According to AGOODDIR, Cottonwood County is located in the south-central region of Minnesota, just east of the Minnesota River. It is bordered by Jackson County to the north, Watonwan County to the east, Martin County to the south and Murray County to the west. Cottonwood County covers an area of 562 square miles and is home to a population of 11,687 people as of 2019.
The geography of Cottonwood County can best be described as rolling hills and valleys with some areas featuring steep bluffs along rivers. The county has two major rivers running through it: the Cottonwood River and Des Moines River. Other bodies of water include several smaller creeks and streams as well as numerous small lakes scattered throughout the county. The highest point in Cottonwood County is located near its western edge at an elevation 1,030 feet above sea level while its lowest point lies along its eastern border at an elevation of 806 feet above sea level.
The climate in Cottonwood County is classified as humid continental with warm summers and cold winters that bring plenty of snowfall each year. Average temperatures range from a high around 78°F in July to a low around 6°F in January. Winter snowfall averages around 34 inches per year while total precipitation averages around 28 inches annually.
Cottonwood County has a diverse population that primarily consists of people who are descended from German and Scandinavian immigrants who originally settled here during the 19th century. In recent years, there has been an influx of Hispanic immigrants which has helped contribute to a more diverse cultural makeup within the county’s population. Agriculture is one of the main industries here with many residents being employed by local farms or related businesses such as food processing plants or farm equipment suppliers.
Economy of Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood County has a diverse economy that is primarily driven by agriculture and related industries. Agriculture is the county’s main industry, with many residents employed by local farms or related businesses such as food processing plants or farm equipment suppliers. The county also has a growing manufacturing sector that includes companies in the automotive, electronics, and plastics industries. Retail and service-oriented businesses are also important to the local economy, providing employment opportunities in restaurants, retail stores, healthcare facilities, and other service-based businesses.
The county has several major employers including Hy-Vee Foods, Faribault Foods Inc., Central Bi-Products Inc., and Minnesota Corn Processors LLC. These companies employ hundreds of people in the area and contribute significantly to the local economy. The county is also home to a number of smaller businesses that provide goods and services to the community such as retail stores, restaurants, banks, auto repair shops, and other small businesses.
Cottonwood County is part of the Greater Mankato Metropolitan Area which provides additional economic opportunities for residents. The area’s close proximity to Minneapolis/St Paul gives residents access to a larger job market as well as a variety of cultural activities and entertainment options. In addition to its economic benefits, living in Cottonwood County also offers access to numerous recreational opportunities such as fishing on one of its many lakes or exploring its many parks and trails.
Cottonwood County is an economically diverse region with plenty of opportunity for growth and development. Its strong agricultural base provides stability while its proximity to larger metropolitan areas offers access to additional economic opportunities for both businesses and individuals alike.
Libraries in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
According to babyinger, Cottonwood County is home to multiple libraries that serve the local community and provide access to a variety of materials. The Cottonwood County Public Library System includes five library branches located in the county seat of Windom, as well as branches in Bingham Lake, Jeffers, Storden, and Westbrook. The library system is overseen by the Cottonwood County Board of Commissioners and provides library services to all residents of the county.
The Windom branch serves as the main library and houses a large collection of books, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials for loan or use in the library. The branch also has access to an online catalog and provides access to digital resources such as e-books and online databases. In addition to its large collection of materials, the Windom branch offers programs such as story times for children and book clubs for adults.
The other four branches offer similar services on a smaller scale with collections tailored to their local communities. For example, the Jeffers branch has a particular emphasis on genealogy resources while the Storden branch focuses on providing materials related to agriculture. Each branch also offers computer workstations with internet access for public use.
In addition to its regular services, Cottonwood County Public Library System also offers special programs throughout the year such as summer reading programs for children or adult education classes in technology or finance. These programs are designed to promote literacy and learning within the community while also providing additional activities for residents of all ages.
Cottonwood County’s libraries provide valuable services that help promote literacy and learning within the community while also providing access to a variety of resources that can be used both in person or online from anywhere with an internet connection.
Landmarks in Cottonwood County, Minnesota
Cottonwood County, Minnesota is home to a variety of landmarks that showcase its unique history and culture. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Cottonwood County is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and abundance of lakes. It is also home to some of the most notable landmarks in the region.
The most recognizable landmark in Cottonwood County is the historic Windom City Hall. Built in 1887, this building was originally used as a courthouse and served as a gathering place for citizens to discuss important issues facing the county. Today, it remains an iconic symbol of Windom’s past and serves as a reminder of its civic pride.
Another notable landmark in Cottonwood County is the Bingham Lake Lighthouse. Built in 1878, this lighthouse still stands tall on the shoreline of Bingham Lake and serves as a beacon for travelers on their journey through Cottonwood County. The lighthouse is open to visitors who can take in its majestic beauty from the observation deck or take part in one of the educational tours offered by local organizations.
For those looking for outdoor recreation opportunities, there are plenty of parks located throughout Cottonwood County that offer breathtaking views and plenty of activities such as fishing and hiking trails. One such park is Jeffers Creek State Park which features a variety of wildlife species including deer, beavers, foxes, turkeys, and more. Visitors can also explore miles of trails that weave through forests filled with majestic trees or follow along one of several scenic riverside paths that lead to spectacular waterfalls.
Finally, no visit to Cottonwood County would be complete without visiting some its charming small towns such as Westbrook or Storden which are both rich with history and character that will transport you back in time when life moved at a slower pace. These quaint towns offer one-of-a-kind experiences like no other place can provide – from shopping at local stores to dining at unique restaurants – each town has something special waiting to be discovered.
In conclusion, Cottonwood County Minnesota contains many fascinating landmarks that showcase its unique history and culture while offering visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation or exploration through its charming small towns. From historic buildings like Windom City Hall to breathtaking parks like Jeffers Creek State Park – there’s something for everyone here.
