Traverse County

Traverse County is an administrative county in western Minnesota featuring rolling terrain and farmland. The Mustinka River runs through the northern section, creating a natural water feature across the landscape.

The county was created in 1862, but official settlement and administration did not begin until 1881 with Wheaton established as the county seat. This gap between creation and active settlement reflected patterns common across rural Minnesota.

Farming traditions shape how residents live and work throughout the area, visible in the scattered farms and small towns that dot the landscape. These practices connect people to the land and influence the rhythm of community life.

This sparsely populated area requires a personal vehicle or public transit to travel between communities. The Rainbow Rider transportation service operates throughout the county and neighboring regions to support daily travel needs.

This is one of Minnesota's least densely populated areas with just a few thousand residents spread across a large territory. The Reservation Dam State Wildlife Management Area along the western boundary provides habitat for wildlife and migratory birds.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: February 20, 1862

Capital city: Wheaton

Shares border with: Wilkin County, Big Stone County, Grant County, Stevens County, Richland County, Roberts County

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

GPS coordinates: 45.77000,-96.47000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:52