Cities and Towns in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Founded in 1857, Cottonwood County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Cottonwood County was formed from Brown County. The city of Windom is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Cottonwood County has a population of 11,569 and area of 639.99 square miles (1,658 km²).
List of all cities in Cottonwood County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bingham Lake, MN | 56118 | 507 |
| Delft, MN | 56101 | 507 |
| Jeffers, MN | 56145 | 507 |
| Mount Lake, MN | 56159 | 507 |
| Mountain Lake, MN | 56159 | 507 |
| Storden, MN | 56174 | 507 |
| Westbrook, MN | 56183 | 507 |
| Wilder, MN | 56101 | 507 |
| Windom, MN | 56101 | 507 |
| 56118 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
1. Windom
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: 4,600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56101
- Latitude: 43.9017° N
- Longitude: 94.8741° W
City Location and History
Windom is the county seat of Cottonwood County, located in the southwestern part of Minnesota, approximately 30 miles east of the South Dakota border and 140 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The city sits along the Des Moines River, which provided early settlers with a vital water route for transportation and agriculture. The town was established in 1870, and it was named after William Windom, a prominent U.S. Senator from Minnesota.
Windom developed quickly as a trading hub due to its strategic location along the river, becoming a center for grain, cattle, and other agricultural products. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled its growth, and the city became a major shipping point for local farmers. Like many other towns in the region, Windom has a rich history tied to farming, and agriculture continues to be an essential part of its economy today. The town is known for its historic architecture, small-town charm, and its role as a regional hub for commerce, education, and government.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Windom is served by the Windom Area Schools District, which includes Windom High School, Windom Middle School, and Windom Elementary School. The school district offers a wide range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and athletic opportunities. In terms of landmarks, Windom has several historical sites, such as the Cottonwood County Historical Society and its museum, which showcases the area’s history and early settler life. The Windom Memorial Park, with its serene walking paths and picnic areas, is a popular place for residents and visitors. The Des Moines River offers recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and canoeing, while Round Lake provides additional opportunities for water sports and camping. The Windom Zoo and the South Park offer family-friendly attractions, and the Windom Opera House, which hosts various cultural events and performances, adds to the city’s artistic and cultural appeal. The annual Cottonwood County Fair is a significant event that celebrates the agricultural roots of the area, featuring rodeos, exhibits, and local entertainment.
2. Mountain Lake
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 2,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56159
- Latitude: 43.9852° N
- Longitude: 94.9135° W
City Location and History
Mountain Lake is a small city located in the southeastern part of Cottonwood County, about 130 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The city was founded in 1879 and was named after the nearby Mountain Lake, a natural body of water surrounded by rolling hills. The area was initially settled by European immigrants, primarily from Norway and Germany, who established farms and industries in the fertile land. The lake itself, which is the centerpiece of the town, provided early settlers with a resource for fishing and a scenic backdrop for their homes.
Agriculture has been the backbone of Mountain Lake’s economy since its founding, with crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat being staples. Over the years, Mountain Lake has transformed into a regional center for education, healthcare, and retail services. The town’s rural character remains intact, but it has modernized with new businesses and a growing sense of community pride. Agriculture still plays an important role in the local economy, but tourism, supported by the lake and surrounding natural beauty, has also become a growing part of the economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mountain Lake is served by the Mountain Lake Public Schools District, which includes Mountain Lake High School, Mountain Lake Middle School, and Mountain Lake Elementary School. The district provides a well-rounded education with opportunities in sports, the arts, and other extracurricular activities. Major landmarks in the town include Mountain Lake itself, which offers a beautiful setting for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is the focal point of many community events, including the annual Mountain Lake Festival, which celebrates local culture, music, and food. Another important landmark is the Mountain Lake Golf Course, providing a place for residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor recreation. The Mountain Lake Historical Society Museum offers insight into the town’s history, with exhibits on local agriculture and early settlers. The nearby Pioneer Village features preserved buildings from the early 20th century, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the town’s past. Lions Park offers additional outdoor amenities, including playgrounds and walking trails, making it a popular spot for families.
3. Westbrook
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56183
- Latitude: 43.9436° N
- Longitude: 95.2873° W
City Location and History
Westbrook is located in the western part of Cottonwood County, approximately 15 miles southeast of Windom. The city was established in 1881 and was originally a railroad town, built around the arrival of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railroad. Westbrook grew quickly due to its strategic location along the rail line, becoming an important hub for transportation and commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town’s early economy was driven by agriculture, with a focus on grain production and livestock farming, but its proximity to the railroad also led to the development of local industries.
Over the years, Westbrook evolved from a railroad town to a regional agricultural and service center. The local economy is still based on farming, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat being key products. Westbrook is a small yet vibrant town, and its agricultural roots remain an integral part of its identity. The town has also made strides in improving its public services, recreational facilities, and educational opportunities for its residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Westbrook is served by the Westbrook-Walnut Grove School District, which includes Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School, Westbrook Elementary School, and Westbrook-Walnut Grove Middle School. The district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including sports and the arts. Notable landmarks in Westbrook include the Westbrook Community Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and walking trails. The Westbrook Museum showcases the town’s history, with exhibits on early settlers, agriculture, and the development of the railroad. Another local point of interest is the Cottonwood County Fairgrounds, where the annual Cottonwood County Fair is held, celebrating local agriculture, culture, and community. Westbrook also has a strong agricultural presence, and visitors can experience the town’s farming heritage through local events such as the Westbrook Harvest Festival, which features parades, agricultural shows, and family-friendly activities. The town’s proximity to the Des Moines River provides additional recreational opportunities, with fishing and boating being popular activities during the warmer months. Westbrook’s tight-knit community and strong agricultural identity continue to make it a key part of Cottonwood County’s rural landscape.
4. Darfur
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 400 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56128
- Latitude: 43.9979° N
- Longitude: 94.7452° W
City Location and History
Darfur is a small town in the western part of Cottonwood County, located near the border of Brown County. Established in 1881, Darfur was originally a farming community, serving as a center for grain and livestock production. The town was named after the Darfur region in Sudan, reflecting the influence of immigrants who settled in the area in the late 19th century. Though the town remained small, it developed a thriving agricultural base and attracted people looking to establish themselves in the fertile lands of southwestern Minnesota.
Like many other rural towns, Darfur has faced challenges related to population decline and changes in agriculture, but it has maintained its agricultural identity. The community continues to be primarily focused on farming, with a mix of crop production and livestock farming. Darfur offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle for its residents, and its proximity to larger cities like Windom and Mankato allows for access to additional services and amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Darfur is part of the Mountain Lake Public Schools District, with students attending Mountain Lake High School or Mountain Lake Elementary. The district offers a variety of programs in academics, athletics, and arts. While Darfur is a small town with limited amenities, the Darfur Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events, community meetings, and social activities. The Darfur Cemetery is a historic site that marks the town’s early settlers. As a farming community, much of the local life revolves around agricultural events and the rural lifestyle, and the Cottonwood County Fair in nearby Windom often features displays from Darfur’s farming community. Though small in size, Darfur’s rural charm and agricultural traditions remain at the heart of this tight-knit community.