county profile Le Sueur County is located in both rich agricultural land and a diverse lake country, one of southern Minnesota’s true gems. Located about an hour south of the Twin Cities, it is now considered part of that metropolitan statistical area. But with its rolling hills, prime farmland and over 100 lakes, there’s more of a country, smalltown atmosphere. Lake Washington, the county’s largest, covers over 1,500 acres. Population swells during the summer and fall months, as Le Sueur County sports great fishing, water recreation and thousands of campsites. Visitors
flock to Le Sueur County from the Twin Cities, other regions of rural Minnesota, and throughout the U.S. to enjoy camping, boating, fishing and a variety of watersports. In the winter, many of the lakes boast great ice fishing and host clusters of ice houses, a great opportunity for relaxation and camaraderie. Le Center, as its historic name boasts, is the county seat with a population of about 2,500. The historic Le Sueur County Courthouse’s architectural significance looms large in Le Center. Built in 1896 of brick and local Kasota stone, it is part of the Richardsonian Romanesque revival which dotted the Le Sueur County landscape during that period. Atop the courthouse tower is the Lady Justice figure. The Le Sueur County Board is comprised of five commissioners. For more information, visit co-lesueur. mn.us. Le Sueur County is the 38th largest of Minnesota’s 87 counties, with a population of 28,242, according to 2020 census estimates. The county’s 10 cities have distinct personalities and feature a number of celebrations, festivals and events throughout the year. New Prague, the county’s northernmost city, is its largest, with a population of 8,248 (2021 est.), though only about 3,100 reside in Le Sueur County. The city is split between Le Sueur County to the south and Scott County to the north. The city of Le Sueur is next largest with a population of 4,058 (2021 est.). Previously
4 | Le Sueur County Community & Visitors Guide
