Population40,120 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Lakeside Parks and Everyday Outdoor Escapes
Douglas County, MinnesotaDouglas County’s parks provide a varied introduction to local outdoor life, from Lake Brophy County Park to Kensington Rune Stone Park. County-maintained beaches, picnic areas, and recreation spaces give visitors several starting points. Use the parks map to choose a destination and plan a route between stops. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 40,120 residents in Douglas County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Douglas County at a Glance
Population40,120 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatAlexandria
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1858
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water720.152 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-55 - IL-16 - IL-127
Area Codes217
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.
Discover Douglas County
Douglas County
Public recreation is one way to understand Douglas County's local character. Its parks department maintains places with different identities, including Lake Brophy County Park, Kensington Rune Stone Park, Chippewa Park, and Lake Le Homme Dieu Beach. The county's parks map and trail resources connect those names with actual destinations. Rather than assuming that every lakeside location offers the same facilities, explore the individual park information; the variety is part of what makes the county's outdoor spaces useful to residents and visitors alike.
A picnic, a trail outing, and a camping trip require different plans here. Douglas County allows public camping at Chippewa Park, while its general parks guidance distinguishes that campground from other county parks. Picnic shelter reservations are handled separately. Consult the county's park pages for the facilities at your chosen location, and use its published maps to plan visits to Lake Brophy, Spruce Hill, or another county recreation space.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Douglas County's parks provide a varied introduction to local outdoor life, from Lake Brophy County Park to Kensington Rune Stone Park.
Community Story
Its parks department maintains places with different identities, including Lake Brophy County Park, Kensington Rune Stone Park, Chippewa Park, and Lake Le Homme Dieu Beach.
Explore Locally
A picnic, a trail outing, and a camping trip require different plans here. Douglas County allows public camping at Chippewa Park, while its general parks guidance distinguishes that campground from other county parks.
Choose a park and make time for the outdoors
A Closer Look
Douglas County
Places and perspectives from Douglas County
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
Around Douglas County
Stories from every corner of Douglas County.
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…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Sam Zimmerman paints his North Shore roots
A collection of paintings and stories by Sam Zimmerman captures memories of life in northern Minnesota. His new…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
St. Cloud races could decide who controls Legislature
The mixed politics of St. Cloud-area voters have led to some razor-thin outcomes in past elections. And it…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Grandmother, daughters and grandson among 6 victims who died in a Wisconsin plane crash
Family members say a grandmother, two of her adult daughters and her grandson were among the six people…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness
Authorities say a 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
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.
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
Schools
University of Minnesota Extension
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Lincoln Elementary – Elementary; grades KG-05. 1120 LARK ST, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308. 320-762-3320.
Brandon Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-01. 206 3RD ST W, BRANDON, MN 56315. 320-834-4084.
Kalon Prep Academy – High; grades 09-12. 1877 AGA DRIVE, SUITE 220, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308. 320-460-8881.
Osakis Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 500 1ST AVE E, OSAKIS, MN 56360. 320-859-2191.
West Central Area S. El. – Elementary; grades PK-04. 31 N CENTRAL, KENSINGTON, MN 56343. 320-965-7600.
Discovery Middle School – Middle; grades 06-08. 510 N MCKAY AVE, ALEXANDRIA, MN 56308. 320-762-7900.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Alomere Health – Acute Care Hospitals. 111 17Th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN 56308. 320-762-1511.
Community Behavioral Health Hospital Alexandria – Psychiatric. 1610 8Th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN 56308. 320-335-6201.
Public Safety
Department of Corrections – Felony
Emergency Services
State Parks Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Trails
Utilities
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Douglas County Library – 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria, MN 56308. 320-762-3014.
Courts Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Motor Vehicle Services
Transportation Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Douglas County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Douglas County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
40,120 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
720.152 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Board of Commissioners, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Parks & Trails, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Corrections, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Emergency Management, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Library, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Runestone Electric Association Tour of Douglas County, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with University of Minnesota Extension, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Veterans, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Employment Opportunities, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
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 ExploreBrowse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.
Kids' Fun
- Highland Playgroup
- Wonder Works Science Center
- Giggle Junction
- Little Explorers Museum
- Discovery Park
- Greenfield Splash Pad
- Storytime Corner
- Adventure Zone
- Mini Makers Studio
- County Fairgrounds
- Family Fun Center
- Junior Nature Club
Restaurants
- Olive & Oak
- The Daily Dish
- Harbor House Grill
- Sunrise Diner
- Greenfield Table
- County Line Cafe
- Brick Oven Kitchen
- Maple Street Bistro
- The Local Plate
- Hometown Barbecue
- River Bend Grill
- Harvest Kitchen
Shopping & Retail
- Market Square General Store
- Home & Hearth
- The Book Nook
- Local Threads
- Greenfield Mercantile
- County Market
- Garden Gate Goods
- Prairie Home Supply
- Cornerstone Gifts
- Main Street Finds
- Heritage Antiques
- Artisan Hall
Clothing & Boutiques
- Uptown Boutique
- Thread & Co.
- Modern Muse
- Vintage Charm
- Willow & Co.
- Prairie Rose Apparel
- Sunday Best
- County Clothiers
- Evergreen Outfitters
- The Wardrobe
- Oak & Linen
- Market Street Style
Outdoor Fun
- Riverfront Adventures
- Summit Trail Outfitters
- Lakeside Kayaks
- Trailhead Co.
- Greenfield Lake
- Prairie Ridge Trail
- County Conservation Area
- Hillsboro Sports Park
- Sunset Campground
- Oak Valley Stables
- Meadow Creek Preserve
- Scenic Route 16
Free Things To Do
- City Park
- Downtown Walking Tour
- Community Art Wall
- Farmers Market
- Courthouse Square
- Public Library Events
- Lake Overlook
- Historic Marker Trail
- Summer Concert Series
- Community Garden
- Heritage Museum Day
- Holiday Main Street Walk
A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below