Population6,288 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
Prairie County With A Changing Name
Wilkin County, MinnesotaWilkin County belongs to Minnesota’s Red River Valley, with Breckenridge serving as its civic center. Its history includes several county names and more than one courthouse, providing a distinctive account of how local government took shape and rebuilt after major setbacks. Breckenridge brings those institutional changes into focus. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 6,288 residents in Wilkin County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Wilkin County at a Glance
Population6,288 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatBreckenridge
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1858 (as Toombs County)
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water751.224 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-55 - IL-16 - IL-127
Area Codes217
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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 Wilkin County
Wilkin County
The county began as Toombs County in 1858, became Andy Johnson County in 1862 and adopted the Wilkin name in 1868. County government was organized in 1872. Courthouse fires in 1884 and 1922 interrupted that institutional history, with the present courthouse dating to 1929. The sequence gives Breckenridge's civic landscape a deeper context: the county's identity and its public buildings changed repeatedly, while the need for a shared center of government remained.
Begin with Breckenridge's courthouse story when exploring Wilkin County. The succession of names is especially useful for anyone reading older records, since documents may refer to the same area under an earlier identity. The Red River Valley setting supplies the broader geographic context. Pair the county's historical overview with current local information to choose a route, and allow time to connect the civic center with the surrounding valley landscape.
What Shapes Us
Place And Character
Its history includes several county names and more than one courthouse, providing a distinctive account of how local government took shape and rebuilt after major setbacks.
The Local Story
The county began as Toombs County in 1858, became Andy Johnson County in 1862 and adopted the Wilkin name in 1868.
Explore The County
Begin with Breckenridge's courthouse story when exploring Wilkin County. The succession of names is especially useful for anyone reading older records, since documents may refer to the same area under an earlier identity.
Discover enduring community through changing names and new beginnings.
A Closer Look
Wilkin County
Places and perspectives from Wilkin 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 Wilkin County
Stories from every corner of Wilkin 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.
Breckenridge Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 810 BEEDE AVE, BRECKENRIDGE, MN 56520. 218-643-6681.
Campbell-Tintah Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 430 CONNECTICUT AVE, CAMPBELL, MN 56522. 218-630-5311.
Rothsay Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 2040 COUNTY ROAD 52, ROTHSAY, MN 56579. 218-867-2116.
Breckenridge Middle/High School – High; grades 07-12. 710 N 13TH ST, BRECKENRIDGE, MN 56520. 218-643-2694.
Campbell-Tintah Secondary – High; grades 07-12. 430 CONNECTICUT AVE, CAMPBELL, MN 56522. 218-630-5311.
Rothsay Secondary – High; grades 07-12. 2040 COUNTY ROAD 52, ROTHSAY, MN 56579. 218-867-2116.
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.
St Francis Medical Center – Critical Access Hospitals. 2400 St Francis Drive, Breckenridge, MN 56520. 218-643-3000.
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.
Breckenridge Library – 205 7Th St N, Breckenridge, MN 56520. 218-643-2113.
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 Wilkin County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Wilkin County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
6,288 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
751.224 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Assessor, 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 Recycling Program, 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 Veterans Service Officer, 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.
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 county began as Toombs County in 1858, became Andy Johnson County in 1862 and adopted the Wilkin name in 1868. County government was organized in 1872. Courthouse fires in 1884 and 1922 interrupted that institutional history, with the present courthouse dating to 1929. The sequence gives Breckenridge’s civic landscape a deeper context: the county’s identity and its public buildings changed repeatedly, while the need for a shared center of government remained.
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