Cities and Towns in Norman County, Minnesota
Founded in 1881, Norman County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Norman County was formed from Polk County. The city of Ada is the county seat. With FIPS code of 107, Norman County has a population of 6,416 and area of 876.27 square miles (2,270 km²).
List of all cities in Norman County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Ada, MN | 56510 | 218 |
| Borup, MN | 56519 | 218 |
| Faith, MN | 56584 | 218 |
| Flom, MN | 56541 | 218 |
| Fossum, MN | 56584 | 218 |
| Gary, MN | 56545 | 218 |
| Halstad, MN | 56548 | 218 |
| Hendrum, MN | 56550 | 218 |
| Lockhart, MN | 56510 | 218 |
| Perley, MN | 56574 | 218 |
| Shelly, MN | 56581 | 218 |
| Syre, MN | 56584 | 218 |
| Twin Valley, MN | 56584 | 218 |
Major Cities and Towns in Norman County, Minnesota
1. Ada
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.17 square miles
- Population: 1,700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56510
- Latitude: 47.2357° N
- Longitude: 96.0525° W
City Location and History:
Ada is the county seat of Norman County, located in the western part of the county, about 40 miles northeast of Fargo, North Dakota. Ada was founded in 1879 and named after Ada M. Morrow, the daughter of a prominent local landowner. The city grew rapidly in the early years, primarily due to its location along the railroad and the fertile farming land surrounding it. Early settlers were drawn to the area because of the vast prairies ideal for farming, and agriculture has remained the backbone of the local economy ever since. Ada’s development was also supported by its designation as the county seat, a position that helped bring services and commerce to the community. In the 20th century, Ada grew steadily with the expansion of its infrastructure and the establishment of local businesses. While the population has stabilized in recent decades, Ada continues to be a vital center for regional farming and a small hub for trade and services in the area.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ada is served by the Ada-Borup School District, which includes Ada-Borup High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city has a strong educational community, with an emphasis on local involvement and extracurricular activities. Among Ada’s notable landmarks is the Norman County Courthouse, which sits in the heart of the town’s central district and serves as a reminder of the city’s role as the county seat. The city is also home to several parks, such as the Ada City Park, which offers a range of outdoor activities, including baseball fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. Ada is known for its welcoming small-town atmosphere and hosts a number of annual events, including the Ada Rodeo, which attracts people from across the region. Additionally, the nearby Buffalo River provides scenic views and opportunities for recreational activities, including fishing and canoeing, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
2. Twin Valley
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.30 square miles
- Population: 700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56584
- Latitude: 47.3470° N
- Longitude: 96.1799° W
City Location and History:
Twin Valley is a small city located in the southeastern part of Norman County, about 20 miles northeast of Ada. The town is situated at the confluence of the two branches of the Wild Rice River, which is where the name “Twin Valley” originates. The city was first settled in the 1870s, with agricultural pioneers coming to the area to farm the rich soil along the riverbanks. Twin Valley’s growth was slow but steady, fueled by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which helped transport agricultural products to larger markets. While Twin Valley has maintained its small-town charm, it has been home to a few light industries and businesses that support the agricultural community. The city’s economy remains strongly tied to farming, particularly grain and livestock production. Today, Twin Valley is a quiet, residential community that prides itself on its rural character and close-knit population, while also providing services and support to the surrounding farming region.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
The city is served by the Norman County East School District, which includes Twin Valley Elementary School and Norman County East High School. Education is highly valued in the community, and the district provides a range of academic and extracurricular programs for students. Twin Valley’s main landmark is the Wild Rice River, which provides a scenic backdrop for the community and offers opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and boating. Twin Valley Park is another significant local landmark, offering recreational facilities such as sports fields, a walking track, and a playground. The town also has a number of small businesses and locally-owned shops that contribute to its economy, making it a hub for the surrounding rural areas. Each year, Twin Valley hosts a community celebration, such as the Twin Valley Fun Days, which includes a parade, games, and a carnival, reinforcing the city’s strong sense of community.
