Cities and Towns in Stearns County, Minnesota
Founded in 1855, Stearns County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Stearns County was formed from Cass County, Nicollet County, Pierce County, and Sibley County. The city of St. Cloud is the county seat. With FIPS code of 145, Stearns County has a population of 158,947 and area of 1,344.52 square miles (3,482 km²).
List of all cities in Stearns County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Albany, MN | 56307 | 320 |
| Avon, MN | 56310 | 320 |
| Belgrade, MN | 56312 | 320 |
| Brooten, MN | 56316 | 320 |
| Cold Spring, MN | 56320 | 320 |
| Collegeville, MN | 56321 | 320 |
| Elrosa, MN | 56325 | 320 |
| FDCI, MN | 56399 | 320 |
| Fingerhut, MN | 56395 | 320 |
| Fingerhut (Pre Paid), MN | 56396 | 320 |
| Fingerhut Bus Reply, MN | 56372 | 320 |
| Fingerhut Sweepstakes, MN | 56393 | 320 |
| Freeport, MN | 56331 | 320 |
| Greenwald, MN | 56335 | 320 |
| Holdingford, MN | 56340 | 320 |
| Kimball, MN | 55353 | 320 |
| Melrose, MN | 56352 | 320 |
| New Munich, MN | 56356 | 320 |
| Paynesville, MN | 56362 | 320 |
| Richmond, MN | 56368 | 320 |
| Rockville, MN | 56369 | 320 |
| Roscoe, MN | 56371 | 320 |
| Saint Augusta, MN | 55353 | 320 |
| 56301 | 320 | |
| Saint Cloud, MN | 56301 | 320 |
| 56302 | 320 | |
| 56303 | 320 | |
| 56372 | 320 | |
| 56387 | 320 | |
| 56388 | 320 | |
| 56393 | 320 | |
| 56395 | 320 | |
| 56396 | 320 | |
| 56397 | 320 | |
| 56398 | 320 | |
| 56399 | 320 | |
| Saint Joseph, MN | 56374 | 320 |
| Saint Martin, MN | 56376 | 320 |
| Saint Stephen, MN | 56375 | 320 |
| Sartell, MN | 56377 | 320 |
| Sauk Centre, MN | 56378 | 320 |
| Waite Park, MN | 56387 | 320 |
| 56388 | 320 | |
| West Union, MN | 56378 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stearns County, Minnesota
Stearns County, located in central Minnesota, is home to a mix of urban and rural communities, each with its own unique history and charm. The county is well-known for its agricultural industry, including dairy farming, grain production, and vegetable farming. In addition to agriculture, Stearns County features a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county seat, St. Cloud, is the largest city and serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and culture. The smaller towns in the county, such as Sauk Centre, Waite Park, and Cold Spring, offer residents and visitors a blend of scenic rural landscapes and access to urban amenities. Below is a detailed look at the major cities and towns in Stearns County.
1. St. Cloud
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 41.9 square miles
- Population: 67,000 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 56301, 56303, 56304
- Latitude: 45.5610° N
- Longitude: 94.1630° W
Location and History:
St. Cloud is the county seat of Stearns County and the largest city in the county. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Cloud has a long history dating back to the mid-19th century. The city was founded in 1855 and was initially a trading post and lumbering center. The name “St. Cloud” is believed to be derived from St. Cloud, France, as a nod to the area’s French heritage. St. Cloud’s growth was fueled by its strategic location along the river and its access to railroads, which brought goods and people into the region.
In the late 1800s, St. Cloud became known for its granite industry, with the city producing large quantities of high-quality granite used in construction projects throughout the United States. The granite quarries continued to operate well into the 20th century, cementing St. Cloud’s reputation as the “Granite City.” Today, St. Cloud is a regional center for education, healthcare, and retail, offering a vibrant mix of cultural activities, parks, and businesses.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
St. Cloud is home to St. Cloud State University (SCSU), a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as the St. Cloud Technical & Community College. The city also has a strong public school system, including St. Cloud Apollo High School and St. Cloud Technical High School.
