About Fillmore County
Fillmore County is located in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, bordered by Iowa to the south and the Mississippi River bluffs to the east. Established in 1853 and named after President Millard Fillmore, Fillmore County includes approximately 862 square miles of rolling countryside characterized by deep valleys, limestone bluffs, and karst topography. Fillmore County Seat is Preston, located centrally in Fillmore County at 101 Preston area Street.
As of recent census estimates, Fillmore County has a population of approximately 21,000 residents spread across 23 townships and numerous small communities including Spring Valley, Lanesboro, Rushford, Harmony, Mabel, and Wykoff. Fillmore County is renowned for its extensive network of trout streams, making it a premier destination for anglers, and is home to portions of the Root River State Trail and Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, which features one of Minnesota's longest caves. Fillmore County's Amish and Mennonite communities contribute significantly to the agricultural character and cultural heritage.
Fillmore County Recorder's office, located at the Government Center in Preston, maintains land records dating back to Fillmore County's founding. Fillmore County Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessment records, while the County Clerk manages vital records and court documents. Fillmore County's economy remains heavily rooted in agriculture, particularly dairy farming, corn, and soybean production, supplemented by tourism drawn to the scenic bluff country and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Fillmore County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Fillmore County. It manages Fillmore County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, investigations, and a dedicated team for handling emergency management and response.
Police Departments
In addition to Fillmore County Sheriff's Office, several city police departments operate within Fillmore County, including the Preston Police Department, Lanesboro Police Department, and Spring Valley Police Department. These municipal departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on community policing and local ordinance enforcement.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Fillmore County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 902 Houston Street NW in Preston, Minnesota 55965, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services including patrol, criminal investigation, and civil process. Fillmore County jail facility, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
- Booking information including mugshots may be available through direct records requests, though Minnesota law restricts certain juvenile and victim information.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the jail directly at during business hours, though Fillmore County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster. Municipal police departments operate in the larger communities: the Preston Police Department serves Fillmore County Seat, while Spring Valley Police Department, Rushford Police Department, Harmony Police Department, and Lanesboro Police Department provide law enforcement within their respective city limits. Arrest records in Fillmore County are considered public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), and requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or respective police departments.
Fillmore County does not participate in a regional online mugshot database, so individuals seeking booking photos must submit formal data practices requests under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.82, which governs criminal investigative data accessibility.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Fillmore County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and a sex offender registry. To conduct a background check, individuals can request information from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history checks. The bureau offers a full database that includes arrest records, convictions, and other criminal history information relevant to Fillmore County residents.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Fillmore County are maintained by Fillmore County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access while protecting sensitive information. Fillmore County arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Fillmore County Detention Center, located in Preston, is the primary facility for housing inmates in Fillmore County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. The facility provides an inmate lookup service through Fillmore County's official website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule.
- In Minnesota, the bond or bail process involves posting bail through the court or using a bail bondsman, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Fillmore County are taken and retained by Fillmore County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Fillmore County does not provide an online database for mugshots, but requests can be made in person or by mail. Minnesota law does not have specific statutes for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.
Courts & Case Records
Fillmore County is served by Minnesota's Third Judicial District Court, with Fillmore County Courthouse located at 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. The court can be reached at and handles a full range of matters including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, family law proceedings, civil litigation, probate matters, and juvenile cases. District Court judges rotate through Fillmore County on a scheduled basis as part of the Third Judicial District.
- There is a $7.50 fee per document retrieved through MCRO, though basic case information searches are free.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained for $14.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
Court records are governed by Minnesota Court Rules and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Chapter 13), with most court records considered public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by statute. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, accessible at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Courts/MCRO, which allows users to search case information by party name, case number, or attorney. In-person court file review is available at the Clerk of Court's office in Preston during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Clerk of Court maintains records including case dockets, judgments, orders, and filed pleadings. Probate matters, including wills, estate administrations, and guardianships, are handled within the District Court system and records are maintained by the Court Administrator's office. Criminal case records, civil judgments, and family court matters (with certain privacy restrictions for minors) are generally accessible to the public under Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03.
Property & Public Records
Fillmore County Recorder's Office, located at Fillmore County Government Center, 902 Houston Street NW, Preston, MN 55965, maintains land and property records for the entire county. The office can be reached at and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder's Office preserves and provides access to documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mechanics liens, lis pendens, easements, plat maps, and various other instruments affecting real property title.
- There may be subscription fees for extensive document retrieval.
- Property tax information is maintained separately by Fillmore County Assessor's Office, which provides property valuations, classifications, and tax assessment data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Fillmore County also offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that provides interactive mapping with property boundaries, ownership information, and tax parcel data.
- The GIS system can be accessed through Fillmore County website and allows users to search by address, parcel ID number, or owner name.
Fillmore County participates in the Minnesota Land Records system, and many recorded documents can be searched and viewed online through Fillmore County's document search portal available at fillmorecountymn.gov/recorder. Online access typically allows users to search by name, document type, or legal description, with the ability to view and print recorded images. Fillmore County Treasurer's office at handles tax payment records and delinquent tax information.
All property records are considered public data under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, with limited exceptions for certain domestic abuse victims enrolled in the Safe at Home program.
Vital Records
Vital records for Fillmore County, Minnesota, are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Fillmore County are filed with the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, PO Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499.
- Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at Fillmore County level may be expedited.
- Couples must apply together in person, pay a $115.00 fee, and there is a five-day waiting period before the license becomes valid.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained for $9.00.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through the Minnesota Department of Health VitalChek service at health.state.mn.us/vital, though additional processing fees apply.
However, certified copies can also be obtained locally through Fillmore County Public Health Department or by contacting the County Recorder's office for Birth certificates cost $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously, while death certificates are priced the same. Marriage licenses are issued by Fillmore County Recorder's Office at the Government Center in Preston. Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the District Court Clerk of Court at and are considered public court records unless sealed by court order.
Minnesota Statutes Section 144.225 governs vital records access and restricts birth records to the registrant, parents, legal representatives, and other authorized parties. Death records are generally public 10 years after the date of death. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest for restricted records.
Historical vital records prior to statewide registration (pre-1900) may be incomplete and require research through county historical societies or church records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Fillmore County involves multiple levels of government oversight. For assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings), businesses operating in Fillmore County must file with Fillmore County Recorder's Office at 902 Houston Street NW, Preston, MN 55965 The filing fee is approximately $50.00 and renewals are required.
- The Secretary of State maintains a full online business database at mnsecofstate.gov where users can search for registered business entities, view filing history, and obtain certificates of good standing.
- This searchable database is free and provides information on business names, registration dates, registered agents, and status.
- Fillmore County Chamber of Commerce, with chapters in various communities including the Bluff Country Collaborative at bluffcountry.com, provides resources for new businesses and economic development information.
For formal business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, filings must be made with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Local business licenses and permits vary by county within Fillmore County, with each city maintaining its own licensing requirements for retail establishments, food service operations, and home-based businesses. Fillmore County Environmental Services Department at handles certain permits including septic system licenses and solid waste facility permits.
Building permits are issued through Fillmore County Zoning Department, which also administers land use regulations and conditional use permits. Professional and occupational licenses such as those for contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare providers are typically issued at the state level through respective Minnesota licensing boards. Sales tax permits must be obtained through the Minnesota Department of Revenue regardless of business location within Fillmore County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Fillmore County are administered by Fillmore County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, located at 902 Houston Street NW, Preston, MN 55965. The elections division can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available at fillmorecountymn.gov/auditor-treasurer. Minnesota offers one of the nation's most accessible voter registration systems, including Election Day registration at polling places.
- Fillmore County voters can request absentee ballots online through mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail, by email, or in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's office beginning 46 days before Election Day.
- Fillmore County provides transparency through public pre-election logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment and post-election canvassing procedures open to public observation.
Residents can register to vote online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up to 21 days before an election, or register in person at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Eligible voters must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed any felony sentence including probation or parole.
Voters can find their specific polling location by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or by contacting the County Auditor-Treasurer. Fillmore County maintains multiple polling places across its 23 townships and incorporated cities, typically located in community centers, fire halls, and municipal buildings. Under Minnesota's open records laws (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Section 201.091), voter registration rolls are public information, though certain data including birthdates and driver's license numbers are classified as private.
Campaign finance filings for local candidates and ballot question committees are available through the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board at cfb.mn.gov, while precinct-level election results are published by the County Auditor following each election and archived on the Secretary of State's website. In the November 2024 general election, Fillmore County reported voter turnout of approximately 76%, consistent with Minnesota's traditionally high participation rates and exceeding the national average. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Minnesota constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Absentee voting is broadly available in Minnesota under the "no-excuse" absentee system.
Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail (received by Election Day) or delivered in person to the County Auditor by 3:00 PM on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Fillmore County's economy remains fundamentally agricultural, with farming operations representing the largest employment sector and land use category. Fillmore County leads southeastern Minnesota in dairy production, with hundreds of family farms and several large-scale dairy operations. Crop agriculture focuses primarily on corn, soybeans, hay, and oats, with the rolling terrain and soil characteristics well-suited to diversified farming. According to recent economic data, the median household income in Fillmore County is approximately $62,000, slightly below the Minnesota state average.
- Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion to rural areas, value-added agricultural processing, and heritage tourism promotion.
Major employers include agricultural cooperatives such as Agri-Energy LLC (an ethanol plant near Lyle), local school districts including Fillmore Central, Kingsland, and Rushford-Peterson, Mayo Clinic Health System facilities serving Fillmore County, and manufacturing operations including companies in Spring Valley and Preston. Tourism represents a growing economic sector, driven by the Root River State Trail system, which attracts thousands of cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts annually, generating significant revenue for communities like Lanesboro, which has branded itself as the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota." The Amish and Mennonite communities contribute economically through furniture manufacturing, produce sales, and craft goods, attracting agritourism visitors. Unemployment in Fillmore County typically tracks below state averages, ranging between 2.5% and 4.0% in recent years, reflecting the stable agricultural base and low population density.
Fillmore County has experienced modest population decline consistent with rural Minnesota trends, creating workforce challenges for local businesses. Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Niagara Cave are significant tourist attractions contributing to hospitality sector employment. Small-scale retail and service businesses in county seat Preston and the larger communities provide essential services to the dispersed rural population.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online via MCRO | Property: Yes: Online Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: Mail/In-Person | Business: Yes: Online (State & County) | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Fillmore County provides strong online access for property, court, and election records, though jail and vital records require traditional request methods.