Wabasha County, Minnesota
Population: 21,239
Area: 550 square miles
Named for: Three chiefs of Mississippi bands of Dakota Indians
Cities included: Bellechester, Elgin, Hammond, Kellogg, Lake City, Mazeppa, Millville, Minneiska, Plainview, Wabasha, and Zumbro Falls
County seat: Wabasha
Largest city: Lake City
Wabasha County is one of 17 Minnesota counties that has more savanna soils than either forest or prairie soils.
Prior to 1826, the area of Wabasha County was inhabited by the Sioux led by Chief Wa-pa-shaw. Wabasha County was one of the original counties in the Minnesota Territory and was significantly larger when it was first formed running all the way to South Dakota.
The City of Wabasha claims to be Minnesota's first and longest continuously inhabited River town after being settled in 1826.
The County is a home to a large population of American bald eagles and is in the center of what is known as the Mississippi Flyway. The Flyway is a path traveled by bald eagles and other migratory birds during the winter months. More than 325 bird species make the round-trip each year along the Mississippi Flyway, according to Audubon.
Slippery's Bar and Grill in the city of Wabasha was featured in the Grumpy Old Men movies, and Lark Toys, in Kellogg, was named Minnesota's Best Toy Store by WCCO TV viewers.
Entertainment opportunities are diverse as the county features professional hockey, minor league baseball, and will soon be home to major league soccer. Events include the Saint Paul Winter Carnival and the Minnesota State Fair.
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