Major landmarks include the Stearns History Museum, which highlights the area’s rich history, particularly the granite industry, and the Mississippi Riverwalk, a scenic trail along the river that offers views of the water and surrounding nature. Munsinger Gardens, a beautiful 14-acre botanical garden, and Lake George, a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking, are also key features of the city’s outdoor attractions. Heritage Park and St. Cloud State University’s Atwood Memorial Center are also important gathering places in the city, offering cultural and recreational activities.
2. Sauk Centre
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.9 square miles
- Population: 2,700 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56378
- Latitude: 45.7434° N
- Longitude: 94.9480° W
Location and History:
Sauk Centre, located in central Stearns County, is a historic town known for its role in the development of the region. The town was founded in 1854 and was originally known as Sauk Rapids, a name it retained until it was renamed Sauk Centre in 1856. The town grew quickly due to its strategic location near the Sauk River and its proximity to the Red River Ox Cart Trail, a vital trade route for early settlers and traders.
Sauk Centre’s economy initially revolved around agriculture, with farmers settling in the area to cultivate grain, livestock, and produce. The town’s economy later diversified with the development of local businesses and retail stores. Sauk Centre also gained some notoriety as the childhood home of Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, who based his novel Main Street on the town.
Today, Sauk Centre remains a small, rural community with a historic downtown, local events, and a close-knit atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Sauk Centre is served by the Sauk Centre Public Schools, which includes Sauk Centre High School and Sauk Centre Middle School. The Sauk Centre Elementary School serves younger students in the community.
The town is home to several landmarks, including the Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home, which is now a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Nobel Prize-winning author. The Sauk Centre Historic District features a number of preserved 19th-century buildings, contributing to the town’s quaint, historic atmosphere. Sauk Lake, located just outside the city, is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The town also hosts the Sauk Centre Fall Festival, which includes a parade, food vendors, and live entertainment, celebrating the town’s agricultural roots and cultural heritage.
3. Waite Park
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 6.0 square miles
- Population: 7,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56387
- Latitude: 45.5613° N
- Longitude: 94.2012° W
Location and History:
Waite Park is a small city located just west of St. Cloud, making it a part of the larger St. Cloud metropolitan area. The city was originally part of the neighboring St. Cloud Township and became an incorporated city in 1893. Waite Park is named after James A. Waite, a railroad executive who played a key role in the development of the town. The city’s growth was initially fueled by its location along the railroad, which facilitated trade and the movement of goods.
Over time, Waite Park evolved into a primarily residential community, with many of its residents commuting to St. Cloud for work. Today, Waite Park is known for its well-planned neighborhoods, shopping centers, and recreational facilities, offering a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the amenities of St. Cloud.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Waite Park is served by the St. Cloud Area School District, with students attending schools in St. Cloud, including Apollo High School and Technical High School.
Key landmarks in Waite Park include the Waite Park Community Center, which hosts various local events and recreational activities, and the Lake George Regional Park, which offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking areas. The Crossroads Center, a large shopping mall, is another major landmark in Waite Park, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. Additionally, Rockville Park provides outdoor recreation, including baseball fields, walking trails, and a playground, making it a popular spot for local families.
4. Cold Spring
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.5 square miles
- Population: 4,000 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56320
- Latitude: 45.5591° N
- Longitude: 94.3986° W
Location and History:
Cold Spring is a small city located just to the south of St. Cloud, along the North Fork of the Watab River. The town was founded in the 1850s and quickly grew as an agricultural center, with settlers establishing farms to take advantage of the fertile soil in the area. Cold Spring was originally named Watab, after the nearby river, but was later renamed in the late 1800s to reflect the area’s cooler climate compared to other towns in the region.
In the 20th century, Cold Spring became known for its granite quarries, which were a major part of the local economy and helped build many prominent buildings across the United States. Today, Cold Spring remains a small, close-knit community with a strong focus on agriculture and small manufacturing, and is home to a number of local businesses and industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Cold Spring is served by the Richmond Public Schools, which includes Cold Spring Elementary School and Apollo High School. The city is also home to the Cold Spring Community Center, which hosts a variety of local events and recreational activities.
Key landmarks include the Cold Spring Historical Museum, which showcases the town’s granite history and agricultural roots. Watab Park is another major attraction, featuring a scenic walking trail along the river, picnic areas, and sports fields. The town also hosts the Cold Spring Springfest, an annual community event that celebrates the area’s history and brings residents together with music, food, and fun activities.
