Worthington Minnesota
Life in the Worthington Area
Life in Worthington is more than where you live, it’s how you live. It’s early mornings by the lake, quick stops at your favorite local spots, and evenings filled with community events, great food, and familiar faces.
Here, you’re never far from something to do or someone to connect with. Whether it’s a weekday routine or a full weekend of activity, Worthington offers a lifestyle that blends opportunity, culture, and community in a way that’s easy to be part of.
Welcome to the Worthington Area
Communities Around Worthington, MN .
Adrian is a small but progressive community located in the western portion of Nobles County in Southwestern Minnesota. The City was established in 1876 as an expansion of the St. Paul-Dakota Railroad and was named in honor of Adrian Iselin, the mother of one of the railroad company's directors. Over the years, Adrian has maintained a solid economic base due to its agricultural ties and the many businesses that provide employment.
The town of Bigelow was the third community to come into existence in Nobles County. Bigelow remained nothing more than that - a spot on a map - until the spring of 1872, when the tracks of the St. Paul & Sioux City Railway reached the site of the present-day town. A railroad depot was constructed in September 1872, and Mr. S. O. Morse assumed duties as station agent. He went into partnership with a man named Frothingham, and the two established a small grocery store in the depot.
Brewster is a welcoming community with deep agricultural roots and a strong sense of local pride. Conveniently located along I-90, it offers easy access to surrounding communities while maintaining its own small-town charm. Brewster is a great place for those who value connection, tradition, and community involvement.
Dundee was established in 1879 when the St. Paul and Sioux City Railway Company built a branch line, then known as the Heron Lake & Black Hills Railroad.
The City of Ellsworth was founded in the fall of 1884. It came into existence as a direct result of the building of the Burlington Railroad through this part of the country. The City received its name in honor of Eugene Ellsworth, one of the stockholders and directors of the Burlington Railroad. Ellsworth resides in Grand Prairie Township. Grand Prairie Township is so named due to the beautiful lay of the land AND was established in October of 1873. Currently the census of Ellsworth is 497 residents. Ellsworth is a farming community with diligent, honest people.
In the year 1879, the Southern Minnesota Railroad began building a route from Heron Lake, to Fulda. A rail station was proposed for the Graham Lakes region, and the site selected was briefly named Airlie in honor of David Ogilvy, the 10th Earl of Airlie. The Earl was president of the Dundee Improvement company, a Scottish company formed for the purpose of founding a town in southwest Minnesota.
The story has it that Leota was the name of a young Indian woman who figured in a romantic story familiar to W. G. Barnard, one of the township's first residents. Leota was established in 1891 as a settlement of Dutch Farmers who migrated northward from another Dutch Settlement in Orange City, Iowa. The first building erected in Leota was the Dutch Reformed Church. The town was surveyed by M. S. Smith for James TenCate, and the plat was dedicated on January 1, 1902.[6] Leota was never incorporated, though it remains a thriving community
Lismore is a close-knit community known for its Irish heritage and peaceful rural lifestyle. Located in the western part of Nobles County, it offers a quiet setting with a strong sense of identity and tradition. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace of life while staying connected to the surrounding region.
Reading offers a quiet, rural setting with a strong sense of community. Located just east of Worthington, it provides easy access to jobs, shopping, and amenities while maintaining a slower pace of life. Residents enjoy the space, simplicity, and close-knit feel that come with small-town living.
The municipality of Round Lake comprises territory of approximately 520 acres and has a present population of 375 with approximately 200 households. Round Lake was a creation of the Rock Island Railroad. The plat for the new town was filed with the Nobles County Register of Deeds on December 29th, 1882. The city is surrounded by land that is gently rolling with several beautiful lakes including Round Lake, Indian Lake, Iowa Lake, Illinois Lake (Plum Slough), and Lake Ocheda. Fishing and water sports are primary recreational activities in this area. Round Lake is also located 25 miles from the Spirit Lake Okoboji area which is known as one of the finest recreational areas in the upper mid-west.
The City of Rushmore was established in 1878 by George Seney, as a result of the railroad expanding from Worthington to Sioux Falls. Home to 342 people. Our city is defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. We take pride in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle, rich in cultural history, along with a deep commitment to the preservation of our environment and a progressive approach to local business.
In the City of Wilmont, we are defined less by boundaries on a map than by the sense of shared values our residents hold dear. Small town values, guided growth, preservation of historical, cultural, and natural heritage are just a few of the core principles that makes City of Wilmont a wonderful place to call home.
Community & Culture .
Worthington is a community shaped by people, perspectives, and traditions from around the world. That diversity shows up in our local businesses, our food, our events, and everyday life.
It’s something you don’t just see—you experience it. Whether you’re trying something new, meeting someone new, or taking part in a long-standing tradition, there’s always something that adds to the experience of living here.
Get Involved .
Getting involved in Worthington is easy—and it’s one of the best ways to feel connected.
Whether it’s volunteering, joining a committee, supporting local events, or simply showing up, there are countless ways to be part of what’s happening.
A Day in Worthington, MN
Morning
Start your day with a walk along Lake Okabena, a stop for coffee, or a quick commute that gets you where you need to go without the stress.
Afternoon
From work and school to meetings and activities, the day moves with purpose—and everything is close enough to keep life balanced.
Evening
Grab dinner at a local favorite, catch up with friends, or head downtown to see what’s happening.
Weekend
From the Farmers Market and local events to recreation, sports, and time outdoors, weekends in Worthington are anything but routine.
Life Through the Seasons
Spring
As the weather warms up, patios open, the Farmers Market returns, and the community starts to come alive outdoors again.
Summer
Lake days, trails, events, and long evenings make summer a favorite time to be in Worthington.
Fall
Football games, harvest season, and local traditions bring energy and community pride.
Winter
From indoor events to community gatherings, winter keeps the momentum going in a different way.
Adventures in Worthington, MN
Join FORWARD Worthington
Thinking about moving here?
See housing, schools, and jobs on our Relocate & Thrive page.