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Cities and Towns in Roseau County, Minnesota

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Founded in 1894, Roseau County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Roseau County was formed from Kittson County and Beltrami County. The city of Roseau is the county seat. With FIPS code of 135, Roseau County has a population of 15,258 and area of 1,662.51 square miles (4,306 km²).

List of all cities in Roseau County, MN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Arnesen, MN 56673 218
Badger, MN 56714 218
Greenbush, MN 56726 218
Laona, MN 56673 218
Pencer, MN 56751 218
Pinecreek, MN 56751 218
Roosevelt, MN 56673 218
56682 218
Roseau, MN 56751 218
Salol, MN 56756 218
Skime, MN 56761 218
Strathcona, MN 56759 218
Swift, MN 56682 218
56763 218
Wannaska, MN 56761 218
Warroad, MN 56763 218

Major Cities and Towns in Roseau County, Minnesota

Roseau County is located in the far northern part of Minnesota, bordering Canada and the state of North Dakota. Known for its rural charm and scenic beauty, Roseau County is home to vast agricultural lands, forests, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The county’s history is rooted in early settlement by Scandinavian immigrants, and its economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, logging, and later, the growth of industries like manufacturing and tourism. Today, Roseau County offers a mix of small-town life and access to outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Below are the major cities and towns in Roseau County, each with a unique history, educational facilities, and landmarks.

1. Roseau

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

  • Area: 3.6 square miles
  • Population: 2,800 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56751
  • Latitude: 48.8456° N
  • Longitude: 94.8699° W

Location and History:

Roseau is the county seat and largest city in Roseau County, located in the northwestern corner of the state, just south of the Canadian border. The city was founded in the early 1900s and grew as a service center for the surrounding agricultural and logging industries. The name “Roseau” is derived from the French word for “reed” (roseau), as early French voyageurs observed the abundance of reeds along the Roseau River. The city’s growth was also fueled by its proximity to the Red River Valley, an area rich in farming and natural resources.

Throughout the 20th century, Roseau became a commercial hub for the region, with the growth of businesses catering to agriculture and logging, as well as retail services. Today, Roseau remains a vital center for trade and services in the county, with a focus on industries such as healthcare, retail, and agriculture.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Roseau is served by the Roseau Public School District, which includes Roseau High School, Roseau Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its strong academic performance and active participation in sports.

Major landmarks in Roseau include the Roseau County Historical Society Museum, which offers exhibits on the region’s history, from early settlement to the logging industry. The Roseau City Park, located along the Roseau River, offers recreational opportunities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Polaris Industries, a major manufacturer of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), has a factory in Roseau and is one of the city’s biggest employers. Visitors also enjoy Lake Bronson State Park for camping and outdoor activities, and Zimmerman’s Mink Farm, a local attraction that gives insight into the county’s farming history.

2. Warroad

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

  • Area: 2.1 square miles
  • Population: 1,800 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56763
  • Latitude: 48.9269° N
  • Longitude: 94.8871° W

Location and History:

Warroad is a small city located on the southern shore of Lake of the Woods, at the northeastern tip of Minnesota, near the Canadian border. Originally founded in the late 1800s, Warroad was a logging town before it became a center for agriculture and tourism. The city owes much of its development to the proximity of the lake, which served as both a transportation route for logging materials and a source of recreation for settlers.

Warroad’s economy has historically been based on its location along Highway 11, which connects the city to the rest of the state, as well as its role as a gateway to Lake of the Woods, one of the most popular fishing and boating destinations in the region. The city is also known for its significant role in the manufacture of hockey equipment, being the home of Warroad Hockey, a tradition that has contributed to the city’s reputation as the “Hockey Capital of Minnesota.”

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Warroad is served by the Warroad Public School District, which includes Warroad High School and a middle and elementary school. The district has a strong sports culture, particularly in hockey, and offers a variety of extracurricular activities to students.

Major landmarks in Warroad include the Warroad Heritage Center, which showcases the history of the city and its connections to the logging and fishing industries. The Warroad Sports Center is a popular spot for community events and ice sports, including hockey and skating. The Lake of the Woods is the town’s most notable feature, drawing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The Warroad Chamber of Commerce organizes annual events such as the Warroad Fishing Tournament and Hockey Day celebrations, which celebrate the town’s deep roots in sports and outdoor activities. Additionally, Warroad’s Public Beach and nearby Hayes Lake State Park offer recreational opportunities like swimming, hiking, and birdwatching.

3. Greenbush

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

  • Area: 2.1 square miles
  • Population: 600 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56726
  • Latitude: 48.3811° N
  • Longitude: 94.7449° W

Location and History:

Greenbush is a small, rural town located about 30 miles south of the Canadian border. The town’s economy has traditionally been rooted in agriculture, particularly the cultivation of grains and vegetables. Established in the early 1900s, Greenbush has retained its rural character while providing services to surrounding agricultural communities. The town is named for the lush green vegetation in the area, which helped to attract early settlers looking for fertile farmland.

Greenbush’s proximity to the Roseau River and surrounding farmland made it an ideal location for farming, and over the decades, it has remained a peaceful agricultural community. The town has faced some economic challenges due to the decline of small farming operations, but it has remained an important part of Roseau County, with a tight-knit community and a slow but steady pace of development.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Greenbush is served by the Greenbush-Middle River School District, which includes Greenbush High School and a middle and elementary school. The district is known for its personalized approach to education, with a focus on community involvement.

Major landmarks in Greenbush include Greenbush City Park, which offers picnicking and recreational space for residents and visitors. The Roseau River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, particularly during the warmer months. The Greenbush Fire Hall is a notable community hub where local events, including festivals and fairs, take place. Greenbush is also near the Turtle River State Park, which provides opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

4. Badger

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

  • Area: 1.4 square miles
  • Population: 400 (approx.)
  • Zip Code: 56714
  • Latitude: 48.3140° N
  • Longitude: 94.4728° W

Location and History:

Badger is a small town in southeastern Roseau County, located near the Badger River. Founded in the early 1900s, the town was initially settled by Scandinavian immigrants who were drawn to the area for its fertile farmland and natural beauty. The town’s economy has traditionally been centered around agriculture, particularly dairy farming and crop production. Over time, Badger became a service center for local farmers, providing essential goods and services to the surrounding area.

Badger’s economy has remained largely agricultural, with farming still the backbone of the local economy. However, it has also developed a small tourism sector due to its proximity to the Red River Valley and the Roseau River. Despite its small size, Badger maintains a strong community spirit, and it continues to celebrate its agricultural roots while providing a safe, quiet place to live.

Major Schools and Landmarks:

Badger is served by the Badger Public School District, which includes Badger High School and a middle and elementary school. The district focuses on delivering quality education in a rural setting, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and community involvement.

Major landmarks in Badger include the Badger City Park, which offers a peaceful setting for picnicking and local gatherings. The Badger River provides fishing opportunities and scenic views, while the nearby Lake of the Woods draws visitors for boating and water sports. Badger is also close to the Warroad Wildlife Management Area, which offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities.

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