Population30,472 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Small Towns Along a Woodland Corridor
Pine County, MinnesotaPine County links small communities and wooded recreation areas along the Interstate 35 corridor between the Twin Cities and Duluth. Pine City, Hinckley, and Sandstone provide community starting points. State parks and forests add places to explore, with routes and activities that vary across this east-central Minnesota landscape. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 30,472 residents in Pine County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Pine County at a Glance
Population30,472 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatPine City
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1856
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water1,434.608 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 Pine County
Pine County
Pine County's character combines transportation connections with substantial outdoor landscapes. Interstate 35 runs through the county, linking its communities to the Twin Cities and Duluth. Beyond that corridor, the county's visitor information points to Banning and St. Croix state parks and several state forests. Local institutions add another layer: Pine Technical and Community College contributes an educational connection, while the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe owns Grand Casino Hinckley. Together, these places show the variety behind a simple highway view of the county.
Choose Pine City, Hinckley, or Sandstone as a starting point, then consult local visitor information for the surrounding area. Banning State Park, St. Croix State Park, and the county's listed state forests offer different outdoor experiences. Use the managing agency's maps to match a route to your activity rather than assuming all trails allow the same uses. Community calendars and college information provide other ways to connect with local life.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Pine County links small communities and wooded recreation areas along the Interstate 35 corridor between the Twin Cities and Duluth.
Community Story
Pine County's character combines transportation connections with substantial outdoor landscapes. Interstate 35 runs through the county, linking its communities to the Twin Cities and Duluth.
Explore Locally
Choose Pine City, Hinckley, or Sandstone as a starting point, then consult local visitor information for the surrounding area. Banning State Park, St.
Follow the corridor, explore the woods, meet the towns
A Closer Look
Pine County
Places and perspectives from Pine 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 Pine County
Stories from every corner of Pine 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.
East Central Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 61085 STATE HIGHWAY 23, FINLAYSON, MN 55735. 320-245-6013.
Finlayson Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 2159 HWY 18, FINLAYSON, MN 55735. 320-233-7611.
Online Academy Elementary – Elementary; grades KG-05. 1400 MAIN ST S, PINE CITY, MN 55063. 320-629-4117.
Willow River Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 8142 PINE ST, WILLOW RIVER, MN 55795. 218-372-3131.
East Central Senior Secondary – High; grades 07-12. 61085 STATE HIGHWAY 23, FINLAYSON, MN 55735. 320-245-6015.
Hinckley Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 111 BLAIR AVE S, HINCKLEY, MN 55037. 320-384-6443.
Online Academy Middle – Middle; grades 06-08. 1400 MAIN ST S, PINE CITY, MN 55063. 320-629-4117.
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.
Essentia Health Sandstone – Critical Access Hospitals. 705 Lundorff Drive South, Sandstone, MN 55072. 218-786-1367.
Public Safety
Emergency Services 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
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.
Hinckley Public Library – 106 1St Se, Hinckley, MN 55037. 320-384-6351.
Pine City Public Library – 300 5Th St. Se Municipal Building, Pine City, MN 55063. 320-629-6403.
Sandstone Community Library – 106 Main Street, Sandstone, MN 55072. 320-245-2270.
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 Pine County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Pine County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
30,472 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
1,434.608 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 Human Resources, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Jail, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Law Library, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Solid Waste & Recycling, 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 Matthew Lourey State Trail, 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.
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