Population61,041 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
A Thousand Lakes and Stories Between Them
Otter Tail County, MinnesotaOtter Tail County offers a west-central Minnesota landscape of lakes, rolling hills, and communities connected by water and land routes. Phelps Mill, Maplewood State Park, and Glendalough State Park give visitors different ways into that landscape. Its history includes milling, railroads, and a changing county seat. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 61,041 residents in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Otter Tail County at a Glance
Population61,041 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatFergus Falls
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1858
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water2,224.327 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 Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County
Otter Tail County was established in 1858 and organized in 1868, two separate milestones in its government history. Ottertail City was the original county seat, with Fergus Falls becoming the seat in 1872. Waterpower, lumber, agriculture, and railroad routes all shaped community development. Phelps Mill preserves part of that industrial story: the county bought the mill and surrounding property in 1965. The building now connects a recreation destination with the earlier importance of flour milling in the local economy.
Start with Phelps Mill County Park for a place where local history and outdoor time come together. Maplewood and Glendalough state parks offer additional routes into the county's lake landscape. The county also lists the Heart of the Lakes Trail among its recreation resources. Check each destination's own maps and activity guidance when planning, since a trail outing, a mill visit, and a day on the water require different preparations.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Otter Tail County offers a west-central Minnesota landscape of lakes, rolling hills, and communities connected by water and land routes.
Community Story
Otter Tail County was established in 1858 and organized in 1868, two separate milestones in its government history. Ottertail City was the original county seat, with Fergus Falls becoming the seat in 1872.
Explore Locally
Start with Phelps Mill County Park for a place where local history and outdoor time come together. Maplewood and Glendalough state parks offer additional routes into the county's lake landscape.
Lakes to explore and local stories along the way
A Closer Look
Otter Tail County
Places and perspectives from Otter Tail 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 Otter Tail County
Stories from every corner of Otter Tail 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.
Battle Lake Elementary – Elementary; grades KG-06. 402 W SUMMIT ST, BATTLE LAKE, MN 56515. 218-864-5217.
Adams Elementary – Elementary; grades 01-03. 301 WEST BANCROFT AVE, FERGUS FALLS, MN 56537. 218-998-0544.
Henning Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 500 SCHOOL AVE, HENNING, MN 56551. 218-583-2927.
New York Mills Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 209 N HAYES AVE, NEW YORK MILLS, MN 56567. 218-385-4201.
Parkers Prairie Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 518 S MCCORNELL, PARKERS PRAIRIE, MN 56361. 218-338-4079.
Heart Of The Lake Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-04. 810 2ND AVE SW, PERHAM, MN 56573. 218-346-5437.
Viking Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-06. 1 VIKING DR, PELICAN RAPIDS, MN 56572. 218-863-2911.
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.
Perham Health – Critical Access Hospitals. 1000 Coney Street West, Perham, MN 56573. 218-347-4500.
Community Behavioral Health Hospital Fergus Falls – Psychiatric. 1801 West Alcott Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56538. 218-331-5005.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Residents learn about Pelican Rapids area ambulance plan; public hearing set for Oct. 12
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.
Fergus Falls Public Library – 205 East Hampden Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. 218-739-9387.
New York Mills Public Library – 30 North Main, New York Mills, MN 56567. 218-385-2436.
Pelican Rapids Public Library – 25 West Mill Avenue, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572. 218-863-7055.
Perham Area Public Library – 225 2Nd Av Ne, Perham, MN 56573. 218-346-4892.
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
DMV
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 Otter Tail County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Otter Tail County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
61,041 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
2,224.327 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
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 Elections and Voting, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Recycling & Waste Disposal, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Residents learn about Pelican Rapids area ambulance plan; public hearing set for Oct. 12, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Sheriff History, 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.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Start with Phelps Mill County Park for a place where local history and outdoor time come together. Maplewood and Glendalough state parks offer additional routes into the county’s lake landscape. The county also lists the Heart of the Lakes Trail among its recreation resources. Check each destination’s own maps and activity guidance when planning, since a trail outing, a mill visit, and a day on the water require different preparations.
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