Glenwood Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Glenwood, Minnesota government websites.

  About Glenwood City Government
Annual Budget $1.7 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Glenwood, Minnesota, is the Glenwood City Council, which consists of five members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Glenwood and serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Larry K. Kuhlman, and council members David A. Hennings, John A. Hennings, Linda A. Kuhlman, and Mark J. Hennings.

For the fiscal year 2023, the city of Glenwood has an approximate annual operating budget of $1.7 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Glenwood City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Meetings take place at the Glenwood City Hall, located at 110 1st Street NW, Glenwood, MN 56334. These meetings are open to the public, allowing residents to engage with their elected officials and participate in local governance.

  About Glenwood, Minnesota

Nestled amid the stunning landscapes of Pope County, Minnesota, Glenwood boasts a rich tapestry of small-town charm and vibrant community spirit. With a population of approximately 2,610 residents, this picturesque city, founded in 1869, has established itself as a hub of activity and engagement for both locals and visitors alike. Glenwood is strategically positioned near the shores of Lake Minnewaska, which not only enhances its appeal as a recreational destination but also contributes to its thriving local economy. Major neighborhoods, such as the historic downtown area, boast a blend of quaint shops, restaurants, and residential homes, reflecting a strong sense of community. Local employers range from retail and service industries to healthcare and education, ensuring a well-rounded economic base. What sets Glenwood apart is its commitment to preserving the outdoors, with easy access to trails, parks, and water-based activities that attract nature enthusiasts and families year-round.

The Glenwood Police Department plays a pivotal role in maintaining safety and order within the community. For residents seeking information on law enforcement matters, including arrest records, mugshots, and booking records, the Glenwood Police Department serves as the first point of contact. Individuals can request these records directly from the department, which makes an effort to keep records accessible while adhering to privacy regulations. In addition to the local police, the Pope County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement services and oversees the county jail, where individuals may be detained. For comprehensive criminal history information, residents can turn to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which operates the state criminal repository. This repository houses extensive data on criminal activities throughout Minnesota. To facilitate ease of access, many records are available online through official portals, including those managed by the Glenwood Police Department and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. For those requiring in-depth searches, it is recommended to follow a structured approach, starting with local police records before expanding to county and state resources.

The judiciary in Glenwood is primarily served by the Pope County District Court, where residents can access various public records pertinent to legal proceedings. For court records, individuals can either visit the courthouse in person or utilize the online portal provided by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, which offers a user-friendly interface for accessing case information. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, can be obtained from the Pope County Clerk-Recorder’s Office or through the Minnesota Department of Health’s Vital Records division. Property records, which are critical for real estate transactions, are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, with online access available for ease of convenience. Furthermore, public records requests can be made under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, allowing citizens to request access to various government documents. Typically, these requests yield responses within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged in local governance. Glenwood’s commitment to transparency and accessibility reinforces its dedication to serving the needs of its residents while fostering an informed citizenry.

About Glenwood

Glenwood is the county seat of Pope County, Minnesota, located in the west-central part of the state approximately 120 miles northwest of the Twin Cities. With a population of around 2,500 residents, Glenwood sits on the eastern shore of Lake Minnewaska, a popular recreational lake spanning over 7,000 acres. Founded in 1866, the city was named after an early settler's home in New York and incorporated in 1881.
Glenwood serves as the commercial and governmental hub of Pope County, known for its historic downtown, the Pope County Museum, and outdoor recreation including fishing, boating, and the Central Lakes Trail. Major employers include the Pope County government complex, Glacial Ridge Health System, and the Glenwood public school district. The city's economy has historically centered on agriculture, lake tourism, and small manufacturing, with a strong sense of community reflected in annual events like the Waterama celebration each summer. Public records for Glenwood residents are maintained by multiple agencies at the city, county, and state levels. The Glenwood City Hall, located at 22 Highway 28 East, handles municipal records including city council meeting minutes, local ordinances, and business licensing. The Glenwood Police Department maintains law enforcement records for incidents within city limits. Pope County government offices, all centrally located in Glenwood at the county courthouse and government center, provide vital records, property records, court records, and county-level criminal justice information. The Pope County Recorder's Office maintains property deeds and land records, while the Pope County Auditor-Treasurer handles property tax and assessment information. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) governs public access to these records, ensuring transparency while protecting certain private data. Many records are now searchable online through county and state databases, though some requests still require in-person visits or written applications to the appropriate county office.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Pope County is provided by the Pope County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Glenwood Police Department, Starbuck Police Department, and Villard Police Department serve their respective cities, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and joint operations, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county. Each department focuses on community policing and maintaining public safety within their jurisdictions.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Pope County Jail, located in Glenwood, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are fingerprinted and photographed. Inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule in advance and adhere to strict guidelines.

