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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
known as the historic home to the Minnesota Valley Canning Co., a precursor to the Green Giant Company, it remains a vibrant manufacturing hub in the county. Still, the community continues to honor its historic ties to the famous Jolly Green Giant and company during Le Sueur’s annual Giant Celebration, with a buttery corn feed and festive events. City offi cials are also well on their way to re-opening Main Street and rehabilitating the Valley Green Square Mall downtown. Montgomery is the third largest city in the county, with a population of 3,100 (2021 est.). Its widely-celebrated Kolacky Days celebrates Montgomery’s Czechoslovakian heritage and culture. The celebration is named for the small, roll-like pastry fi lled with a variety of fruits or poppy seeds. Visitors can enjoy colorful Czech dancers and singing groups of all ages, as well as a host of other fun events. Le Sueur County also maintains a strong agricultural economy. Estimates place the number of farms in the county at just over 1,000, totaling almost 250,000 acres. Major crops include corn and soybeans, while livestock production includes hogs, turkeys and chickens, beef and dairy cattle. Le Sueur County farms provide more than $224 million in agricultural products, with an estimated 63 percent in crop commodities and 37 percent in livestock. In 2019, Le Sueur County unveiled its largest facilities project in history with a new Justice Center building, just off Hwy. 99 on Le Center’s southeast side. Another major infrastructure project got started in 2020, with the Hwy. 112 stretch of roadway between Le Center and Le Sueur being turned back by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Construction on that project should fi nish in 2021.
County Offi ces
88 S. Park Ave., Le Center 507-357-2251 https://www.co.le-sueur.mn.us/ Assessor: 507-357-2251 Auditor-Treasurer: 507-357-2251 Emergency Management: 507-357-6255 Environmental Services: 507-357-2251 Highway Department: 507-357-2251 Human Services: 507-357-8288
Le Sueur County Soil and Water
Conservation District: 507-357-4879, ext. 3; www.lesueurswcd.org License Bureau: 507-357-2251 (Road tests appointments in Le Center, call 507-344-2799) Parks: 507-357-8201 Public Health: 507-357-8246 Recorder: 507-357-2251 Sheriff ’s Offi ce: 507-357-4440 (non-emergency)
U of M Extension:
