Cities and Towns in Traverse County, Minnesota
Founded in 1862, Traverse County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Traverse County was formed from Pierce County and unorganized Territory. The city of Wheaton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 155, Traverse County has a population of 3,286 and area of 574.09 square miles (1,487 km²).
List of all cities in Traverse County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Browns Valley, MN | 56219 | 320 |
| Campbell, MN | 56583 | 218 |
| Charlesville, MN | 56583 | 218 |
| Dumont, MN | 56236 | 320 |
| Johnson, MN | 56236 | 320 |
| Tenney, MN | 56583 | 218 |
| Tintah, MN | 56583 | 218 |
| Wheaton, MN | 56296 | 320 |
Major Cities and Towns in Traverse County, Minnesota
Traverse County is located in the western part of Minnesota and is known for its rural landscapes, lakes, and small-town charm. The county seat is Wheaton, and other towns in the county include Fairfax, Lanesboro, and Traverse City. The region is steeped in agricultural history, with farming being a key part of the local economy. Below are the major cities and towns in Traverse County, each with unique characteristics that define the area.
1. Wheaton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.3 square miles
- Population: 1,500 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56296
- Latitude: 45.8431° N
- Longitude: 96.5711° W
Location and History:
Wheaton is the county seat of Traverse County, located in the western part of the state along the Traverse River. The town was founded in the 1870s and named after Frank Wheaton, a railroad executive who helped the town’s development. Wheaton grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad, becoming a transportation hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The early economy of Wheaton revolved around farming and timber, with a focus on grain production, livestock, and other agricultural products.
Throughout the 20th century, Wheaton continued to thrive as an agricultural community. It has maintained a small-town atmosphere while developing its retail and service sectors. The town’s proximity to lakes and the river has also made it a point of interest for outdoor recreation. Wheaton has remained a central hub for local commerce and government in Traverse County, with a strong sense of community and a steady population. The town’s rural location provides a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to larger cities like Alexandria and Moorhead.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Wheaton is served by the Wheaton Area School District, which includes Wheaton High School and Wheaton Elementary School. The town’s major landmarks include The Traverse County Courthouse, a historical building in the heart of downtown, and Wheaton City Park, which features walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The Wheaton Heritage Center showcases the town’s history through exhibits and local artifacts. Wheaton is also known for its annual Wheaton Town & Country Days celebration, which features a parade, local music, and food vendors. The Traverse River provides opportunities for fishing and boating, adding to the town’s appeal as a recreational destination.
2. Clinton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.7 square miles
- Population: 250 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56225
- Latitude: 45.7901° N
- Longitude: 96.5275° W
Location and History:
Clinton is a small town located in the southwestern part of Traverse County, along the banks of the Pomme de Terre River. The town was settled in the late 19th century and named after Clinton, New York. The town’s economy has always been centered around agriculture, with an emphasis on grain farming and livestock production. Clinton’s location near waterways also made it a convenient spot for early settlers to transport goods and supplies.
Like many small rural communities in Minnesota, Clinton has maintained its agricultural identity, with farming still being a key part of the local economy. The town offers a slower pace of life and a tight-knit community atmosphere, with residents often involved in local events and the town’s small businesses. Although small in size, Clinton’s rural setting makes it a peaceful retreat for those seeking quiet, country living. The town is also close to larger communities like Wheaton, providing easy access to additional services and amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Clinton is served by the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District, which includes Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School. While Clinton itself is small, it is an integral part of the local school district. The town is home to Clinton Community Park, which offers recreational space for residents, including a playground and picnic areas. One notable landmark is the Pomme de Terre River, which runs nearby and provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and boating. The Clinton Country Store serves as a local gathering spot for residents, offering groceries, supplies, and community events. Clinton hosts several local events, including a Harvest Festival, which celebrates the agricultural roots of the community, complete with games, local vendors, and a parade.
3. Fairview
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 150 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56240
- Latitude: 45.7068° N
- Longitude: 96.4820° W
Location and History:
Fairview is a tiny, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Traverse County. Originally, it was established as a small agricultural settlement that provided services to the surrounding farming areas. It was never a major town, but it developed around local businesses and a few essential services for area farmers. The area remains primarily agricultural, with many surrounding farms still dedicated to producing crops and raising livestock.
Though small, Fairview offers a quiet rural lifestyle that attracts people who prefer peace and seclusion. Over the years, the town’s population has remained stable but low, and it has not developed into a major center of commerce or industry. However, it retains a strong local identity, with neighboring rural areas depending on its small businesses and agricultural resources. The nearby Pomme de Terre River offers outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing, and nature hikes, which adds to the town’s natural appeal.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Fairview, being a small community, does not have its own school but is part of the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District, with students attending schools in the neighboring towns of Clinton or Beardsley. Major landmarks in the area include the Pomme de Terre River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. The town is surrounded by farm fields and is known for its agricultural heritage. Fairview is close to the Traverse County Fairgrounds, where the annual Traverse County Fair takes place, featuring agricultural displays, carnival rides, and local events. As a small community, Fairview’s landmarks and local attractions mainly revolve around outdoor activities and rural life.
4. Tintah
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: 100 (approx.)
- Zip Code: 56278
- Latitude: 45.6809° N
- Longitude: 96.4572° W
Location and History:
Tintah is one of the smallest communities in Traverse County, located in the northeastern part of the county. The town was established as a farming settlement in the early 20th century and was named after the Tintah River, which flows through the area. As with many small towns in rural Minnesota, Tintah has historically relied on agriculture, especially grain farming, to support its economy.
Over time, Tintah has remained a peaceful rural community with very little commercial development. The town is home to a small but tight-knit population, and its rural location makes it a quiet retreat for those who enjoy the slower pace of country life. Tintah is located near the Pomme de Terre River, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and it has maintained its agricultural character while remaining a quiet, quaint place to live.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Tintah does not have its own school and is part of the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District. For landmarks, the Pomme de Terre River is the key natural feature in the area, providing scenic views and outdoor activities. The Tintah Community Park offers space for residents to gather, and the town is known for its quiet, rural atmosphere. While the town does not have many traditional landmarks, Tintah is notable for its agricultural heritage, and the surrounding farmland offers views of Minnesota’s rural landscapes.
