Cities and Towns in McLeod County, Minnesota
Founded in 1856, McLeod County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, McLeod County was formed from Carver County and Sibley County. The city of Glencoe is the county seat. With FIPS code of 85, McLeod County has a population of 36,735 and area of 491.91 square miles (1,274 km²).
List of all cities in McLeod County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Brownton, MN | 55312 | 320 |
| Cedar Mills, MN | 55350 | 320 |
| Glencoe, MN | 55336 | 320 |
| Hutchinson, MN | 55350 | 320 |
| Lester Pr, MN | 55354 | 320 |
| Lester Prairie, MN | 55354 | 320 |
| Plato, MN | 55370 | 320 |
| Silver Lake, MN | 55381 | 320 |
| Stewart, MN | 55385 | 320 |
| Winsted, MN | 55395 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in McLeod County, Minnesota
1. Hutchinson, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 14.46 square miles
- Population: Approximately 14,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55350
- Latitude: 44.8857° N
- Longitude: 94.3641° W
City Location and History
Hutchinson, located in the southwestern part of McLeod County, is the largest city in the county and serves as its county seat. The city is situated along the Crow River, which historically provided vital transportation routes for settlers in the region. The town was founded in the early 1850s and named after Samuel Hutchinson, a local businessman who played a significant role in the area’s development. Hutchinson quickly grew as a trade and agricultural center, largely thanks to its proximity to fertile farmland and transportation routes, including the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s. The city’s economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, with grains, livestock, and dairy products being prominent industries. Hutchinson became a major milling center during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the development of manufacturing, particularly in the food processing sector, helped the city grow and diversify its economy. Today, Hutchinson maintains a small-town feel with the benefits of modern amenities and infrastructure, making it a popular place to live and work for those seeking a balance between rural charm and urban convenience.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hutchinson is served by the Hutchinson School District, with Hutchinson High School providing a wide range of academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The school is well known for its strong sports teams, particularly in football and basketball. Hutchinson also boasts Southwest Minnesota State University, which offers higher education programs and is a key cultural and educational center for the region. Notable landmarks in Hutchinson include Lake Marion, which is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The Crow River runs through the city, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities, including the Crow River County Park. The McLeod County Historical Museum offers exhibits on the area’s early settlers, Native American history, and industrial development. The Hutchinson Arts Center and Hutchinson Center for the Arts promote the local arts community with exhibits, performances, and educational programs. The annual Hutchinson Event Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the popular Hutchinson Water Carnival, which features a carnival, parade, and water-related events that draw visitors from across the region.
2. Glencoe, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 3.88 square miles
- Population: Approximately 6,500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55336
- Latitude: 44.7710° N
- Longitude: 94.1726° W
City Location and History
Glencoe is located in the central part of McLeod County, Minnesota, and serves as the second-largest city in the county. The city’s name is derived from the Gaelic term “Glencoe,” which refers to a valley in the Scottish Highlands, symbolizing the picturesque valley the city occupies. Glencoe was settled in the mid-1800s, and its economy initially grew from agriculture, particularly the cultivation of wheat and corn. Like many towns in the Midwest, Glencoe benefited from the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which facilitated the transportation of goods and increased trade. The city was incorporated in 1872 and quickly became a vital center for commerce and manufacturing, including the production of flour and other food products. Today, Glencoe maintains a strong agricultural presence while diversifying its economy with retail, healthcare, and service-based industries. The city is known for its excellent schools, vibrant community events, and small-town charm, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Glencoe is served by the Glencoe-Silver Lake School District, with Glencoe-Silver Lake High School offering a variety of academic programs, sports, and extracurricular activities, including music and theater. The city also benefits from Glencoe’s Community Education Center, which provides a variety of programs for all ages. A major landmark in Glencoe is Oak Leaf Park, which offers walking trails, a disc golf course, and recreational fields for residents to enjoy. The Glencoe Historical Society Museum offers exhibits on the area’s agricultural and industrial heritage, as well as displays about early settlers and the town’s role in regional development. Hutchinson Lake is another key attraction near Glencoe, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The Glencoe Aquatic Center is a popular community amenity, offering swimming and recreational water activities during the summer months. Glencoe hosts several annual events, including The Glencoe Days Festival, which celebrates the town’s history and community spirit with a parade, games, music, and local vendors. The city’s combination of historic charm, cultural offerings, and outdoor amenities make it a desirable location for both residents and visitors.
3. Winsted, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.29 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,400 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55395
- Latitude: 44.9770° N
- Longitude: 93.9169° W
City Location and History
Winsted is located in the southeastern part of McLeod County, Minnesota, and was founded in the late 19th century. The town’s name is derived from Winstead, a variant of a name with Anglo-Saxon origins, and reflects the town’s early European settlers. The city was established in the early 1850s, and its economy grew from farming and agriculture, with dairy farming being particularly prominent. Winsted was officially incorporated as a village in 1891, and the arrival of the railroad helped it flourish as a trading center. Over the years, the town became known for its strong community values, local businesses, and small-town charm. Winsted remains a predominantly rural community, with farming continuing to play a significant role in the local economy. The town is characterized by its beautiful surroundings, including nearby lakes and parks, and offers a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to larger urban areas such as Hutchinson and the Twin Cities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Winsted is served by the Winsted School District, which is part of the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted School District. Holy Trinity High School in Winsted offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities, with a strong emphasis on faith-based education. One of the town’s main landmarks is Winsted Lake, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating, and walking trails. The Winsted Arts Council is another cultural landmark, promoting local arts through performances, exhibits, and community events. The Winsted Historical Society Museum provides insights into the town’s agricultural and railroad history, offering visitors a glimpse into the past through exhibits on local heritage. Winsted also hosts the annual Winsted Summer Festival, a popular community event featuring a parade, live music, a carnival, and various local attractions. Winsted’s combination of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and active community involvement make it a wonderful place to visit or live.
4. New Germany, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 0.52 square miles
- Population: Approximately 350 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55367
- Latitude: 44.7750° N
- Longitude: 93.9611° W
City Location and History
New Germany is a small, rural city located in the northwestern part of McLeod County, Minnesota. The city was founded by German immigrants in the late 1800s and was originally established as a farming community. The area was named for the large number of German settlers who established roots in the region, bringing with them traditions and culture from their homeland. Agriculture, particularly dairy and crop farming, was central to the early economy of New Germany, and the town grew steadily throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Over the years, New Germany has remained a tight-knit community, with a focus on maintaining its rural agricultural roots while offering a peaceful living environment for its residents. Despite its small size, New Germany has preserved its strong cultural heritage and continues to celebrate its German roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Germany is served by the Waconia School District, with students attending schools in the nearby town of Waconia. The New Germany Community Center is a significant gathering place for residents, hosting events such as meetings, social gatherings, and local celebrations. The town also has several historical landmarks, including the New Germany Heritage Park, which honors the town’s German immigrant history with displays of artifacts and information about the founding families. The surrounding area is known for its rural beauty, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in the nearby woods and fields. New Germany’s Annual Fest is a highlight of the year, celebrating the town’s German heritage with food, music, and local festivities. The peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere and the surrounding natural beauty make New Germany a unique place to visit or live in McLeod County.