Cities and Towns in Steele County, Minnesota
Founded in 1855, Steele County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Steele County was formed from Rice County, Blue Earth County, and Le Sueur County. The city of Owatonna is the county seat. With FIPS code of 147, Steele County has a population of 37,349 and area of 429.55 square miles (1,113 km²).
List of all cities in Steele County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Bixby, MN | 55917 | 507 |
| Blmng Prairie, MN | 55917 | 507 |
| Blooming Prairie, MN | 55917 | 507 |
| Deerfield, MN | 55049 | 507 |
| Ellendale, MN | 56026 | 507 |
| Havana, MN | 55060 | 507 |
| Hope, MN | 56046 | 507 |
| Litomysl, MN | 55060 | 507 |
| Medford, MN | 55049 | 507 |
| Newry, MN | 55917 | 507 |
| Owatonna, MN | 55060 | 507 |
| Pratt, MN | 55060 | 507 |
| Summit, MN | 55917 | 507 |
Major Cities and Towns in Steele County, Minnesota
Steele County is located in southeastern Minnesota, with a mix of urban and rural areas. The county is home to a number of small communities, including Owatonna, the largest city and county seat. Steele County has a rich agricultural heritage, and its economy is based largely on farming, including corn, soybeans, and livestock, but the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, retail, and services. The area offers a mix of historic sites, parks, and small-town charm, providing a high quality of life for residents. Below are the major cities and towns in Steele County, each with its own unique history, schools, and landmarks.
1. Owatonna
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 13.9 square miles
- Population: 25,000 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 55060, 55061
- Latitude: 44.0891° N
- Longitude: 93.2300° W
Location and History:
Owatonna is the county seat of Steele County and the largest city in the county. Located along the Straight River, Owatonna was founded in 1854 and is named after a Dakota Sioux word meaning “money” or “the place of the big water.” The city grew rapidly in the 19th century due to its strategic location for trade, being situated on the railroad line that connected the region to larger cities in the Midwest.
Owatonna’s early economy was centered on agriculture, but over the years, the city diversified with the development of industries like meatpacking, manufacturing, and retail. The establishment of Owatonna State Hospital in 1866 was another key historical milestone. Owatonna is also known for its rich history in education, and it has maintained a strong community spirit with many public events and local traditions.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Owatonna is served by the Owatonna Public Schools District, which includes Owatonna High School, Owatonna Middle School, and several elementary schools. The city is also home to Riverland Community College, offering two-year degrees and training programs. Major landmarks include the Owatonna Depot, a historic railroad station, which is now a museum, and the National Farmers’ Bank Building, designed by architect Louis Sullivan. The Owatonna Country Club and Lake Kohlmier are popular spots for recreation, offering golf, boating, and fishing. The Owatonna Public Library serves as a central hub for community learning, while West Hills Park and Kaplan’s Woods Parkway provide extensive green spaces and hiking trails. Additionally, Owatonna hosts the Steele County Free Fair, one of the largest county fairs in Minnesota, attracting visitors from across the state for rides, food, and entertainment.
2. Ellendale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 550 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56026
- Latitude: 43.9775° N
- Longitude: 93.3174° W
Location and History:
Ellendale is a small city located in the southern part of Steele County. It was founded in the 1870s, named after Ellendale, a town in England. The town’s early economy was based on agriculture, with a focus on grain and livestock farming. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s spurred growth, enabling farmers to ship goods to larger markets. Ellendale also became a service hub for surrounding rural areas, with businesses, schools, and churches springing up to meet the needs of the growing population.
In the 20th century, Ellendale remained a primarily agricultural community, though it did see some diversification into light manufacturing and retail. Despite being a small town, Ellendale has retained a strong sense of community and offers a rural lifestyle while still being close enough to larger cities like Owatonna for employment and amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ellendale is served by the Ellendale Public School District, with Ellendale High School and Ellendale Elementary School providing education to local children. The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the Ellendale Community Park, which features a baseball diamond and playground. The Ellendale Opera House is a key historical site in the town and hosts local events and performances. Ellendale also hosts the Ellendale Days festival each year, which includes a parade, live music, food vendors, and community activities, celebrating the town’s history and agricultural roots. The town’s location near the Straight River makes it a scenic place to live, and residents often enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking in the surrounding area.
3. Medford
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: 1,200 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55049
- Latitude: 44.0542° N
- Longitude: 93.1902° W
Location and History:
Medford is located in the southeastern corner of Steele County, just south of Owatonna. The town was originally platted in 1854, though it grew rapidly after the railroad arrived in the 1870s. Medford became known for its grain elevators and became a key center for trade in the surrounding agricultural community. Early settlers were primarily involved in farming, and the town maintained its agricultural roots through the 20th century.
Over the years, Medford has developed into a small but thriving community, benefiting from its proximity to Owatonna and the interstate highway system. It has a mix of small businesses, local farms, and residents who commute to nearby cities for work. While the population remains small, Medford is a great example of a Minnesota small town with a strong agricultural base, offering a peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Medford is part of the Medford School District, with Medford High School and Medford Elementary School providing education for local students. The Medford Park is a popular community space, offering sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground for families to enjoy. The Medford Community Center is a central gathering place for local events, including town meetings and community celebrations. Medford is known for hosting Medford Days, an annual event that includes a parade, live music, and family-friendly activities. Additionally, the town is located near the Straight River and several surrounding parks, offering opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.
4. Blooming Prairie
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 55917
- Latitude: 43.9450° N
- Longitude: 93.1811° W
Location and History:
Blooming Prairie is a small city in the eastern part of Steele County. It was established in the late 1800s, originally as a settlement for settlers who were drawn to the fertile soil and promising farmland of the region. The town grew rapidly with the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, which connected it to larger trade routes. Blooming Prairie was named for the lush wildflowers that once covered the area, and it became known for its agricultural production, particularly corn, beans, and dairy.
The town of Blooming Prairie continued to thrive throughout the 20th century, though it remained a small rural community with a close-knit population. The city remains primarily focused on agriculture, with many residents involved in farming or related industries. It is also a key service center for the surrounding rural areas, providing businesses, schools, and essential services to local residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Blooming Prairie is served by the Blooming Prairie School District, which includes Blooming Prairie High School and Blooming Prairie Elementary School. The town is home to several landmarks, including Blooming Prairie City Park, which offers walking trails, playgrounds, and space for picnics. The Blooming Prairie Lions Park hosts various community events and provides sports fields. Blooming Prairie is also home to the Blooming Prairie Community Center, which hosts local events like the annual Blooming Prairie Days festival, a celebration of the town’s agricultural roots with a parade, live music, and local vendors. The town is surrounded by farmland and offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and biking.
