Cities and Towns in Sibley County, Minnesota
Founded in 1853, Sibley County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Sibley County was formed from Dakota County. The city of Gaylord is the county seat. With FIPS code of 143, Sibley County has a population of 14,917 and area of 588.65 square miles (1,525 km²).
List of all cities in Sibley County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arlington, MN | 55307 | 507 |
| Gaylord, MN | 55334 | 507 |
| Gibbon, MN | 55335 | 507 |
| Green Isle, MN | 55338 | 507 |
| Henderson, MN | 56044 | 507 |
| New Auburn, MN | 55366 | 320 |
| Winthrop, MN | 55396 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sibley County, Minnesota
Sibley County, located in south-central Minnesota, is known for its scenic landscapes, agricultural heritage, and strong sense of community. The county is home to several small cities and towns, each with its own history and character. While the larger city of Gibbon serves as a regional center, smaller towns like Arlington, Gaylord, and Winthrop offer a blend of rural living with proximity to urban amenities. The county’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, including corn, soybeans, and livestock, while its vibrant communities provide cultural events and recreational activities. Below are the major cities and towns in Sibley County, each with their own unique history, schools, and landmarks.
1. Gaylord
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 2,300 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55334
- Latitude: 44.5517° N
- Longitude: 94.1736° W
Location and History:
Gaylord is located in the heart of Sibley County, Minnesota. It was founded in 1856 and named after Gaylord M. P. Stoddard, a prominent early settler. The town grew rapidly in the mid-19th century due to its location along the Minnesota River and its proximity to the Winthrop Railroad, which helped facilitate trade and transportation in the region. Gaylord’s economy was initially based on agriculture, with farmers settling in the area to grow wheat, corn, and other crops.
Over the years, Gaylord became an important service hub for surrounding rural areas. The town also had a significant role in the lumber and milling industries during the early 1900s. Today, Gaylord is known for its strong community spirit, local events, and proximity to recreational areas such as the Minnesota River. Despite its small size, Gaylord continues to be an agricultural center, with a focus on corn and soybean farming, as well as some light manufacturing.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Gaylord is served by the Sibley East School District, which includes Sibley East High School, Sibley East Middle School, and Gaylord Elementary School. The town is also home to the Gaylord Public Library, which provides a range of educational resources and community programs.
Important landmarks in Gaylord include the Sibley County Historical Museum, which showcases the area’s history, particularly its early settlement and agricultural roots. The Minnesota River offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching, while Gaylord City Park provides recreational spaces for residents and visitors. The Gaylord Farmers Market is a popular spot for locally grown produce, crafts, and community gatherings. The town also hosts the annual Gaylord Fun Fest, a celebration of local culture with a parade, music, and food.
2. Arlington
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 2,100 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55307
- Latitude: 44.6364° N
- Longitude: 93.7772° W
Location and History:
Arlington, located in the southwestern part of Sibley County, was founded in 1854 and named after the Arlington House in Virginia, the residence of Robert E. Lee. The town grew quickly in the mid-19th century due to its location along the Minneopa Creek and its access to railroads, making it an important center for trade and commerce. Like many small Minnesota towns, Arlington’s economy was initially driven by agriculture, including the cultivation of wheat, corn, and oats.
In the 20th century, Arlington became a vital agricultural center, especially for dairy farming and grain production. The city also saw the establishment of local businesses, schools, and services to support its growing population. Today, Arlington retains its agricultural heritage, but it also serves as a small residential community with easy access to larger cities like Mankato and Minneapolis.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Arlington is served by the Sibley East School District, which includes Sibley East High School and Arlington Elementary School. The school district offers a range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, music programs, and academic clubs.
Key landmarks in Arlington include the Arlington Historical Museum, which features exhibits on the city’s early years, agricultural development, and local culture. The Arlington City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, with walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The Minnesota River is nearby, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching. The Arlington Fourth of July Celebration is a major annual event that draws crowds for fireworks, parades, and family-friendly activities.
3. Winthrop
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: 1,400 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55396
- Latitude: 44.5337° N
- Longitude: 94.2930° W
Location and History:
Winthrop is a small city located in the southeastern part of Sibley County. The city was originally settled in the 1850s and named after John Winthrop, an early Massachusetts Bay Colony governor. Winthrop’s location along the Minnesota River made it a strategic location for trade, and the town quickly grew as a center for agriculture and milling. The area surrounding Winthrop was known for its fertile land, making it ideal for farming, and the town developed a reputation as a hub for grain and livestock production.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Winthrop’s economy diversified, with manufacturing industries such as milling, brickworks, and lumber production taking hold. Today, Winthrop is a quiet, rural community with a strong agricultural presence and a focus on small-town living. The town is well-connected to nearby cities like New Ulm and Mankato, providing residents with access to urban amenities while maintaining a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Winthrop is served by the Winthrop School District, which includes Winthrop Public School for K-12 education. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities such as sports, arts programs, and student organizations.
Landmarks in Winthrop include the Winthrop Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the town’s history and agricultural roots. Lake Sarah is a nearby recreational area that offers fishing, boating, and picnicking, while Winthrop City Park features baseball diamonds, walking trails, and playgrounds. The town hosts the Winthrop Summer Festival, an annual celebration that includes a parade, carnival, and live music, bringing together the community and visitors alike.
4. Gibbon
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55335
- Latitude: 44.5532° N
- Longitude: 94.3216° W
Location and History:
Gibbon, located in the eastern part of Sibley County, was originally settled in the mid-19th century and named after John Gibbon, a prominent figure in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. The town grew rapidly due to its location along the Minnesota River, which facilitated trade and transportation. Gibbon’s early economy revolved around agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock, which helped to shape the town’s development.
Over the years, Gibbon remained a small but vibrant community with a strong focus on farming. The city has maintained its rural charm, with many residents still engaged in agricultural work. Gibbon is also known for its annual Gibbon Fun Days, which brings together the local community with events like parades, games, and food vendors.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Gibbon is part of the Sibley East School District, with Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop High School and Gibbon Elementary School serving local students. The school district offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, and clubs.
Notable landmarks in Gibbon include the Gibbon Community Park, which provides outdoor recreational opportunities like picnicking, sports, and walking. The Gibbon Veterans Memorial is a key site in the city, honoring local veterans. The town’s annual Gibbon Fun Days festival is a popular event that celebrates the city’s history with live music, a parade, and food vendors. Additionally, Lake Gibbon offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
