. The city’s location on the river also made it an important site for shipping and transportation. By the early 20th century, the town had established a thriving economy with a mix of farming, small industry, and trade. Today, Montevideo serves as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and education while maintaining its rural charm.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Montevideo is served by the Montevideo School District (ISD 129), which includes Montevideo High School, Montevideo Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers a variety of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and leadership. Notable landmarks in Montevideo include the Chippewa County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the region’s history, including its Native American heritage, early settlement days, and agricultural development. The Minnesota River provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and kayaking, with several access points along the city. The Lac qui Parle State Park lies just north of the city, offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and campsites. The Montevideo Carnegie Library, a historic landmark, is another notable site in the city, reflecting Montevideo’s commitment to culture and education. Additionally, the Montevideo Community Center offers a variety of indoor recreational facilities and community events, while the Watson Park and Prairie’s Edge Casino are popular for outdoor recreation and entertainment. Annual events such as the Montevideo Riverfront Festival celebrate the city’s history and connection to the Minnesota River.
2. Granite Falls
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.38 square miles
- Population: 2,800 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56241
- Latitude: 44.7810° N
- Longitude: 95.5521° W
City Location and History
Granite Falls, located in the heart of Chippewa County, is a small city situated at the confluence of the Minnesota River and Chippewa River, approximately 30 miles northeast of Montevideo. The city was founded in the late 1800s and derives its name from the granite falls along the Chippewa River, a feature that attracted early settlers to the area. The falls were crucial for the development of the town as they provided waterpower for the mills that supported the local economy.
Granite Falls quickly grew as a trading and milling center, with agriculture becoming the mainstay of the local economy. Early settlers were drawn to the fertile farmland surrounding the area, and the city became known for its grain elevators and flour mills. The construction of the Great Northern Railway in the 1880s further facilitated trade and helped Granite Falls grow into a more important regional center. The city also became an important hub for the Native American Dakota Sioux, who lived in the region prior to European settlement. Today, Granite Falls is a small but thriving community with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Granite Falls is served by the Yellow Medicine East School District (ISD 2190), which includes Granite Falls High School, Granite Falls Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district offers strong academic programs and is known for its commitment to community involvement and extracurricular activities. The city boasts several notable landmarks, including the Granite Falls Museum, which tells the story of the city’s founding, its Native American history, and its role in the regional milling industry. The Granite Falls Dam, located on the Chippewa River, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway offers stunning views of the river and surrounding landscapes, and the Turtle Mountain recreation area provides hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. The Pipestone National Monument, located nearby, is a sacred site for Native American tribes and is a destination for visitors interested in learning about Native American culture and history. The Falls Heritage Trail is another popular spot for walking and cycling, offering scenic views of the falls and surrounding natural beauty. Annual events such as Granite Falls Heritage Days celebrate the community’s history and culture.
3. Kerkhoven
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.17 square miles
- Population: 600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56252
- Latitude: 45.1070° N
- Longitude: 95.4337° W
City Location and History
Kerkhoven is a small town located in the central part of Chippewa County, about 20 miles south of Montevideo. The city was founded by Dutch immigrants in the 1870s and was named after the Dutch word “kerk,” meaning church, reflecting the importance of religion in the lives of the town’s early settlers. The town’s economy initially centered on agriculture, with crops like wheat, corn, and oats being the primary products. The surrounding fertile farmland helped the town grow steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Kerkhoven was incorporated in 1905 and has remained a small, rural community, with many of its residents involved in farming or small businesses. Despite the growth of nearby cities like Montevideo and Willmar, Kerkhoven has retained its rural charm, offering a peaceful and quiet lifestyle. Over time, the town has expanded with suburban-style developments and the establishment of several new businesses, while still maintaining its agricultural roots. Kerkhoven is an example of a Minnesota town that successfully blends its historic traditions with modern development, making it a desirable place for those seeking a quieter life away from larger urban areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kerkhoven is served by the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School District, which includes Kerkhoven Elementary School and Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School. The district provides quality education and extracurricular activities, such as athletics and the arts, that foster community engagement. Landmarks in Kerkhoven include the Kerkhoven City Park, which offers a public area for recreation with picnic tables, a playground, and sports facilities. The Kerkhoven Historical Society maintains a museum that showcases the town’s agricultural heritage and early settlement history. The nearby Chippewa River is another important landmark, offering recreational opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, and hiking. Additionally, the surrounding countryside, with its farms and fields, offers a peaceful setting for outdoor activities like cycling, birdwatching, and photography. The town also celebrates its community spirit with annual events such as Kerkhoven’s Summer Festival, which includes parades, games, food, and live music, bringing the community together to honor its traditions.
4. Middleton Township
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 36.2 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (estimated population)
- Zip Code: 56265 (Montevideo)
- Latitude: 44.9700° N
- Longitude: 95.6072° W
Township Location and History
Middleton Township is a rural township located in the southeastern part of Chippewa County, just outside the city limits of Montevideo. The township was established in the 1870s, with settlers primarily from Scandinavian and German backgrounds. It was originally a farming community, with the fertile soil and access to nearby rivers making it an ideal location for agriculture. The township’s name likely comes from its location being somewhat centrally located in relation to nearby towns and cities.
Historically, Middleton Township, like much of Chippewa County, has been known for its agricultural production, particularly wheat, corn, and other grains. The rise of large-scale commercial farming and the expansion of nearby cities in the 20th century altered the township’s landscape, but farming remains a central part of the area’s economy. The township’s rural setting provides a serene, quiet lifestyle for its residents, with many people commuting to Montevideo or other nearby cities for work and services. Middleton Township has remained largely agricultural, but it offers a slower pace of life compared to urban centers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Middleton Township is part of the Montevideo School District, and children in the township attend schools such as Montevideo High School and Montevideo Middle School. The township is primarily residential and agricultural, and while it does not have major commercial landmarks, it is close to the larger city of Montevideo for shopping, healthcare, and other services. The area is known for its scenic countryside, with wide-open spaces and a number of small lakes and rivers offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. Residents of Middleton Township enjoy access to the natural beauty of the surrounding region, and the nearby Minnesota River provides opportunities for river-based activities. Additionally, the Yellow Medicine County Park is located nearby, providing areas for outdoor recreation, including camping, hiking, and picnicking. The township’s connection to agricultural traditions and its proximity to Montevideo and the Minnesota River make it a peaceful yet accessible place for rural living.
