Cities and Towns in Swift County, Minnesota
Founded in 1870, Swift County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Swift County was formed from Chippewa County. The city of Benson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 151, Swift County has a population of 9,749 and area of 743.53 square miles (1,926 km²).
List of all cities in Swift County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Appleton, MN | 56208 | 320 |
| Benson, MN | 56215 | 320 |
| Clontarf, MN | 56226 | 320 |
| Danvers, MN | 56231 | 320 |
| De Graff, MN | 56271 | 320 |
| Holloway, MN | 56249 | 320 |
| Kerkhoven, MN | 56252 | 320 |
| Murdock, MN | 56271 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Swift County, Minnesota
Swift County, located in west-central Minnesota, is home to a blend of agricultural communities, lakes, and scenic landscapes. The county is known for its strong rural roots, with farming, particularly grain and livestock, playing a significant role in the local economy. The county seat, Appleton, serves as the largest city in Swift County, and other towns, such as Clontarf, Danvers, and Kerkhoven, offer a peaceful, small-town atmosphere with access to outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. Below are the major cities and towns in Swift County, each with its own unique history and character.
1. Appleton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.4 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56208
- Latitude: 45.3007° N
- Longitude: 95.5395° W
Location and History:
Appleton is the county seat of Swift County and is located in the central part of the county, along the Pomme de Terre River. The town was founded in 1872 and named after the nearby apple orchards that early settlers planted in the area. Appleton grew quickly in the late 19th century due to its favorable location for farming and transportation. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s helped the town prosper by providing a connection to larger cities, enabling the shipment of agricultural products.
The town continued to grow through the 20th century, with agriculture remaining the primary economic driver. Appleton became a commercial and government hub for the region, with its proximity to the river providing access to water resources. Over time, the town maintained its rural charm, becoming known for its strong sense of community, small-town events, and outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Appleton is served by the Appleton Area School District, which includes Appleton High School and Appleton Elementary School. Major landmarks in the town include the Swift County Historical Museum, which preserves and shares the area’s history through exhibits and local artifacts. Appleton City Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, offering picnic areas, walking trails, and sports fields. The Pomme de Terre River is a prominent natural feature, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Appleton hosts the Applefest every year, a festival celebrating the town’s history and agricultural roots with a parade, live music, and local food vendors. The Appleton Public Library is another important community space, offering educational resources and hosting events for residents of all ages.
2. Benson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 3,400 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56215
- Latitude: 45.3054° N
- Longitude: 95.5747° W
Location and History:
Benson is located in the southwestern part of Swift County, along the Chippewa River. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after W. S. Benson, a local businessman who was influential in the early development of the town. Benson quickly became a key commercial center for the surrounding farming communities, particularly for the sale of grain and livestock. The town’s growth was also boosted by the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, which allowed for better transportation of goods and helped make Benson an important regional hub.
Today, Benson is a larger town in Swift County, serving as a center for commerce and services for residents of the surrounding rural areas. The town has maintained its small-town character while providing modern amenities, including schools, healthcare, and local businesses. Agriculture continues to be an important part of Benson’s economy, although tourism and recreational activities are also growing in importance due to the town’s proximity to outdoor attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Benson is served by the Benson Public School District, which includes Benson High School and Benson Elementary School. Notable landmarks in Benson include the Chippewa County Historical Society Museum, which showcases the region’s agricultural and cultural history. The town is home to Benson City Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and a community swimming pool. The Chippewa River is another key feature of the town, providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and outdoor exploration. Benson’s Main Street is lined with local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that reflect the town’s commercial past. The Benson Golf Club offers recreational opportunities, and the Benson Rodeo is an annual event that celebrates the community’s agricultural roots with rodeo events, live music, and food.
3. Kerkhoven
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: 700 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56252
- Latitude: 45.2278° N
- Longitude: 95.5226° W
Location and History:
Kerkhoven is a small city located in the northeastern part of Swift County. It was founded in the late 19th century and named after Kerkhoven, a town in the Netherlands, reflecting the Dutch heritage of many of its early settlers. The town developed as an agricultural community, with grain and dairy farming being the primary economic drivers. Kerkhoven grew as a small farming town, with a focus on providing services to surrounding rural areas.
Over the years, Kerkhoven has maintained its rural character, offering a quiet lifestyle with close-knit community ties. While agriculture remains the town’s main industry, small businesses, schools, and local events also play a role in its economy and community life. Kerkhoven continues to attract those seeking a peaceful, small-town environment, with the surrounding natural beauty offering opportunities for outdoor activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Kerkhoven is served by the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School District, which includes Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School and Kerkhoven Elementary School. The town is home to the Kerkhoven Community Park, which offers recreational amenities like a playground and sports fields. Kerkhoven’s landmarks include the Kerkhoven United Methodist Church, which is a historical building that reflects the town’s long-standing religious and cultural traditions. Kerkhoven’s Main Street is lined with small, locally-owned businesses, and the town hosts several community events throughout the year, including a Harvest Festival that celebrates the area’s agricultural heritage. The Pomme de Terre River, located nearby, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking in the surrounding countryside.
4. Clontarf
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 180 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56226
- Latitude: 45.3894° N
- Longitude: 95.4964° W
Location and History:
Clontarf is a small town located in the southeastern corner of Swift County, established in the late 19th century. It was named after Clontarf, a district in Dublin, Ireland, reflecting the Irish heritage of some of the early settlers in the area. The town grew as an agricultural settlement, with the arrival of the railroad spurring development and enabling local farmers to ship their goods to larger markets. Clontarf became known as a center for grain farming, and over time, the local economy shifted to support small businesses and services for the surrounding rural community.
Although small, Clontarf has maintained a quiet, rural character, and many of its residents continue to be involved in farming and outdoor activities. The town is closely connected to the larger regional economy, with residents commuting to nearby towns like Appleton and Benson for work, school, and other services.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Clontarf is part of the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg School District, with students attending schools in neighboring towns. The town’s landmarks include the Clontarf Community Park, which offers picnic areas and space for outdoor events. Clontarf is also known for its historic Clontarf Church, which serves as a local gathering place for the community. The town hosts the Clontarf Rodeo Days, an annual celebration that brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of rodeo events, live music, and food. The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms and offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and hunting. Though small, Clontarf remains a charming town with a strong sense of community pride.
