Fillmore County, Minnesota
Bluff Country & Driftless Area
Nestled in the scenic Root River Valley, Fillmore County is home to limestone bluffs, world-class trout streams, historic small towns, and a way of life rooted in community and the land. Explore our county's cities, towns, parks, and people.
Cities & Towns of Fillmore County
Each community in Fillmore County carries its own character, history, and spirit. Find contact information, local schools, parks, and what makes each town worth knowing.
Preston
"Get Hooked On Preston" — Trout Capital of Minnesota
- Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park nearby
- Root River Valley trout fishing access
- Fillmore County Fairgrounds & Trout Days festival
- Preston Carnegie Library — historic landmark
- Fillmore County Courthouse & History Center
Lanesboro
Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota — an arts destination in the bluffs
- Root River State Trail — 42 miles of paved trail
- Commonweal Theatre Company — professional live theatre
- Lanesboro Arts Center & gallery scene
- Historic downtown National Register district
- Sylvan Park along the Root River
Harmony
"The Biggest Little Town in Southeast Minnesota"
- Niagara Cave — stalactites, underground waterfall
- Harmony–Preston Valley State Trail
- Amish country tours & buggy rides
- Chosen Valley State Wildlife Management Area
- Jon Hassler Theater — live community productions
Rushford
A River Town with Outdoor Adventure at Every Turn
- Root River State Trail access point
- Rushford Municipal Airport
- Rush Creek trout fishing
- Rushford Village surrounds — 33 sq. miles of farmland
- Rushford-Peterson Valley Chamber events
Chatfield
Original County Seat — Root River & Fillmore County history
- George A. Haven's historic stone wall — stones from 6 continents
- Root River access & City Park along the river
- Historic Main Street brick buildings (1870–1900)
- Only stoplight in Fillmore County
- Chatfield Community Center & Farmer's Market
Spring Valley
Home of Almanzo Wilder — Little House on the Prairie Country
- Almanzo & Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Site
- Spring Valley Methodist Church Museum
- Spring Valley City Park & Veteran's Memorial
- Kingsland Knights athletics & community events
- Historic downtown with preserved 19th-century buildings
Peterson
A Trailside Gem on the Root River — Small Town, Big Heart
- Root River State Trail runs directly through town
- Peterson Station Museum & Visitor Center
- Peterson State Fish Hatchery — open to the public
- City campground with 10 RV sites on the trail
- Canoe, kayak & tube rentals on the Root River
Rushford Village
Rolling Farmland & Scenic Valleys Surrounding the Root River
- 33 square miles surrounding Rushford & Peterson
- Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway (Hwy 16)
- Root River State Trail runs through the Village
- Tubing, canoeing & fishing on the Root River
- Area snowmobile trails active in winter months
Mabel
Home of Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days — Southern Fillmore County
- Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days — annual summer festival
- Located near the Iowa border on MN Hwy 43 & 44
- Strong Norwegian heritage and community roots
- Mabel Community Center hosts local events year-round
- Close to the Oneota River Valley scenic corridor
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Contact TIV360 TodayMore Small Towns Worth Knowing
These smaller communities are the heart of Fillmore County — quiet, proud, and full of character.
Home of the Fillmore County History Center & Museum. Trail head for the Root River State Trail with a city park, ball fields, and karst sinkhole overlooks.
A tiny town of about 67 residents sitting right on the Root River Trail. Known for its annual Stand Still Parade — where the parade stays put and spectators walk around it. Whalan Historical Museum celebrates its Norwegian railroad heritage.
A proud Scandinavian-rooted community in the western reaches of the county. Hosts the annual Uff-Da Day celebration. Home to Ostrander Care & Rehab and served by the CHS grain elevator.
A small agricultural community near the Iowa border sharing the Mabel-Canton School District. Set among rolling hills and farmland in the Winnebago River watershed area of southeastern Fillmore County.
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Brandon Schick
SEO specialist, WordPress developer, and the mind behind this directory. Rushford, MN native.
Visit brandonschick.meAbout Fillmore County
Fillmore County was established on March 5, 1853, named for President Millard Fillmore. Nestled in the Driftless Area — a region untouched by glaciers — its rugged limestone bluffs, cold-water springs, and winding river valleys create some of Minnesota's most striking scenery. The Root River runs through the heart of the county, drawing anglers, cyclists, and paddlers from across the Midwest.
County Quick Reference
- County Seat Preston, MN
- County Website co.fillmore.mn.us
- Sheriff's Office (507) 765-3874
- Area 861 sq. miles
- State Park Forestville / Mystery Cave
- State Trail Root River State Trail