Explore Communities

Minnesota Riverlands helps people stay connected to the counties and towns along the Minnesota River. Betty gathers local updates from schools, government, businesses, organizations and public sources, then puts them all on the same page so residents can understand what is happening around them.

Big Stone County sits at the headwaters of the Minnesota River, where Big Stone Lake meets open prairie, granite outcroppings and productive farmland. From Ortonville to communities across the county, its identity is shaped by water, agriculture, outdoor recreation and small-town connection.

Brown County blends the natural beauty of the Minnesota River Valley with family farms, arts, festivals and enduring local traditions. From New Ulm and Sleepy Eye to communities across the county, its German heritage and agricultural roots remain important parts of its identity.

Chippewa County is where the Chippewa and Minnesota rivers meet, surrounded by productive farmland, wooded riverbanks and prairie landscapes. From Montevideo and Clara City to communities across the county, it combines a strong agricultural identity with deep local history and active community life.

Lac qui Parle County brings together wide-open prairie, productive farmland, the Minnesota River and Lac qui Parle Lake. From Madison and Dawson to communities across the county, it is defined by agricultural traditions, local pride and neighbors who show up for one another.

Redwood County follows the Redwood and Minnesota rivers through productive farmland, wooded ravines and prairie communities. From Redwood Falls and Wabasso to communities across the county, it is shaped by agriculture, dramatic landscapes and the region’s Dakota and Minnesota history.

Renville County follows the Minnesota River through fertile farmland, prairie communities and wooded valleys. From Olivia and Bird Island to communities across the county, its identity is rooted in agriculture, local history and the people who keep its small towns connected.

Yellow Medicine County is shaped by the Minnesota River, granite outcroppings, open prairie and productive farmland. From Granite Falls and Canby to communities across the county, it is a place where agriculture, creativity, local history and dramatic river landscapes come together.