Southern Region, MN Land for Sale

The Southern region of Minnesota is bordered by Iowa to the south, Wisconsin to the east and South Dakota to the west. Large cities in the northern part of the region include Willmar, Litchfield, Montevideo; large cities in the central part of this region include St. Peter, New Ulm, Marshall and Red Wing; large cities in the southern part include Worthington, Fairmont, Albert Lea, Austin, Waseca, Watonna, Rochester and Winona, which is on the Mississippi River. Southern Minnesota communities are best known for antique shops, historic architecture and ethnic festivals. There are many opportunities for fishing on trout streams, lakes and rivers, and for biking, hiking and even exploring caves. Some attractions in the region include the National Eagle Center, Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Commonweal Theatre. The region has 25 state parks, 251 state wildlife management areas, 2 state forests and 1 state wildlife area. Some of the best include Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Big Stone Lake State Park, Carley State Park, Flandrau State Park, Frontenac State Park, John Latsch State Park, Lac Qui Parle State Wildlife Management Area, Minneopa State Park, Nerstrand Woods State Park, Sakatah State Park, Sibley State Park, Split Rock Creek State Park and Whitewater State Park. There is also rich farmland and patches of prairie and grassland in the landscape of this region.

Olmsted County is located in the eastern part of the Southern Minnesota region. The county is named for David Olmsted, the first mayor of St. Paul. The largest city is Rochester which is also the county seat. Other cities in the county are small, and there are also a number of townships and unincorporated communities. The county does not have any natural lakes, just one of four counties in Minnesota, but it does have reservoirs created by dams, which include Chester Lake, Lake Florence, Lake George, Mayowood Lake, Silver Lake and part of Lake Zumbro. There are a number of county parks, including Chester Woods, Graham Park, Oxbow Park and Root River park. Winona State University, University of Minnesota Rochester, Crossroads College, Cardinal Stritch University, Minnesota School of Business, St. Mary's University, Mayo Medical School and Mayo Graduate School are located in this county.

Blue Earth County is located in the center of the Southern region of Minnesota. The county is named for the Blue Earth River, for the deposits of blue-green clay once evident on its banks. The largest city is Mankato, which is the county seat. Other larger cities, though still comparatively small, are Lake Crystal and Mapleton, and there are many other small cities and townships. The Blue Earth River and Le Sueur River flow through part of the county and there are over 30 lakes. Closed forest savannas, which are also called the big woods, are in the northeastern part of the county. The land surface is generally flat, with scattered areas of grassland and prairie.

Kandiyohi County is located in the northern part of Minnesota's Southern region. The name comes from a Dakota Native American word meaning "where buffalo fish come." Willmar is the largest city and the county seat. There are several other small cities, none of which come close to Willmar's population of nearly 20,000, and there are also other smaller townships and unincorporated communities. The county is one of seven in southern Minnesota without any forest soils, only prairie and savannas exist. There are approximately 80 lakes in the county, offering many opportunities for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities.