Worthington, Nobles County, & FORWARD Worthington
A Brief History
Through its various initiatives, FORWARD Worthington has been instrumental in driving economic development, attracting new businesses, and supporting existing industries. The organization has also played a key role in community events, tourism promotion, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents.
Experience Our History
Discover the places and stories that shaped Worthington and Nobles County. Explore historic buildings at Pioneer Village, learn about the area’s past at the Nobles County Historical Museum, and discover the Historic Dayton House. Follow the Historic Worthington Walking Tour to see familiar streets from a new perspective, then stop at Sailboard Beach to sit beside the Amelia Earhart statue and learn about her childhood connection to Lake Okabena. Together, these stops offer a closer look at the people and experiences that helped shape our community.
City of Worthington & Nobles County .
Worthington, a charming city nestled in southwestern Minnesota, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Founded in 1872, the town quickly grew into a thriving community, fueled by the railroad and agricultural industries. Its name was based on a suggestion from Prof. Humiston to use name of the mother of Mrs. Mary Dorman Miller. Her husband, Dr. A.P. Miller, was editor of the Toledo, Ohio, Blade newspaper, and the National Colony Company of Ohio that came here to establish a temperance colony. Worthington had previously been just called Okabena Station by the railroad.
Nobles County, the county in which Worthington resides, was established in 1857. The county's name honors Colonel W.H. Nobles of St Paul, a member of the territorial legislature. With its fertile farmland and abundant natural resources, Nobles County has played a vital role in Minnesota’s agricultural economy for generations.
FORWARD Worthington
FORWARD Worthington is a collaborative partnership among the Worthington Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Worthington Regional Economic Development Corporation (WREDC). Established in 2021, FORWARD Worthington aims to promote economic growth, enhance the quality of life, and foster a vibrant community in Worthington and Nobles County.
Our Community, Many Stories .
Worthington and Nobles County’s cultural history includes the Sisseton Dakota and generations of people who have made this area home. Immigrant families have brought traditions, skills, and experiences that continue to shape our community. Today, visitors can explore that heritage through local food, music, cultural celebrations, and the stories preserved at the Nobles County Heritage Center.
The exhibit "Nobles County: A Second Home for Immigrants" connects the experiences of earlier settlers with those of more recent newcomers. Personal belongings, firsthand stories, and interactive displays offer a closer look at leaving home, building community, and creating a life in Nobles County.