Polk County

Polk County is an administrative county in northwestern Minnesota that stretches across rolling hills, agricultural lands, and waterways near the North Dakota border. The landscape reflects its rural character, with farming as the dominant land use throughout the region.

The territory was established by Minnesota legislation in 1858 and formally organized in 1872, with Crookston becoming the administrative center. Its creation was part of the broader development and organization of northern Minnesota during the mid-to-late 1800s.

The residents maintain deep roots in farming through traditional cultivation practices and community gatherings held throughout the year in local towns. These connections to agriculture shape how people live and see themselves.

Government offices and administrative services are based in Crookston, where you can address questions about property taxes, law enforcement, and public health. Since this is a rural county, it helps to plan visits to specific departments ahead of time.

The Red River marks the natural border with North Dakota and creates particularly fertile soil conditions that have supported farming communities for generations. This water boundary has shaped settlement patterns and the regional economy since the county's beginning.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: July 20, 1858

Capital city: Crookston

Shares border with: Marshall County, Norman County, Mahnomen County, Red Lake County, Pennington County, Clearwater County, Traill County, Grand Forks County

Website: http://co.polk.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 47.77000,-96.40000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:22