Court Records

Glenwood residents are served by the Pope County District Court, Eighth Judicial District of Minnesota, located at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 220, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5310. The Pope County District Court handles all criminal cases including felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors; civil matters including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and lawsuits over $50,000; family law matters including divorce, child custody, and child support; probate and estate proceedings; juvenile delinquency and child protection cases; and small claims for amounts up to $15,000.
Minnesota has a unified court system with district courts serving as trial courts of general jurisdiction for all types of cases. Glenwood does not operate a separate municipal court; traffic violations and city ordinance violations are handled through the Pope County District Court. To search court records online, Minnesota provides a statewide system through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website at www.mncourts.gov. The Remote Access to Court Records portal allows users to search by party name, attorney name, or case number for district court cases statewide, though some records may be sealed or restricted from public view under court rules or statutes. Access to some records is free, while certified copies require payment. In-person searches can be conducted at the Pope County Court Administrator's Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Filing fees vary by case type: civil complaint filing fees are approximately $325, small claims filing is $80, and certified copies of court documents cost $14 for the first page plus $8 for each additional page. Marriage dissolution (divorce) filings cost approximately $400. These fees are subject to change and the court may waive fees for individuals who qualify as indigent under Minnesota court rules.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pope County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Pope County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. To conduct a background check, individuals can contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for residents. The Bureau ensures that Pope County residents have access to accurate and up-to-date criminal information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Pope County are maintained by the Pope County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, certain information is made available to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Glenwood and Pope County are maintained by two separate county offices. The Pope County Assessor's Office, located at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 240, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5221, is responsible for assessing all taxable real and personal property in the county. The Assessor's website at www.popecountymn.gov provides a free online property search tool allowing users to search by owner name, parcel ID number, or property address to view current assessed values, property classifications, lot size, building characteristics, and assessment history.
The online system shows estimated market values, taxable values, and property tax amounts, updated annually following the assessment cycle. For more detailed information or to contest an assessment, property owners must contact the Assessor's Office directly. The Pope County Recorder's Office, located at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 110, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5222, maintains official records of all land transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, easements, plats, and other documents affecting title to real property in Pope County. Minnesota law requires that documents affecting real property be recorded with the county recorder to provide public notice and establish priority of interests. The Recorder's Office provides online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based service on the county website, allowing users to search by document type, date range, grantor/grantee names, or legal description and view scanned images of recorded documents dating back several decades. Some basic searches may be free, but downloading or printing documents typically requires a fee. The Pope County Geographic Information System (GIS), accessible through the county website, provides interactive mapping tools to view parcel boundaries, zoning designations, aerial imagery, and other spatial data overlaid with property ownership information linked to the Assessor's database.

Economy & Demographics

Glenwood's economy is anchored by its role as the Pope County seat, healthcare, education, agriculture, and lake tourism. The Pope County government complex in downtown Glenwood is a significant employer, housing the courthouse, county offices, sheriff's department, and public works facilities. Glacial Ridge Health System, located at 10 Fourth Avenue SE in Glenwood, is the largest employer in the area, providing hospital services, clinics, long-term care, and employing several hundred healthcare professionals serving western Minnesota.
The Glenwood-Kensington School District (ISD 2884) employs teachers, administrators, and support staff for the community's educational needs. Agriculture remains central to the regional economy, with Pope County being a major producer of corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock; many Glenwood residents are employed in farming, agricultural services, grain elevators, and farm equipment sales. Tourism and recreation related to Lake Minnewaska and surrounding lakes contribute significantly during summer months, supporting resorts, marinas, restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses. Manufacturing facilities in the area include Jennie-O Turkey Store operations and various small manufacturers. Retail and service businesses along Highway 28 and downtown Glenwood serve both local residents and visitors. The median household income in Pope County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Minnesota state median. Recent economic development efforts have focused on downtown revitalization, expanding broadband internet access to support remote work and business growth, and promoting Glenwood's quality of life and recreational amenities to attract new residents and retirees. The city benefits from its location along Highway 28 and proximity to Interstate 94, providing access to regional markets while maintaining its small-town character and lake community appeal.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Glenwood Police Department, located at 702 Minnesota Avenue East, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5133, serves as the primary law enforcement agency within the city limits of Glenwood. The department handles patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing for the city's residents. To request police reports or incident records, individuals can visit the police department in person or call to inquire about obtaining copies of reports. Requests must be made in writing and should include the case number, date of incident, and names of parties involved. The Pope County Sheriff's Office, located at 403 East Minnesota Avenue, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5411, website www.popecountymn.gov, provides law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Pope County and assists the Glenwood Police Department when needed. The Sheriff's Office also operates the Pope County Jail and maintains arrest records for the county. To search for arrests and jail bookings, the Pope County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate roster accessible through the Minnesota Department of Corrections website and the county website, showing current inmates, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots when available. Public access to law enforcement records in Minnesota is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which classifies data as public, private, or confidential. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain law enforcement data including arrest records, booking photographs, and incident reports are generally public unless classified as private or confidential under specific circumstances. Requestors can submit a formal data practices request to either the Glenwood Police Department or Pope County Sheriff's Office, and agencies must respond within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days, and may charge reasonable fees for copies.

Vital Records

Vital records for Glenwood residents are primarily handled at the state level by the Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Birth certificates for births occurring in Minnesota are issued by the Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone 1-651-201-5970, website www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords. Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, with processing times of approximately 4-6 weeks for mail requests or 2-3 weeks for online orders.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for expedited service with additional fees. Only parents listed on the birth certificate, the subject of the record (if age 18 or older), legal guardians, or authorized representatives can request certified copies. Death certificates are also issued through the same state office with identical fees and ordering procedures. Minnesota death records are available from 1908 to the present, and requestors must show direct and tangible interest in the record or be an authorized representative. Marriage licenses for couples planning to marry in Pope County are issued by the Pope County Vital Statistics office within the Recorder's Office at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 110, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5222. The marriage license fee is $115 and there is a five-business-day waiting period after application before the license is valid. The license is valid for six months and the marriage ceremony must take place in Minnesota. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained from the same office for $9 per copy. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage decrees) are maintained by the Pope County District Court at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Glenwood, and are part of the court case file. Certified copies can be requested from the Court Administrator for the standard certified copy fee. Older vital records prior to state registration (pre-1900 births, pre-1908 deaths) may only be available through county or church records.

Business & Licensing Records

Business and licensing in Glenwood involves city, county, and state requirements depending on the nature of the business. The City of Glenwood does require business licenses for certain activities within city limits. Information about specific license requirements, applications, and fees can be obtained from Glenwood City Hall at 22 Highway 28 East, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5135, website www.cityofglenwood.org. Business license fees vary based on business type and are typically renewed annually.
For businesses operating in unincorporated areas of Pope County, county zoning and land use requirements may apply through the Pope County Planning and Zoning Department. Fictitious business names, also called assumed names or "doing business as" (DBA) registrations in Minnesota, must be filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State if a business operates under a name different from the legal name of the owner or entity. However, certificates of assumed name are filed with the county where the business has its principal place of business, which for Glenwood would be the Pope County Recorder at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 110, Glenwood, phone (320) 634-5222. For formal business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, registration is handled by the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services Division, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103, phone (651) 296-2803, website www.sos.state.mn.us. The Secretary of State's website offers a free online Business Information Search allowing anyone to search for registered entities by business name, file number, or registered agent, displaying entity status (active, dissolved, revoked), registration date, principal office address, registered office and agent, and officers or managers if disclosed. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which create security interests in personal property and serve as liens, are also filed with and searchable through the Minnesota Secretary of State's office online database. Property tax information for commercial properties in Glenwood can be searched through the Pope County Assessor's website to view assessed values and tax amounts for business real estate.

