Cities and Towns in Kittson County, Minnesota

Founded in 1879, Kittson County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Kittson County was formed from Pembina County. The city of Hallock is the county seat. With FIPS code of 69, Kittson County has a population of 4,146 and area of 1,097.08 square miles (2,841 km²).

List of all cities in Kittson County, MN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Donaldson, MN 56720 218
Hallock, MN 56728 218
56740 218
56755 218
Halma, MN 56729 218
Humboldt, MN 56731 218
Karlstad, MN 56732 218
Kennedy, MN 56733 218
Lake Bronson, MN 56734 218
Lancaster, MN 56735 218
Northcote, MN 56728 218
Noyes, MN 56740 218
Orleans, MN 56735 218
Saint Vincent, MN 56755 218

Major Cities and Towns in Kittson County, Minnesota

1. Hallock, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

  • Area: 1.31 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 1,000 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 56728
  • Latitude: 48.7640° N
  • Longitude: 96.5310° W

City Location and History

Hallock is the county seat of Kittson County, located in the northwestern corner of Minnesota near the Canadian border. The town was founded in the late 19th century, in 1879, and was named after a prominent railroad official, Peter Hallock, who played a key role in the establishment of the railroad through the area. Hallock developed rapidly as a trading and transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Red River Trail, which was used for trade with the fur-trading posts and settlements of Canada. As with many towns in the area, agriculture became the primary economic driver, particularly grain and livestock farming, which still dominate the local economy today. Hallock’s proximity to the Canadian border and its location along U.S. Route 75 make it an important point of access for goods and services in the region. The town also became a stop on the Great Northern Railway, helping to establish it as a center for commerce and trade in the early 20th century.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hallock is served by the Kittson Central School District, with the Kittson Central High School offering a range of academic and athletic programs. The town has several parks, including the Hallock City Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and open green space. The Kittson County Historical Society Museum, located in the historic district of Hallock, showcases exhibits that highlight the area’s agricultural roots, its development as a transportation hub, and the cultural heritage of early settlers. Another landmark in Hallock is the Hallock Opera House, a beautiful historic building that hosts community events and performances. The annual “Kittson County Fair” is one of the town’s most important events, featuring agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, and local food vendors. Hallock is also close to the Red River, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities like fishing and boating.


2. Kittson, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

  • Area: 1.14 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 56753
  • Latitude: 48.5561° N
  • Longitude: 96.3472° W

City Location and History

Kittson is a small, unincorporated community in Kittson County, located about 10 miles southwest of Hallock, the county seat. The town was originally founded in the late 19th century and named after William S. Kittson, a well-known fur trader and businessman who had a significant influence in the area. Kittson’s history is intertwined with that of the nearby Red River, which played an important role in trade and transportation during the region’s early days. While Kittson never developed into a large town, it was an important waypoint along the Red River Trail and was once home to several businesses, including a general store, post office, and railroad depot. The town’s population has remained small over the years, but it remains an important part of the rural landscape in Kittson County. The area around Kittson is characterized by expansive farmland and natural landscapes, including the nearby Red River, which continues to play an important role in the local economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kittson is part of the Kittson Central School District, with students attending schools in Hallock. Kittson’s landmarks are largely centered around its rural history and agricultural significance. The town has several historic homes and buildings, many of which reflect the early settlement of the area. Kittson is also known for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and close-knit community. The Red River offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. There are no large public parks or recreational facilities within Kittson itself, but the surrounding rural area offers ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the open landscape. The annual harvest and agricultural events hosted by Kittson’s neighbors in Hallock also draw visitors from the surrounding area.


3. Northcote, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

  • Area: 0.51 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 70 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 56755
  • Latitude: 48.5289° N
  • Longitude: 96.4223° W

City Location and History

Northcote is a very small community located in the northeastern part of Kittson County, near the border with Canada and the Red River. Northcote was originally settled in the late 19th century and was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and trade being the economic drivers. It was likely named after a prominent family or landowner from the area. Like many small rural towns in the region, Northcote experienced periods of growth and decline as the local economy shifted from agriculture to industrialization and then back to farming. The town’s population has steadily declined over the years, but it remains a peaceful rural community that represents the strong agricultural and cultural traditions of Kittson County. Northcote remains important to the region’s rural identity, especially for those who appreciate small-town living and the nearby recreational opportunities offered by the Red River.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Northcote is part of the Kittson Central School District, with the nearest school being in Hallock. Northcote does not have many landmarks, but its proximity to the Red River provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly fishing and boating. The nearby areas around the river offer hiking and wildlife viewing, and the community remains an ideal location for those who appreciate rural life and the serenity of the surrounding nature. The town itself is largely residential, with several historic buildings that offer a glimpse into the area’s agricultural past. While there are no major public parks in Northcote, the surrounding region is home to open fields, farmland, and natural landscapes perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle. The town’s small size and quiet environment make it a good place for those seeking peace and solitude in rural Minnesota.


4. Lancaster, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

  • Area: 0.55 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2020)
  • Zip Codes: 56748
  • Latitude: 48.5489° N
  • Longitude: 96.0844° W

City Location and History

Lancaster is located in the northeastern part of Kittson County, near the border with Canada. It was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1900. The town was named after Lancaster, England, and was settled primarily by Norwegian and Swedish immigrants. Lancaster became an agricultural community, with farmers cultivating grain and raising livestock. Like many small towns in northern Minnesota, Lancaster’s economy was historically tied to the railroad and agriculture, and it became an important agricultural center for the surrounding rural area. Over time, the town has remained small, but it has retained a strong community spirit. Lancaster continues to serve as a quiet residential hub for those who enjoy rural life and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. The town is also well known for its connection to local farming practices, and it remains an important part of the agricultural community in Kittson County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lancaster is served by the Kittson Central School District, and students attend schools in Hallock. Lancaster has a small but tight-knit community with several historic homes and buildings that reflect its agricultural roots. One of the town’s key landmarks is the Lancaster City Park, which offers a peaceful setting for outdoor activities like picnicking and walking. While Lancaster does not have large-scale recreational facilities, it is close to the Red River and several nearby parks, offering fishing, boating, and birdwatching opportunities. The town’s small size and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal place for people looking to live in a rural, serene environment. Lancaster is also known for its annual harvest and agricultural events, which celebrate the farming traditions that continue to define the town’s identity.