3. Gary
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.56 square miles
- Population: 250 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56545
- Latitude: 47.1965° N
- Longitude: 96.0164° W
City Location and History:
Gary is one of the smallest cities in Norman County, located about 12 miles north of Ada. The town was established in the early 1900s as a railway stop and trading post for the surrounding rural farming community. Named after the railroad executive Elbert Gary, the city quickly grew as a transportation hub, but its population remained small. The city’s primary economic activity has always been agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock farming, which have supported the town’s steady but limited growth. Although Gary is a small town, it has seen periods of growth and decline over the years, with many of its residents either working in agriculture or commuting to larger towns for work. Despite its small size, Gary remains a community-focused town, and its economy still relies heavily on farming and agricultural services. In recent decades, it has become a quieter, residential area, with some people choosing to live in Gary for its peaceful, rural lifestyle while maintaining access to larger towns for employment.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Gary is part of the Ada-Borup School District, and its children attend schools in nearby Ada. Given its small size, the city does not have its own large educational institutions but benefits from the services offered by the regional school district. As for landmarks, Gary has a number of historic buildings that reflect its early 20th-century roots. The town’s main attraction is its rural charm and connection to agriculture, with the nearby farms and fields offering beautiful views of the prairie landscape. Although there are no major tourist attractions, the area is known for its local community events, such as the annual Gary Picnic, where residents gather for a day of food, games, and family-friendly activities. Gary’s quiet, rural setting offers a retreat from urban life, making it an attractive place for those who enjoy a slower pace of life.
4. Halstad
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.57 square miles
- Population: 600 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56548
- Latitude: 47.4675° N
- Longitude: 96.4443° W
City Location and History:
Halstad is located in the northwest corner of Norman County, near the border with North Dakota, and lies along the Red River of the North. Halstad was founded in 1881 and was named after a Norwegian immigrant family, with the name itself derived from a town in Norway. Originally, the settlement grew as a result of its strategic location along the river, which facilitated transportation and trade for early settlers. Agriculture has always been a major component of Halstad’s economy, with wheat, corn, and other crops being important exports. In the early 20th century, the arrival of the railroad further spurred the city’s growth, and it became a center for shipping grain and livestock. Halstad remains a small, rural town with a rich agricultural history and serves as a quiet community for those who appreciate the outdoors and the agricultural way of life. Over the years, it has maintained its small-town charm and continues to be a tight-knit community with a strong sense of heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Halstad is served by the Norman County West School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns like Twin Valley and Ada. The city does not have a large school system of its own, but the district offers strong educational programs for the surrounding rural communities. Major landmarks in Halstad include the Halstad Depot, a historical railway station that showcases the city’s early connections to trade and transportation. The city’s location along the Red River offers opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching, making it a scenic destination for nature enthusiasts. Halstad also features a number of parks, such as the Halstad City Park, where residents gather for events and outdoor recreation. The town’s annual events, such as the Halstad Harvest Festival, highlight the community’s agricultural roots and offer entertainment for the whole family.
5. Oklee
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.64 square miles
- Population: 100 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code(s): 56569
- Latitude: 47.4751° N
- Longitude: 96.1364° W
City Location and History:
Oklee is a very small, rural community located in the southern part of Norman County, about 10 miles southeast of Ada. The town was originally established as a farming community, and its economy remains tied to agriculture today. With only a handful of residents, Oklee has always been a quiet town, primarily serving as a stopover for those traveling through the region. The town was founded in the early 1900s, and although its population has remained small, it continues to serve as a rural hub for local farmers. The town’s remote location and small size have contributed to a tight-knit community where residents often know each other personally. Though Oklee does not have many services or attractions, it remains an essential part of the region’s agricultural economy, with nearby farms relying on the town’s proximity to larger markets for goods and services.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
As a small community, Oklee does not have its own school but falls under the jurisdiction of the Norman County East School District, with students attending schools in nearby towns such as Twin Valley. The city’s landmarks include the wide-open fields and farmland that surround it, offering scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Oklee is also known for its rural charm and peaceful lifestyle, offering a slower pace of life for those who enjoy living in a remote area. The town occasionally hosts local events, such as small gatherings and agricultural festivals, where residents come together to celebrate their farming heritage.
