Cities and Towns in Stevens County, Minnesota
Founded in 1862, Stevens County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Stevens County was formed from Pierce County and unorganized Territory. The city of Morris is the county seat. With FIPS code of 149, Stevens County has a population of 9,700 and area of 562.06 square miles (1,456 km²).
List of all cities in Stevens County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alberta, MN | 56207 | 320 |
| Chokio, MN | 56221 | 320 |
| Donnelly, MN | 56235 | 320 |
| Hancock, MN | 56244 | 320 |
| Morris, MN | 56267 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Stevens County, Minnesota
Stevens County, located in west-central Minnesota, is home to a variety of small communities that offer a rich agricultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and a strong sense of rural community. The county’s economy is based largely on farming, with corn, soybeans, and dairy being some of the primary products. The county seat, Morris, is the largest city in Stevens County and serves as the region’s economic and educational hub. Other towns like Chokio, Donnelly, and Hancock offer residents a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation and strong community ties. Below is an overview of the major cities and towns in Stevens County, each with its own history and character.
1. Morris
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 5,200 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56267
- Latitude: 45.5895° N
- Longitude: 95.9130° W
Location and History:
Morris is the county seat of Stevens County and is located in the central part of the county, along the Pomme de Terre River. The city was founded in 1866 and named after W. S. Morris, a railroad official who played a key role in the development of the town. Morris became a regional transportation hub with the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated trade and commerce for the surrounding agricultural areas. The city has a rich history tied to farming, with the surrounding area being one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Minnesota.
Throughout the 20th century, Morris grew into a more urbanized center for education and government, with the establishment of the University of Minnesota Morris in 1960 being a significant milestone in the city’s development. The university has since played a key role in Morris’s economy, attracting students and faculty from across the region and contributing to the town’s cultural and economic vitality.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Morris is served by the Morris Area School District, which includes Morris Area High School and Morris Area Elementary School. The city’s most notable landmark is the University of Minnesota Morris, a public liberal arts university that offers undergraduate programs in various fields and is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The Pomme de Terre River is another key feature of the town, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking along its scenic banks. Morris is also home to the Stevens County Historical Society, which preserves the county’s history and agricultural roots through exhibits and local artifacts. The Morris City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, and the city hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the Stevens County Fair and Morris Summer Fest, celebrating local culture, agriculture, and community spirit.
2. Chokio
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 400 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56221
- Latitude: 45.4546° N
- Longitude: 95.8784° W
Location and History:
Chokio is a small town located in the eastern part of Stevens County, along the Pomme de Terre River. The town was established in 1880 and named after the Chokio River, which was named by the Dakota Sioux, meaning “white water.” Early settlers were primarily involved in agriculture, and the town’s economy was initially driven by the farming of wheat, corn, and livestock. The railroad arrived in Chokio in the late 19th century, spurring the town’s development and connecting it to larger cities for trade and commerce.
Chokio grew steadily through the 20th century, though it remained a small, rural community. The town is known for its scenic location along the river and its strong community spirit. Like many small towns in Stevens County, agriculture continues to be the primary source of income, with grain farming and dairy production still central to the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Chokio is served by the Chokio-Alberta School District, which includes Chokio-Alberta High School and Chokio-Alberta Elementary School. The town’s landmarks include the Pomme de Terre River, which is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and picnicking, offering a peaceful escape for residents and visitors alike. The Chokio Community Center serves as a venue for local events and gatherings, including the annual Chokio Picnic, a celebration of the town’s history with food, games, and community activities. The Chokio City Park features recreational areas, a walking trail, and space for outdoor events. The town also has several locally-owned businesses that support the rural community’s needs. Chokio has preserved its agricultural roots, making it a quintessential rural town in Minnesota.
3. Donnelly
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 250 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56235
- Latitude: 45.5750° N
- Longitude: 95.7939° W
Location and History:
Donnelly is a small town located in the southern part of Stevens County, situated between the Pomme de Terre River and Lake Lida. The town was established in the late 19th century and was named after an early settler, James Donnelly. Like many towns in Stevens County, Donnelly grew as an agricultural community, with settlers establishing farms and small businesses in the area. Over the years, the town has maintained a rural atmosphere, with farming and related industries continuing to dominate the local economy.
Donnelly’s location near the river and lake makes it a scenic spot for outdoor activities, and its rural character has remained largely unchanged. The town’s residents are closely tied to agriculture, and the local economy continues to depend heavily on farming, especially grain and livestock production.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Donnelly is part of the Morris Area School District, with students attending schools in the nearby city of Morris. The town is home to the Donnelly Community Center, which hosts local events and gatherings. Major landmarks include Lake Lida, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping, and the Pomme de Terre River, which is a key feature of the area for outdoor recreation. Donnelly’s City Park offers space for picnics, sports, and community events, making it a popular spot for families and visitors. The town is also home to a few local businesses that cater to the rural community, providing essential services and products. The town’s annual Donnelly Days celebration brings together the community for a weekend of activities, food, and entertainment, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage.
4. Hancock
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: 900 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56244
- Latitude: 45.5678° N
- Longitude: 95.8693° W
Location and History:
Hancock is a small town located in the southeastern part of Stevens County, near Lake Pomme de Terre. The town was founded in the late 19th century and named after John Hancock, a prominent figure in the American Revolution. Hancock’s early growth was fueled by agriculture, particularly wheat farming, as well as its location along the Pomme de Terre River, which allowed farmers to ship their products more easily. The railroad played a crucial role in the town’s development, enabling the transportation of goods to larger markets.
Today, Hancock is a small yet vibrant community, known for its quiet, rural character. It remains largely focused on farming, though small businesses and services have developed to meet the needs of the local population. The town is a hub for its surrounding agricultural area and offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle for residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Hancock is served by the Hancock School District, which includes Hancock High School and Hancock Elementary School. The town’s Pomme de Terre Park is a popular landmark, offering scenic views of the river and a space for outdoor activities like picnicking and fishing. The town is also home to the Hancock Community Center, which hosts local events such as dances, meetings, and holiday celebrations. Hancock’s Main Street is lined with locally-owned shops and businesses, and the town hosts Hancock Days, an annual event featuring a parade, games, and local food. The nearby Lake Pomme de Terre is a recreational hotspot, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, making Hancock an appealing destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
