Population21,540 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
River Branches Through a Landscape of Rolling Hills
Fillmore County, MinnesotaThe Root River and its branches connect Fillmore County’s agricultural hills with communities including Preston, Lanesboro, and Rushford. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park adds a distinctive natural destination. Norwegian immigration forms an important part of the county’s nineteenth-century history along Minnesota’s southern border. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 21,540 residents in Fillmore County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Fillmore County at a Glance
Population21,540 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatPreston
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1853
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water862.127 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesU.S. Highway 52; U.S. Highway 63
Area Codes217
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Discover Fillmore County
Fillmore County
Fillmore County was created in 1853 and named for President Millard Fillmore. Nineteenth-century settlement followed the United States’ 1851 treaties with Dakota nations, and Norwegian immigrants became especially prominent among later arrivals. Preston serves as the county seat. The county’s rolling agricultural terrain and the Root River system provide the geographic setting for these histories, connecting the larger story of migration with individual communities along Minnesota’s southern border with Iowa.
Preston, Lanesboro, Rushford, and Harmony offer distinct community reference points within Fillmore County. The Root River’s branches bring a connected waterway landscape to terrain shaped by hills and drainage valleys. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park adds a specific natural destination. A county visit can combine a town stop with time focused on that landscape, while allowing the individual communities to retain their own identities rather than treating the whole region as one destination.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
The Root River and its branches connect Fillmore County’s agricultural hills with communities including Preston, Lanesboro, and Rushford. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park adds a distinctive natural destination.
Community History
Fillmore County was created in 1853 and named for President Millard Fillmore. Nineteenth-century settlement followed the United States’ 1851 treaties with Dakota nations, and Norwegian immigrants became especially prominent among later arrivals.
Around the County
Preston, Lanesboro, Rushford, and Harmony offer distinct community reference points within Fillmore County. The Root River’s branches bring a connected waterway landscape to terrain shaped by hills and drainage valleys.
River branches connect the hills and their communities.
A Closer Look
Fillmore County
Places and perspectives from Fillmore 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 Fillmore County
Stories from every corner of Fillmore 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
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.
Chatfield Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-06. 11555 HILLSIDE DR SE, CHATFIELD, MN 55923. 507-867-4521.
Fillmore Central Senior High – High; grades 07-12. 145 MAIN AVE S, HARMONY, MN 55939. 507-886-6464.
Kingsland Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-06. 705 N SECTION AVE, SPRING VALLEY, MN 55975. 507-346-7276.
Lanesboro Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 100 KIRKWOOD ST E, LANESBORO, MN 55949. 507-467-2229.
Mabel-Canton Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 316 W FILLMORE AVE, MABEL, MN 55954. 507-493-5422.
Rushford-Peterson Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 1000 PINE MEADOWS LANE, RUSHFORD, MN 55971. 507-864-7785.
Fillmore Central Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 702 CHATFIELD ST, PRESTON, MN 55965. 507-765-3809.
Hospitals 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
Public Safety
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 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
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.
Chatfield Public Library – 314 S Main Street, Chatfield, MN 55923. 507-867-3480.
Harmony Public Library – 225 3Rd Av Sw, Harmony, MN 55939. 507-886-8133.
Lanesboro Public Library – 202 Parkway Ave. S., Lanesboro, MN 55949. 507-467-2649.
Mabel Public Library – 110 E. Newburg, Mabel, MN 55954. 507-493-5336.
Preston Public Library – 101 St Paul St Nw, Preston, MN 55965. 507-765-4511.
Rushford Public Library – 101 Mill Street N, Rushford, MN 55971. 507-864-7600.
Spring Valley Public Library – 121 West Jefferson St, Spring Valley, MN 55975. 507-346-2100.
Courts
DMV
Transportation
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 Fillmore County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Fillmore County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
21,540 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
862.127 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Veteran Services, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Courts & Legal, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Sheriff, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Landfill & Recycling, 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 Commissioners, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Airport, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Employment, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official Minnesota resources: Locations; Disability parking certificates; Renew my tabs. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
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