Yellow Medicine County

Yellow Medicine County is an administrative division in southwestern Minnesota that spreads across rolling hills and farmland along the Minnesota River. Granite Falls serves as the county seat and hub for governmental services.

The county was established in 1871 and named after the Yellow Medicine River, where Dakota people gathered medicinal moonseed plants. The 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux shaped early settlement patterns and Native American presence in the region.

The Upper Sioux Indian Reservation within the county preserves Native American heritage shaped by historical treaties and agreements. You can observe how the community maintains its cultural traditions and connection to the land.

Most services and facilities are concentrated in Granite Falls, which is easy to reach. The agricultural nature of the land means roads are well-maintained, though harvest seasons can bring more traffic activity.

The highest point in the territory rises to about 1,732 feet (528 meters) near the southwest corner. This topographic feature makes the region notable for those exploring the landscape of the Great Plains.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: November 7, 1871

Capital city: Granite Falls

Shares border with: Chippewa County, Lyon County, Renville County, Redwood County, Lincoln County, Lac qui Parle County, Deuel County

Website: http://co.ym.mn.gov

GPS coordinates: 44.72000,-95.86000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:40