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Redwood County, Minnesota facts for kids

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Redwood County
Redwood County Historical Society Museum
Map of Minnesota highlighting Redwood County
Location within the U.S. state of Minnesota
Map of the United States highlighting Minnesota
Minnesota's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Minnesota
Founded February 6, 1862
Named for Redwood River
Seat Redwood Falls
Largest city Redwood Falls
Area
 • Total 882 sq mi (2,280 km2)
 • Land 879 sq mi (2,280 km2)
 • Water 3.2 sq mi (8 km2)  0.4%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 15,425
 • Estimate 
(2023)
15,288 Decrease
 • Density 17.5/sq mi (6.8/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 7th

Redwood County is a county located in the state of Minnesota in the United States. In 2020, about 15,425 people lived here. The main city and county seat is Redwood Falls. This city is found along the Redwood River, close to where it joins the Minnesota River.

A special place called the Lower Sioux Indian Reservation is completely inside Redwood County. This reservation is home to the Mdewakanton Dakota people. It is located along the southern side of the Minnesota River.

History of Redwood County

Redwood County was officially created by the Minnesota Legislature on February 8, 1862. The city of Redwood Falls was chosen as its county seat right from the start. The county got its name from the Redwood River, which flows through the area.

Geography and Nature

Redwood County is a place with rolling hills and many rivers and lakes. The Minnesota River flows along the county's northeastern edge. The Redwood River flows east through the northern part of the county. It empties into the Minnesota River near Redwood Falls. Another river, the Cottonwood River, flows through the southern part of the county.

Most of Redwood County is rural, meaning it's mostly countryside. Farmers here grow important crops like corn and soybeans. The highest point in the county is in the southwest corner, about 1,450 feet (442 meters) above sea level. The county covers a total area of 882 square miles (2,284 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Rivers and Lakes in Redwood County

Redwood County has several lakes and rivers that are important to its geography.

  • Daubs Lake
  • Gales Lake
  • Lake Francis
  • Lake Redwood
  • Long Lake
  • Three Lakes
  • Tiger Lake

Parks and Natural Areas

Redwood County is home to several protected areas. These places help keep nature safe and offer chances to explore the outdoors.

  • Alexander Ramsey State Park
  • Cedar Mountain Scientific and Natural Area
  • Cedar Rock Scientific and Natural Area
  • Daubs Lake State Wildlife Management Area
  • Delhi State Wildlife Management Area
  • Gales State Wildlife Management Area
  • Honner State Wildlife Management Area
  • Klabunde State Wildlife Management Area
  • Luescher-Barnum State Wildlife Management Area
  • Mammenga State Wildlife Management Area
  • Paul State Wildlife Management Area
  • Rohlik State Wildlife Management Area
  • Swedes Forest Scientific and Natural Area (part)
  • Waterbury State Wildlife Management Area
  • Westline State Wildlife Management Area
  • Willow Lake State Wildlife Management Area

Transportation

Getting around Redwood County is made easier by its roads and an airport.

Main Roads

Several important highways pass through Redwood County. These roads connect the county to other parts of Minnesota and beyond.

  • US 14.svg U.S. Highway 14
  • US 71.svg U.S. Highway 71
  • MN-19.svg Minnesota State Highway 19
  • MN-67.svg Minnesota State Highway 67
  • MN-68.svg Minnesota State Highway 68
  • MN-330.svg Minnesota State Highway 330

Local Airport

  • Redwood Falls Municipal Airport (RWF)

Neighboring Counties

Redwood County shares its borders with several other counties in Minnesota.

Population and People

The number of people living in Redwood County has changed over time. The U.S. Census counts the population every ten years.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1870 1,829
1880 5,375 193.9%
1890 9,886 83.9%
1900 17,261 74.6%
1910 18,425 6.7%
1920 20,908 13.5%
1930 20,620 −1.4%
1940 22,290 8.1%
1950 22,127 −0.7%
1960 21,718 −1.8%
1970 20,024 −7.8%
1980 19,341 −3.4%
1990 17,254 −10.8%
2000 16,815 −2.5%
2010 16,059 −4.5%
2020 15,425 −3.9%
2023 (est.) 15,288 −4.8%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010-2020

People in 2020

In the 2020 Census, the people living in Redwood County were counted by their race and ethnicity.

Redwood County Racial Composition
Race Number Percentage
White 13,123 85.1%
Black or African American 76 0.5%
Native American 774 5.02%
Asian 414 2.7%
Pacific Islander 1 0.01%
Other/Mixed 541 3.51%
Hispanic or Latino 496 3.22%

Cities and Towns

Redwood County has several cities and smaller communities.

Map of Redwood County Minnesota With Municipal and Township Labels
Cities and townships of Redwood County

Cities in Redwood County

Other Communities

These are smaller places that are not officially cities.

  • Gilfillan
  • Lower Sioux Indian Community
  • Morton (part of this community is in Redwood County)
  • Rowena

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Redwood para niños

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