Cities and Towns in Pipestone County, Minnesota
Founded in 1857, Pipestone County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Pipestone County was formed from Brown County. The city of Pipestone is the county seat. With FIPS code of 117, Pipestone County has a population of 9,313 and area of 465.89 square miles (1,207 km²).
List of all cities in Pipestone County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Edgerton, MN | 56128 | 507 |
| Florence, MN | 56170 | 507 |
| Hatfield, MN | 56164 | 507 |
| Holland, MN | 56139 | 507 |
| Ihlen, MN | 56140 | 507 |
| Pipestone, MN | 56164 | 507 |
| Ruthton, MN | 56170 | 507 |
| Trosky, MN | 56177 | 507 |
| Verdi, MN | 56164 | 507 |
| Woodstock, MN | 56186 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Pipestone County, Minnesota
Pipestone County, located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, is a county rich in natural beauty and history. The county is named for the Pipestone Quarry, a site used by Native Americans for thousands of years to gather pipestone, a red stone used in the creation of ceremonial pipes. Agriculture is a key economic driver in the area, and the county’s small towns and cities boast strong community ties, rich agricultural traditions, and a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The county seat, Pipestone, serves as the cultural and economic center, with other communities such as Ruthton, Trosky, and Hanson contributing to the rural charm of the area. The county also has a history steeped in Native American culture, early European settlement, and agricultural development.
1. Pipestone
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 3.04 square miles
- Population: 4,200 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 56164
- Latitude: 44.0033° N
- Longitude: 96.3106° W
Location and History:
Pipestone, the county seat of Pipestone County, is located in the southwestern part of the state, near the border with South Dakota. The city is famous for the Pipestone National Monument, where Native Americans have quarried red pipestone for centuries to make ceremonial pipes. The city’s early history is rooted in its strategic location along trade routes, which helped it grow as a center for commerce and settlement. Established in 1870, Pipestone rapidly became a vital regional hub for agriculture and trade. Early settlers were primarily farmers, and the fertile land around Pipestone made it a key agricultural community.
The town became incorporated in 1874, and its proximity to the monument led to its designation as an important cultural center. Pipestone’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, including crops like corn and soybeans, as well as livestock farming. The city also attracts visitors for its rich history and natural beauty, with the Pipestone Quarry and monument being major draws for tourists interested in Native American culture and history.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pipestone is home to Pipestone Area Schools, which includes Pipestone Area High School and Pipestone Area Middle School, as well as A.L. Lien Elementary School. The district offers a wide range of educational programs, including opportunities in arts, sports, and extracurricular activities.
One of the most famous landmarks in Pipestone is the Pipestone National Monument, which preserves the historic quarry where Native American tribes have gathered pipestone for centuries. Visitors can explore the monument’s walking trails and view the stunning quartzite cliffs that surround the quarry. The Pipestone County Historical Museum showcases the area’s rich history, including its Native American heritage and the early pioneer settlers who shaped the town. The Winnewissa Falls and the Old Town Hall are also significant attractions in Pipestone. The Pipestone Golf Club and local parks like Hiawatha Park provide residents and visitors with recreational opportunities.
2. Ruthton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.47 square miles
- Population: 400 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 56170
- Latitude: 44.0930° N
- Longitude: 96.0215° W
Location and History:
Ruthton is a small town located about 20 miles to the southeast of Pipestone. The town was settled in the early 1880s and was originally an agricultural community. Ruthton owes its growth and development to the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, which made it a vital trade stop in the area. Like many small towns in the region, Ruthton’s economy has long been centered on agriculture, including farming, livestock, and grain production.
The town saw significant growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with several businesses and services catering to the needs of the rural community. Today, Ruthton is known for its tight-knit community, its rural atmosphere, and its beautiful surroundings. The town retains much of its historical charm, with a blend of early 20th-century homes, farming estates, and open fields. Despite its small size, Ruthton is an important part of the county’s agricultural community.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ruthton is part of the Pipestone Area School District, and while the town itself does not have a high school, local students attend schools in Pipestone. The district offers a strong academic foundation, with a focus on community engagement and extracurricular opportunities.
Ruthton’s small size means that it does not have a wide variety of landmarks, but the area is rich in natural beauty. The Cottonwood River runs near the town, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, including fishing and boating. Ruthton City Park is a popular local gathering spot, offering picnic tables and open spaces for outdoor events. The town’s historical architecture, including early 20th-century homes and buildings, adds to its small-town charm.
3. Trosky
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.43 square miles
- Population: 30 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 56179
- Latitude: 44.1250° N
- Longitude: 96.1725° W
Location and History:
Trosky is one of the smallest towns in Pipestone County, located about 10 miles east of Pipestone. It was established in the early 1900s and grew up around the agricultural industry, like many other small towns in the region. The town’s population has declined in recent decades, but it still retains a tight-knit community feel. Trosky was named after Trosky Township, and its economy was historically based on farming, with local farmers growing crops like corn and wheat.
Though much smaller than its neighboring towns, Trosky has an important place in the county’s history, and it remains a symbolic representation of the area’s agricultural heritage. The town is quiet and rural, with few businesses or services, but it continues to be a peaceful place for those who enjoy small-town life in Minnesota.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
As a very small town, Trosky does not have its own school, and students typically attend schools in nearby communities such as Pipestone. The town is part of the Pipestone Area School District, and local children attend schools in Pipestone for their education.
Trosky is known for its peaceful rural setting and picturesque farmland. While the town does not have many notable landmarks, it is located near the Cottonwood River, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. The surrounding farmland and fields contribute to the town’s charm, and visitors can appreciate the beauty of Minnesota’s agricultural heartland. Trosky is an example of a rural farming town that maintains its historical character in the face of changing times.
4. Hanson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.55 square miles
- Population: 30 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 56162
- Latitude: 44.0422° N
- Longitude: 96.2061° W
Location and History:
Hanson is a very small unincorporated town in Pipestone County, located about 15 miles southwest of Pipestone. Like many rural towns in Minnesota, Hanson was founded as an agricultural community. Its population has dwindled over the years, but it remains an important part of the area’s history. Established in the late 1800s, Hanson was initially a farming hub with a few businesses serving the local community.
Though it is not an active commercial center today, the town’s agricultural roots are still visible in the surrounding farmland. Hanson is also a symbol of the many small farming communities that have gradually seen a decline in population due to modern agricultural practices and changes in transportation. Nonetheless, it remains a peaceful, rural area with a history rooted in farming and local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Hanson does not have its own school, and students from the town typically attend schools in nearby Pipestone. Like many rural communities in the region, Hanson is part of the Pipestone Area School District.
The town is quiet and primarily residential, with few modern landmarks. However, Hanson is located near the Cottonwood River, which provides a natural setting for wildlife and outdoor activities. The surrounding farmland offers an idyllic view of rural life, with open fields, farmsteads, and scenic roads that lead through Minnesota’s agricultural heartland. It is a town where the landscape and history tell the story of the region’s agricultural past.
