Cities and Towns in Red Lake County, Minnesota

Founded in 1896, Red Lake County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Red Lake County was formed from Polk County. The city of Red Lake Falls is the county seat. With FIPS code of 125, Red Lake County has a population of 3,933 and area of 432.43 square miles (1,120 km²).

List of all cities in Red Lake County, MN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Brooks, MN 56715 218
Oklee, MN 56742 218
Plummer, MN 56748 218
Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 218

Major Cities and Towns in Red Lake County, Minnesota

Red Lake County is located in northwestern Minnesota and is named after the Red Lake, which is the largest natural lake in Minnesota. The county is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and rural communities. With a population of just over 4,000, the county is home to a number of small cities and towns. The economy is driven by agriculture, including the production of grains, livestock, and vegetables, as well as tourism and outdoor recreation. Red Lake County is also rich in Native American history and culture, as it is situated near the Red Lake Nation reservation, which is home to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.


1. Red Lake Falls

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 1.1 square miles
  • Population: 1,500 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56750
  • Latitude: 47.6086° N
  • Longitude: 95.7542° W

Location and History:

Red Lake Falls is the county seat of Red Lake County, located along the Red Lake River in northwestern Minnesota. The town was founded in the 1870s and grew quickly due to its location along the river, which was used for milling and transportation of goods. The name “Red Lake Falls” was chosen because of the falls on the Red Lake River, which were once an important feature of the area. The town’s economy was initially supported by logging, agriculture, and milling, with settlers primarily from Scandinavian and German backgrounds.

Over the years, Red Lake Falls developed into a small but vital community, with a mix of agriculture, local businesses, and services. Agriculture remains a central part of the local economy, with the area known for its corn, soybeans, and small grains. Red Lake Falls is also known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. Today, the town serves as the hub of Red Lake County and provides services, education, and cultural events to the surrounding rural areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Red Lake Falls is part of the Red Lake County Central School District, which operates the Red Lake Falls High School and Red Lake Falls Elementary School. The schools are known for their strong academic programs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. The district places a strong emphasis on community involvement and prepares students for future success in both college and careers.

Key landmarks in Red Lake Falls include the Red Lake Falls Park, a scenic area along the Red Lake River that provides picnic facilities, walking trails, and beautiful views of the falls. The Red Lake County Museum showcases the history of the county, with exhibits on local agriculture, the history of the area’s early settlers, and Native American culture. Additionally, Pine Tree Park offers sports facilities and outdoor activities, while the Red Lake River is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. The town also hosts the annual Red Lake Falls Corn & Bean Festival, a community celebration that features parades, food, games, and entertainment.


2. Plummer

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: 200 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56748
  • Latitude: 47.6365° N
  • Longitude: 95.7013° W

Location and History:

Plummer is a small town located in the southwestern part of Red Lake County. It was established in the early 1900s, initially serving as a railroad stop. The town grew due to its location on the Great Northern Railroad and its importance as a hub for shipping grain and livestock. Plummer was incorporated as a village in 1912 and has remained a small but significant community in the region. The town’s name is believed to be derived from J.W. Plummer, a railroad official.

Plummer’s economy has historically been based on agriculture, with local farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, and small grains. While the town remains rural, it has adapted over the years to include light industry and other small businesses. The area’s location near the Red Lake River has also provided opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and bird watching. Though small in size, Plummer retains a strong community spirit, and its agricultural heritage is an essential part of its identity.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Plummer is part of the Red Lake County Central School District, and students in the area attend Red Lake Falls High School for their secondary education. The schools in the district offer a well-rounded education with strong academic programs and extracurricular activities, especially in sports.

Plummer’s key landmarks include Plummer City Park, which features picnic areas, a playground, and space for local events. The town is located near the Red Lake River, which offers scenic beauty and outdoor activities such as fishing and boating. The Plummer Community Center serves as a gathering place for local events and celebrations, and the town hosts an annual Plummer Picnic, a community festival that brings residents together for games, food, and fun. Despite its small size, Plummer is known for its close-knit community and welcoming atmosphere.


3. Oklee

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.6 square miles
  • Population: 300 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56742
  • Latitude: 47.6756° N
  • Longitude: 95.7199° W

Location and History:

Oklee is located in the southern part of Red Lake County, near the intersection of State Highway 92 and U.S. Highway 59. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a stop on the Great Northern Railroad. Oklee’s early economy was centered around agriculture and transportation, as farmers in the region used the railroad to ship their crops to market. The town grew steadily through the early 20th century, with a mix of Scandinavian and German settlers.

Today, Oklee is a small, rural community that retains much of its historical charm. The economy is still largely based on agriculture, with local farms growing crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat. Though small, Oklee is known for its agricultural industry and the hardworking people who call it home. The town’s population has remained steady over the years, and it continues to be a vital part of Red Lake County, serving as a gathering place for nearby rural residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Oklee is part of the Red Lake County Central School District, where students attend Oklee Elementary School and Red Lake Falls High School. The district is known for its academic programs, athletic teams, and a variety of extracurricular activities, giving students a well-rounded education.

Key landmarks in Oklee include Oklee City Park, which offers green space for picnicking and outdoor recreation. The park features walking paths, playgrounds, and open fields, making it a popular destination for families. The Red Lake River flows near Oklee, providing opportunities for fishing and boating. The town is also home to the Oklee Community Center, which hosts events and community gatherings. Oklee celebrates the Oklee Harvest Festival each year, which features a parade, games, and local entertainment, highlighting the town’s agricultural roots.


4. Middle River

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:

  • Area: 0.4 square miles
  • Population: 300 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56737
  • Latitude: 47.6694° N
  • Longitude: 95.7992° W

Location and History:

Middle River is located in the southeastern part of Red Lake County, near the intersection of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 2. The town’s history is closely tied to the surrounding farming community and the natural resources of the area. Settlers in the region came primarily from Scandinavian countries, and they built the town on land that was perfect for agriculture. The town was named after the nearby Middle River, which flows through the area and was important for transportation and irrigation.

Throughout the 20th century, Middle River has remained a rural agricultural community. While farming continues to be the dominant industry, the town has also developed local businesses and services to support the surrounding farms and residents. Middle River has a strong sense of community, and residents take pride in their agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Middle River is served by the Red Lake County Central School District, with students attending Middle River Elementary School and Red Lake Falls High School. The district is known for its small-town atmosphere and community involvement, offering students a supportive environment in which to learn and grow.

Landmarks in Middle River include Middle River Park, a scenic park along the river that offers a playground, picnic area, and walking paths. The town is also near the Red Lake River, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking. The Middle River Community Center is a hub for local events and social gatherings. The town hosts the annual Middle River Harvest Festival, which brings the community together for a weekend of fun, food, and local traditions.