Cities and Towns in Meeker County, Minnesota
Founded in 1856, Meeker County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Meeker County was formed from Davis County. The city of Litchfield is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Meeker County has a population of 23,376 and area of 608.54 square miles (1,576 km²).
List of all cities in Meeker County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Cosmos, MN | 56228 | 320 |
| Darwin, MN | 55324 | 320 |
| Dassel, MN | 55325 | 320 |
| Eden Valley, MN | 55329 | 320 |
| Grove City, MN | 56243 | 320 |
| Kingston, MN | 55325 | 320 |
| Litchfield, MN | 55355 | 320 |
| Watkins, MN | 55389 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Meeker County, Minnesota
1. Litchfield, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 5.10 square miles
- Population: Approximately 8,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55355
- Latitude: 45.1251° N
- Longitude: 94.5233° W
City Location and History
Litchfield, located in the southeastern part of Meeker County, is the county seat and the largest city in the county. The town was founded in 1856 and named after Litchfield, Connecticut, the hometown of one of the area’s early settlers. Litchfield grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s, which turned the town into an important trade and agricultural hub. Agriculture has remained a central part of the economy, with crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat, along with dairy and livestock farming. As a regional center for commerce and services, Litchfield has developed a diverse economy with manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries contributing to its growth. The city’s historic downtown area features many buildings from the late 19th century, giving the community a small-town, historic charm. Litchfield also has a strong cultural and recreational presence, with parks, lakes, and community events that draw people from all over the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Litchfield is served by the Litchfield School District, with Litchfield High School offering a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and advanced coursework. The city also features Minnesota West Community and Technical College for higher education. Key landmarks in Litchfield include Lake Ripley, which is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and picnicking, as well as Ripley Park, which offers walking trails, a public beach, and playgrounds. The Litchfield Opera House, a historic venue dating back to the early 1900s, hosts concerts, theater performances, and community events. Litchfield is also known for its annual events, including Litchfield’s Watercade, a summer festival celebrating the town’s lakes and outdoor activities, featuring a parade, live music, and a carnival. The Meeker County Historical Museum offers exhibits on the town’s pioneer past, including displays on early agriculture, railroads, and Native American history. With its combination of outdoor recreation, historic sites, and vibrant local culture, Litchfield is a popular place to live and visit in Meeker County.
2. Dassel, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.42 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55325
- Latitude: 45.0821° N
- Longitude: 94.1476° W
City Location and History
Dassel is a small city located in the northeastern part of Meeker County, Minnesota. The city was founded in the early 1870s and was named after Dassel, Sweden, the hometown of one of the area’s first settlers. Dassel’s early economy was primarily agricultural, as the fertile land surrounding the city made it a perfect location for farming. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s spurred growth, as it allowed for easier transportation of crops and livestock to larger markets. The city’s population continued to grow throughout the early 20th century, with a strong emphasis on farming and small local businesses. Today, Dassel remains a quiet, rural community known for its friendly atmosphere and small-town charm. It serves as a hub for local agriculture, including grain and dairy farming, and is a gateway to the beautiful lakes and forests of the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Dassel is part of the Dassel-Cokato School District, which includes Dassel-Cokato High School, known for its academic excellence and strong sports programs. The high school’s football and wrestling teams are particularly well-regarded. One of Dassel’s main landmarks is Lake Washington, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking, with a public beach and walking paths around the shore. The Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum offers exhibits on the city’s history, including its Swedish roots and agricultural heritage. Another notable location is Dassel Community Park, which features sports fields, a playground, and a band shell for outdoor concerts. The Old Schoolhouse, one of the town’s oldest buildings, is another key historical site and hosts events like the Annual Dassel Heritage Day, which celebrates the community’s Swedish immigrant roots and includes food, music, and a parade. Dassel may be small in size, but it offers a warm and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
3. Kingston, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.01 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55359
- Latitude: 45.1161° N
- Longitude: 94.3143° W
City Location and History
Kingston is a small city located in the southern part of Meeker County, about 15 miles southeast of Litchfield. The city was founded in the late 19th century, and its name likely derives from the idea of a “king’s town” or a town of prominence. Kingston developed as a rural agricultural community, with early settlers primarily engaged in farming. Like many towns in the region, Kingston benefited from the expansion of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets and allowed for the shipment of grain, livestock, and dairy products. Kingston has remained a small, quiet community focused on agriculture, particularly corn, soybeans, and dairy farming. Today, it maintains its rural charm, with a tight-knit population and a slower pace of life that attracts those looking for a quiet retreat in the heart of Minnesota’s farming country.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kingston is served by the Dassel-Cokato School District, and students attend Dassel-Cokato High School in the nearby town of Dassel. The city’s most notable landmarks are its parks and natural spaces, with Kingston Community Park offering a quiet spot for picnicking, walking, and recreational activities. The park is often used for family gatherings and local events. The Kingston Baseball Field is a local hub for sports, particularly in the summer when the community hosts youth baseball games and tournaments. While Kingston does not have major commercial attractions, its charm lies in its rural surroundings and historic buildings, including the Kingston City Hall, which reflects the town’s early architecture and serves as a gathering place for community meetings. The Annual Kingston Harvest Festival celebrates the town’s agricultural history and includes activities such as a parade, live music, and a farmers’ market. With its strong sense of community and proximity to the larger cities of Meeker County, Kingston offers a peaceful rural lifestyle in the heart of Minnesota’s farmland.
4. Stewart, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 0.74 square miles
- Population: Approximately 600 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55385
- Latitude: 44.7219° N
- Longitude: 94.2694° W
City Location and History
Stewart is a small town located in the southern part of Meeker County, Minnesota. It was founded in the late 19th century and named after James Stewart, a local landowner. The town’s economy has always been centered around agriculture, with early settlers engaging in farming, especially grain and dairy production. Stewart is situated along U.S. Highway 212, which provides easy access to larger cities like Hutchinson and Glencoe. The community remained small but steady throughout the 20th century, and although it has remained relatively unchanged in terms of population size, it continues to serve as a hub for local agricultural trade. Like many small towns in rural Minnesota, Stewart prides itself on its tight-knit community and relaxed rural lifestyle, offering a peaceful retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Stewart is part of the Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop School District, with students attending schools in nearby communities. The town’s main landmark is Stewart Park, a small community park that offers a space for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and recreational activities. Stewart is also known for its Annual Stewart Days, a celebration that includes a parade, games, and a carnival, bringing the local community together each summer. The Stewart City Hall is another historical building that serves as the focal point for local governance and public meetings. Despite its small size, Stewart remains an active and proud community with an emphasis on preserving its agricultural heritage and promoting local traditions. The town’s close proximity to larger regional centers also makes it an attractive place to live for those who enjoy the benefits of rural living while being close to urban amenities.