Cities and Towns in Martin County, Minnesota
Founded in 1857, Martin County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Martin County was formed from Faribault County, Brown County. The city of Fairmont is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Martin County has a population of 19,915 and area of 709.34 square miles (1,837 km²).
List of all cities in Martin County, MN alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Ceylon, MN | 56121 | 507 |
Dunnell, MN | 56127 | 507 |
Fairmont, MN | 56031 | 507 |
56075 | 507 | |
Granada, MN | 56039 | 507 |
Northrop, MN | 56075 | 507 |
Ormsby, MN | 56162 | 507 |
Sherburn, MN | 56171 | 507 |
Trimont, MN | 56176 | 507 |
Truman, MN | 56088 | 507 |
Welcome, MN | 56181 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Martin County, Minnesota
1. Fairmont, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 6.26 square miles
- Population: Approximately 10,500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56031, 56033
- Latitude: 43.6506° N
- Longitude: 94.4609° W
City Location and History
Fairmont, the county seat of Martin County, is located in southern Minnesota, near the borders of Iowa and South Dakota. Situated on the Five Lakes Chain, Fairmont has a long history connected to both agriculture and water-based industries. The area was originally inhabited by the Sioux and other Native American tribes, and the name “Fairmont” is believed to have been inspired by the beautiful view (“fair mount”) of the lakes. The town was officially founded in 1857, growing initially as a key stop on the railroad, which played a major role in its development as a transportation hub. Agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and livestock, became the backbone of Fairmont’s economy. Over time, the town also developed a strong manufacturing sector, producing items ranging from food products to machinery. The surrounding lakes and rivers provided abundant fishing, boating, and recreational opportunities, further enhancing Fairmont’s appeal as both a residential and tourism destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fairmont is served by the Fairmont Area School District, with Fairmont High School offering a comprehensive curriculum and strong athletic programs, particularly in football, basketball, and track. The city is home to Minnesota West Community and Technical College, which provides higher education and vocational training. Major landmarks in Fairmont include the Fairmont Opera House, a historic venue for performing arts, concerts, and community events. The Five Lakes (Cedar, Tuttle, Hall, George, and Sisseton) are central to the town’s outdoor recreation, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking along the scenic shores. Gomsrud Park is another popular spot, offering sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. The Martin County Historical Society Museum provides exhibits on the area’s history, including Native American culture, early settlement, and Fairmont’s agricultural and industrial past. The Southern Minnesota Lake area hosts fishing tournaments and other outdoor events that attract visitors year-round, making Fairmont a destination for both residents and tourists alike.
2. Trimont, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56176
- Latitude: 43.6594° N
- Longitude: 94.6606° W
City Location and History
Trimont is a small city located in the eastern part of Martin County, Minnesota, about 12 miles northeast of Fairmont. Originally established as a railroad town in the late 1800s, Trimont grew as a key agricultural community, serving local farmers with access to railroads and shipping routes. The town was incorporated in 1892 and is named after the three nearby mountains, or hills, that provide a distinctive backdrop to the landscape. Trimont’s early economy was driven by farming, particularly the cultivation of grains, corn, and livestock. In the mid-20th century, the town shifted toward a more diversified economy with small businesses and services catering to the rural population. Over the years, Trimont has remained a tight-knit community with a rural, agricultural lifestyle. The city is known for its strong family-oriented atmosphere, and many residents are involved in farming or related agricultural industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Trimont is served by the Martin County West School District, with Martin County West High School providing a range of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports like basketball, football, and wrestling. One of Trimont’s primary landmarks is Trimont Park, a small local park with walking trails, picnic tables, and green spaces that are frequently used for community events and gatherings. The Trimont Lions Club hosts several annual events such as the Trimont Community Days festival, which features parades, games, and local food. The town also benefits from the surrounding agricultural landscape, with farms and scenic roads that offer excellent opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and leisurely drives. Though small, Trimont is known for its community spirit and hosts a variety of local events that celebrate the area’s heritage, such as the Trimont Harvest Festival, a celebration of local produce and agricultural traditions.
3. Ceylon, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56121
- Latitude: 43.6319° N
- Longitude: 94.7053° W
City Location and History
Ceylon is a small city located in the southwestern part of Martin County, Minnesota. The city was incorporated in 1901 and was named after Ceylon, an island formerly known as Sri Lanka, likely due to the exotic connotations associated with the name. The area around Ceylon is rich in farmland, and the town was originally established as a center for agriculture and trade, particularly in grain and livestock. Like many towns in the region, Ceylon grew with the expansion of the railroad and the increasing importance of agriculture to the local economy. Over time, the town became known for its friendly community, excellent schools, and strong agricultural base. Today, Ceylon remains a quiet, rural community with a small but dedicated population that enjoys the peacefulness and beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ceylon is part of the Martin County West School District, and students attend Martin County West High School in nearby Trimont for their education. The school offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular programs, with a strong focus on community involvement and school pride. Ceylon City Park is a popular community space that features a playground, picnic areas, and sports facilities for residents to enjoy. One of the town’s main landmarks is the Ceylon Community Center, a facility that hosts a variety of local events, including town meetings, social gatherings, and cultural events. The surrounding farmland is an important feature of Ceylon’s identity, and the town hosts the Ceylon Harvest Days, an annual event that celebrates local agriculture, features a parade, and brings together the community for family-friendly entertainment. Despite its small size, Ceylon has a vibrant community spirit and serves as a peaceful retreat for those seeking a rural lifestyle with easy access to larger towns like Fairmont.
4. Sherburn, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56171
- Latitude: 43.6904° N
- Longitude: 94.7233° W
City Location and History
Sherburn is a small city located in the northwestern corner of Martin County, Minnesota, approximately 10 miles southeast of Fairmont. The town was founded in the late 19th century and was originally established as a railroad stop for farmers and agricultural products. Named after Sherburne County in Minnesota, the town grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. Early on, Sherburn’s economy was based on farming, particularly grain and livestock production, as well as its location as a hub for local trade. Over the years, Sherburn has diversified into a quiet, residential town with a focus on preserving its agricultural roots while providing essential services to its residents. The town has grown to become a small, but self-sufficient community with a strong sense of local pride.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sherburn is served by the Martin County West School District, with Martin County West High School located in nearby Trimont. The school offers a variety of academic and athletic programs, and students from Sherburn are actively involved in local events and sports. A major landmark in Sherburn is Sherburn City Park, which offers a peaceful setting for outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and sports. The town’s Veterans Memorial honors those who served in the military and is an important site for community reflection. The Sherburn Community Building hosts a variety of local events and gatherings, including annual celebrations such as Sherburn Days, a festival that features a parade, games, and live entertainment. The town’s rich agricultural background continues to be an essential part of its character, with many residents still involved in farming and the surrounding countryside offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and nature walks.