Cities and Towns in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
Founded in 1858, Kandiyohi County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Kandiyohi County was formed from Meeker County, Renville County, Pierce County, Davis County, and Stearns County. The city of Willmar is the county seat. With FIPS code of 67, Kandiyohi County has a population of 43,767 and area of 796.06 square miles (2,062 km²).
List of all cities in Kandiyohi County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Atwater, MN | 56209 | 320 |
| Blomkest, MN | 56216 | 320 |
| Hawick, MN | 56273 | 320 |
| Kandiyohi, MN | 56251 | 320 |
| Lake Lillian, MN | 56253 | 320 |
| New London, MN | 56273 | 320 |
| Pennock, MN | 56279 | 320 |
| Prinsburg, MN | 56281 | 320 |
| Raymond, MN | 56282 | 320 |
| Spicer, MN | 56288 | 320 |
| Sunburg, MN | 56289 | 320 |
| Svea, MN | 56216 | 320 |
| Willmar, MN | 56201 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota
1. Willmar, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 10.63 square miles
- Population: Approximately 19,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56201
- Latitude: 45.1143° N
- Longitude: 95.0519° W
City Location and History
Willmar is the largest city and county seat of Kandiyohi County, located in west-central Minnesota. It sits on the edge of the beautiful Rice Lake, and its early development was strongly influenced by agriculture, especially grain farming. The city was founded in the late 19th century when the Northern Pacific Railway established a station here in the 1870s, leading to the growth of the surrounding area. The name “Willmar” comes from a combination of Swedish and German roots, reflecting the multicultural heritage of early settlers. Agriculture continued to be the backbone of the local economy throughout the 20th century, with Willmar becoming a hub for grain elevators, food processing, and ag-related businesses. In the 21st century, Willmar has diversified its economy to include manufacturing, retail, and services. The city continues to thrive as the largest urban center in the region, serving as a regional economic and cultural hub for the surrounding rural areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Willmar is served by the Willmar Public Schools district, with Willmar High School being the central institution. The high school is known for its academic excellence, strong athletic programs, and extracurricular activities. The city is home to several parks and recreational spaces, including the popular Robbins Island Park and the Willmar Lakeside Park, which offer opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and boating. Notable landmarks include the Kandiyohi County Historical Society Museum, which offers exhibits on the local history of agriculture and industry, and the Willmar Depot, a historic train station that houses the Willmar Area Historical Society. The city is also known for its vibrant downtown area, which has seen revitalization efforts in recent years, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options catering to both locals and visitors. Willmar’s location near Rice Lake and the numerous nearby lakes makes it a great destination for water recreation.
2. New London, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.56 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56273
- Latitude: 45.2994° N
- Longitude: 95.3003° W
City Location and History
New London is a small city located in the southwestern part of Kandiyohi County, situated along the shores of Lake Andrew. The city was incorporated in 1895 and was originally settled by Norwegian immigrants, which is reflected in the city’s cultural heritage and annual celebrations. New London became known as a rural agricultural community, centered around farming and grain production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century also boosted local commerce, as it made it easier to ship crops to other parts of the state and beyond. In the 20th century, tourism and lakeside living became increasingly important to the economy, with the city’s proximity to several beautiful lakes making it a popular destination for seasonal residents and visitors. Today, New London retains its rural charm but continues to develop with a focus on outdoor recreation, providing a tranquil lifestyle for those who enjoy lake living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New London is served by the New London-Spicer School District, which includes New London-Spicer High School. The district offers strong academic programs, with an emphasis on college readiness, arts, and athletics. The city is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly in and around Lake Andrew, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and water sports. One notable landmark is the New London City Park, which offers trails, picnic areas, and access to the lake. The New London Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, held each year, showcases local artists and craftspeople and brings thousands of visitors to the area. New London also has a variety of local businesses, including cafes, shops, and outdoor equipment stores, which cater to tourists and residents alike. The city’s small-town atmosphere, combined with its natural beauty, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing retreat.
3. Spicer, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 2.21 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56288
- Latitude: 45.2925° N
- Longitude: 95.0908° W
City Location and History
Spicer is a small city located just to the southwest of Willmar, nestled on the shores of Green Lake. The town was founded in the late 19th century and became a popular resort destination due to its proximity to the lake. Spicer’s history is tied closely to the rise of tourism, with many of its original settlers establishing summer cabins and resort-style businesses along the lake. In the early 20th century, Spicer grew as an agricultural and recreational center, with farming, fishing, and boating attracting residents and visitors alike. The city became an incorporated city in 1900 and has since developed into a small, friendly community that maintains a focus on outdoor recreation and lake life. Today, Spicer remains a popular summer destination for tourists, while also serving as a peaceful residential community during the off-season.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Spicer is part of the New London-Spicer School District, with the district serving students from both towns. The New London-Spicer High School, located in the neighboring town, is known for its strong academic performance and extracurricular programs, including athletics, music, and theater. Spicer’s most notable landmarks include Green Lake, which is a hotspot for fishing, swimming, boating, and watersports, and the nearby Sibley State Park, which provides hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Another key landmark is the Spicer City Park, which offers beach access, picnic areas, and a boat ramp. The town’s “Spicer Bay” on Green Lake is a popular spot for residents and visitors to relax, while the town’s quaint downtown area features charming shops and local businesses. The Spicer Fourth of July celebration and annual fishing tournaments are also key events that draw crowds to the city.
4. Lake Lillian, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 0.43 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56253
- Latitude: 45.1239° N
- Longitude: 94.8477° W
City Location and History
Lake Lillian is a small town located in the southeastern part of Kandiyohi County, centered around Lake Lillian itself. The town was incorporated in the early 1900s and was originally settled by Swedish and Norwegian immigrants, many of whom were drawn to the area by the fertile soil and the promise of farming. Agriculture has remained a central part of the local economy, with the surrounding farmland being used for crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat. Lake Lillian, the town’s namesake, has historically provided water resources for both agriculture and recreational purposes. The town remains a small but vibrant community, with a population that fluctuates with the seasons as people come to enjoy the lake during the warmer months.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lake Lillian is served by the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City School District, with schools in the nearby town of Atwater. The district provides a wide range of educational programs, from early childhood education to high school, and is known for its community involvement. A notable feature of Lake Lillian is the lake itself, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming during the summer months. The town also has several parks, including the Lake Lillian Park, which is a popular spot for family gatherings and picnics. The town’s small downtown area features a few local businesses, including a general store and a café, offering a nostalgic small-town experience. The annual Lake Lillian Days celebration is a highlight of the year, featuring a parade, local food vendors, and live entertainment, helping to bring the community together each summer.