Houston County

Houston County is an administrative county in southeastern Minnesota covering about 1,470 square kilometers (570 square miles). The land varies from rolling hills in the west to steeper terrain near the Mississippi River, with major highways 14 and 61 running through the area to connect it with neighboring regions.

The county was established on April 4, 1854, and named after Sam Houston, the president of the Republic of Texas. This naming choice reflects connections to early American history during the period of territorial expansion.

German and Scandinavian settlers left their mark on how people farm and organize their communities throughout the county. You can still see this heritage in the layout of farms and villages across the landscape today.

Caledonia serves as the county seat and the main hub for administrative services in the area. The layout and highway access make it straightforward to drive through different parts of the county or reach neighboring regions by car.

Part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge lies within the county and provides habitat for a wide range of species. This protected area serves as a stopping point for migrating birds and is often overlooked by visitors.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: April 4, 1854

Capital city: Caledonia

Shares border with: Winona County, La Crosse County, Vernon County, Allamakee County, Winneshiek County, Fillmore County

Website: https://co.houston.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 43.67000,-91.49000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23