Steele County, Administrative division in southern Minnesota, United States.
Steele County is an administrative division in southern Minnesota characterized by farmland, rolling hills, and waterways including the Straight River flowing through its center. The county is crossed by Interstate 35 and U.S. Route 14, which link it to broader regional transportation networks.
The county was established in 1855 and named after Franklin Steele, an early settler in Minnesota Territory. It was formed by dividing lands from Rice, Blue Earth, and Le Sueur counties.
The annual Steele County Fair in Owatonna brings together farmers, exhibitors, and residents to celebrate agricultural traditions and community life. This gathering remains a central event where visitors can see how farming shapes the region's identity and daily rhythms.
The area is easily accessible via two main highways that connect visitors to regional destinations and the local airport. Summer and early fall are good times to visit, especially when the annual fair draws crowds and the farming season is active.
The South Branch of the Middle Fork of the Zumbro River originates here and flows eastward into neighboring Dodge County. This waterway connects the area to a broader river system that shapes the regional landscape.
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