My Local Guide

Lake Communities With A Layered Civic Story

Cass County, Minnesota

Walker anchors Cass County, where the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest are important parts of the regional setting. The county’s administrative history spans more than one period of organization, making its development more complex than a single founding date might suggest. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 31,430 residents in Cass County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.

Cass County at a Glance

Population31,430 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatWalker
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1851
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water2,413.984 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-55 - IL-16 - IL-127
Area Codes217
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Greenfield County courthouse
Discover Cass County

Cass County

Cass County was created in 1851, but its later organization took place in stages. County records describe an 1872 organization at West Brainerd and a reorganization in 1897 with Walker as the seat. The courthouse dedicated in 1907 marks another step in that civic development. These dates concern county government rather than the beginning of human life in the area; the Leech Lake Reservation remains an essential part of understanding the region's broader and continuing community identity.

Start in Walker for the county's administrative history, then plan specific destinations within the broader lake and forest region. Keep county, national forest and reservation boundaries distinct when researching access and visitor information. Each has its own context and responsible organizations. A well-planned outing can connect the courthouse story with the surrounding landscape while respecting the fact that Tribal history and community life extend far beyond a county-government timeline.

What Shapes Us

Place And Character

Walker anchors Cass County, where the Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest are important parts of the regional setting.

The Local Story

Cass County was created in 1851, but its later organization took place in stages. County records describe an 1872 organization at West Brainerd and a reorganization in 1897 with Walker as the seat.

Explore The County

Start in Walker for the county's administrative history, then plan specific destinations within the broader lake and forest region. Keep county, national forest and reservation boundaries distinct when researching access and visitor information.

Explore connected landscapes with attention to each community's story.
MPR News — Minnesota

MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya

Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…

Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

County Resources

Find the Right Local Connection

Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.

Government Resources

Montgomery County Administration

Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.

(217) 532-9530

montgomerycountyil.gov

County Clerk's Office

Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.

(217) 532-9531

montgomerycountyil.gov/clerk

County Treasurer

Property taxes, payments, and financial services.

(217) 532-9525

montgomerycountyil.gov/treasurer

Building & Zoning Department

Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.

(217) 532-3941

montgomerycountyil.gov/building-zoning

Health Department

Community health programs, services, and resources.

(217) 532-5541

montgomeryco.com/health

County Extension Office

Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.

(217) 532-3941

extension.illinois.edu

Get to Know Cass County

Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.

Local Questions

Cass County Questions, Answered

Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.

31,430 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make Time to Explore

Browse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.

Kids' Fun

  1. Highland Playgroup
  2. Wonder Works Science Center
  3. Giggle Junction
  4. Little Explorers Museum
  5. Discovery Park
  6. Greenfield Splash Pad
  7. Storytime Corner
  8. Adventure Zone
  9. Mini Makers Studio
  10. County Fairgrounds
  11. Family Fun Center
  12. Junior Nature Club

Restaurants

  1. Olive & Oak
  2. The Daily Dish
  3. Harbor House Grill
  4. Sunrise Diner
  5. Greenfield Table
  6. County Line Cafe
  7. Brick Oven Kitchen
  8. Maple Street Bistro
  9. The Local Plate
  10. Hometown Barbecue
  11. River Bend Grill
  12. Harvest Kitchen

Shopping & Retail

  1. Market Square General Store
  2. Home & Hearth
  3. The Book Nook
  4. Local Threads
  5. Greenfield Mercantile
  6. County Market
  7. Garden Gate Goods
  8. Prairie Home Supply
  9. Cornerstone Gifts
  10. Main Street Finds
  11. Heritage Antiques
  12. Artisan Hall

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Uptown Boutique
  2. Thread & Co.
  3. Modern Muse
  4. Vintage Charm
  5. Willow & Co.
  6. Prairie Rose Apparel
  7. Sunday Best
  8. County Clothiers
  9. Evergreen Outfitters
  10. The Wardrobe
  11. Oak & Linen
  12. Market Street Style

Outdoor Fun

  1. Riverfront Adventures
  2. Summit Trail Outfitters
  3. Lakeside Kayaks
  4. Trailhead Co.
  5. Greenfield Lake
  6. Prairie Ridge Trail
  7. County Conservation Area
  8. Hillsboro Sports Park
  9. Sunset Campground
  10. Oak Valley Stables
  11. Meadow Creek Preserve
  12. Scenic Route 16

Free Things To Do

  1. City Park
  2. Downtown Walking Tour
  3. Community Art Wall
  4. Farmers Market
  5. Courthouse Square
  6. Public Library Events
  7. Lake Overlook
  8. Historic Marker Trail
  9. Summer Concert Series
  10. Community Garden
  11. Heritage Museum Day
  12. Holiday Main Street Walk
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