Population5,166 (2020 Census)
Lake country along the western border
Big Stone County, MinnesotaBig Stone County borders South Dakota. Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River shape its setting, while Ortonville serves as the county seat.
Big Stone County at a Glance
Population5,166 (2020 Census)
County SeatOrtonville
StateMinnesota
Established1862
ZIP CodesVaries by address
Total Area, Including Water528.1 square miles (2020 Census)
Travel ConditionsCheck Minnesota 511
Telephone Area CodesVaries by community
Discover Big Stone County
Big Stone County
Big Stone County borders South Dakota. Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River shape its setting, while Ortonville serves as the county seat.
Explore the places shown in the county photo collection, then check hours and public access before visiting. Historic buildings may be privately owned.
What Shapes Us
Place and Character
Big Stone County borders South Dakota. Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River shape its setting, while Ortonville serves as the county seat.
The Local Story
Big Stone County was established in 1862. Its county seat is Ortonville.
Explore the County
Use the county photo collection and resource links to plan your next local stop.
Get to know the places and people of Big Stone County.
A Closer Look
Big Stone County
Places and perspectives from Big Stone 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 Big Stone County
Stories from every corner of Big Stone 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 readCounty 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
Minnesota government — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Schools
Minnesota Department of Education — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Health
Minnesota Department of Health — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Public Safety
Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Emergency Preparedness
Minnesota public safety resources — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
State Parks
Minnesota state parks — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Trails
Minnesota DNR — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Utilities
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Libraries
Minnesota library resources — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Courts
Minnesota Judicial Branch — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Minnesota DVS locations — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Transportation
Minnesota Department of Transportation — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Veterans
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Employment
Minnesota employment resources — Statewide or national information available to county residents. Check the official site for the office or service relevant to your address.
Get to Know Big Stone County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Big Stone County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
Ortonville is the county seat of Big Stone County.
The 2020 Census records 528.1 square miles, including land and water. U.S. Census county table.
Big Stone County borders South Dakota. Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River shape its setting, while Ortonville serves as the county seat.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for a specific street address.
Use Minnesota 511 for current travel information.
Browse the Minnesota DNR state park directory and check each location before visiting.
Use the Minnesota DVS location finder.
Check the National Weather Service for your destination.
The gallery presents places from the supplied Big Stone County photo collection. Images may show historic appearances rather than current conditions.
A photograph does not establish public access. Confirm opening hours and respect private property.
The county wire uses Minnesota statewide feeds from MPR News and MinnPost.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time to ExploreBrowse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.
Browse Minnesota business listings and county guides for local connections.
A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below