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
Want Your Event or Business Listed Here?
Reach locals and visitors across Fillmore County. Contact TIV360 today to get listed.
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.
Want Your Event or Business Listed Here?
Get your community or business in front of Fillmore County residents. Contact TIV360 today.
Contact TIV360 Today
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
The Inventor's Velocity — TIV360
Southeast Minnesota's web development & digital marketing agency. Custom WordPress websites, local SEO, and business directory listings built for communities like yours.
Events and Things to do in Fillmore County Minnesota March 2026
Events and Things to Do in Fillmore County Minnesota in March 2026 March in Fillmore County, Minnesota brings the promise of early spring across the rolling bluffs and river valleys of the Driftless Area. From professional live theatre and live music to cave tours and community gatherings, there’s something happening in nearly every corner of […]
Events and Things to do in Fillmore County Minnesota February 2026
February in Fillmore County, Minnesota may be cold, but there’s no shortage of things to do! From cozy winter markets to outdoor ice fishing tournaments, our beautiful Bluff Country communities offer something special for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best February events and activities across Fillmore County towns, organized by date. 🌲 Early February […]
History of Fillmore County Minnesota
History of Fillmore County, Minnesota Fillmore County, located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota along the Iowa border, holds a remarkable place in the state’s history. Established on March 5, 1853, the county was named in honor of Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States who served from 1850 to 1853. Today, Preston […]
Regional Parks in Fillmore County Minnesota
Regional Parks in Fillmore County, Minnesota Explore the Driftless Area’s Natural Beauty – Caves, Bluffs, Trails & Historic Sites Overview Forestville/Mystery Cave Beaver Creek Valley Root River Trail Harmony-Preston Trail Activities ⚡ ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH TIV360 Southeast Minnesota’s Premier Web Development & Digital Marketing Agency 🌟 Web Development Custom WordPress sites built for performance […]
Events and Things to do in Fillmore County Minnesota January 2026
Events and Things to Do in Fillmore County Minnesota — January 2026 Discover local events happening throughout Fillmore County this January, including community gatherings, restaurant/bar nights, arts experiences, and small-town activities across Lanesboro, Mabel, Chatfield, Rushford, Harmony, and Preston. All events are verified local happenings with links that open in new tabs. Date Event Time […]