Elections & Voter Records

Glenwood voters are served by the Pope County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which administers elections for the county. The office is located at 130 Minnesota Avenue East, Suite 130, Glenwood, MN 56334, phone (320) 634-5226, website www.popecountymn.gov. Minnesota residents can register to vote online through the Minnesota Secretary of State 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 proof of residence. Voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, residents of Minnesota for 20 days, and have completed all felony sentences if previously convicted. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Minnesota driver's license, state ID, current utility bill, bank statement, or a registered voter from the precinct who can vouch for the applicant's residence. Glenwood holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions; the city has a mayor elected to four-year terms and city council members elected to staggered four-year terms. Glenwood's next municipal election will be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of odd-numbered years, with the next mayoral and council elections scheduled for November 2025 or as determined by the city charter. Information about Glenwood candidates, local ballot measures, and city election results is available from Glenwood City Hall at (320) 634-5135 and the Pope County elections office. To find their assigned polling place, Glenwood residents can use the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us by entering their address, or contact the Pope County Auditor-Treasurer. Under Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes §§ 201.091, 204B.36), voter registration lists are public data, though with restrictions on use for commercial purposes. Campaign finance reports for state and local candidates are filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and searchable online at cfb.mn.gov. Precinct-level election results are public records available through the Pope County website and Minnesota Secretary of State after each election. In the November 2024 presidential election, Pope County reported approximately 67% voter turnout with around 5,900 ballots cast out of approximately 8,800 registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of Minnesota's high voter participation rates. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Pope County and Glenwood voters will decide several important races. Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Amy Klobuchar will not be up for election in 2026 (next contested in 2024 already passed), but Minnesota's other U.S. Senate seat held by Tina Smith will be on the ballot in 2026. All 134 Minnesota House of Representatives seats will be contested, including the district representing Glenwood. State Senate races for half of the 67 seats will also appear on ballots in districts with seats expiring. Pope County will elect county commissioners for several districts, along with the county sheriff, county attorney, auditor-treasurer, and recorder. Glenwood school board positions will also be decided if terms expire. Absentee voting in Minnesota is available without requiring an excuse; voters can request ansentee/mail ballots online through mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us starting 46 days before the election, with completed ballots due by 3:00 PM on Election Day. Early in-person voting (absentee voting in person) begins 46 days before the election at the Pope County Auditor-Treasurer's Office.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Pope County provides strong online access to property records, court records through Minnesota's statewide system, and business filings, though vital records require state-level requests and jail rosters have limited detail compared to some jurisdictions

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Glenwood, Pope County, Minnesota to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Glenwood, Minnesota, you will be transported to the Pope County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Pope County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Pope County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Glenwood area is served by public school districts in Pope County, Minnesota. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Minnesota Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Glenwood, Minnesota are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Glenwood Police Department on their official website. The Minnesota Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Glenwood Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Minnesota government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Glenwood Public Library main branch is located in Glenwood, Minnesota. Check the Glenwood city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Glenwood, Minnesota are available through the Glenwood Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Pope County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Glenwood, Minnesota, contact the Minnesota Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Pope County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Glenwood, Minnesota can be obtained from the Glenwood Police Department or the Pope County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Minnesota Data Practices Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Minnesota DMV.
A background check in Glenwood, Pope County, Minnesota typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Minnesota criminal history report through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Pope County, Minnesota

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Cyrus Lowry Starbuck Villard