List of townships in Minnesota facts for kids

The U.S. state of Minnesota is divided into many smaller areas to help manage things locally. It has 87 big areas called counties and even more smaller areas called townships – 1,806 of them! These divisions help organize how communities are governed and how services are provided to people living there.

What is a Township?

Imagine a small local area, often rural, that has its own local government. That's a township! In Minnesota, townships are like small towns or communities that manage their own local roads, fire protection, and sometimes even parks. They are usually much smaller than cities and have fewer people living in them. People in townships often vote for their own local leaders who help make decisions for their community.

What is a County?

A county is a larger part of a state. Think of it as a bigger region that includes several cities and townships. Counties in Minnesota help manage bigger services like courts, larger roads, and public health for all the people within their borders. Each county has a main city where the county government offices are located.

Why These Divisions?

Having both counties and townships helps make sure that local needs are met. Townships handle things that are very specific to their small community, while counties take care of services that benefit a wider area. This system helps keep government close to the people it serves, allowing local residents to have a say in how their areas are run.

Minnesota's Many Townships

Minnesota has a large number of townships, 1,806 in total, spread across its 87 counties. Each one plays a part in the overall organization and daily life of the state.

See also

• List of cities in Minnesota
• List of Minnesota counties