About Goodhue County
Goodhue County, Minnesota, is located in the southeastern corner of the state along the Mississippi River, established in 1853 and named after James Madison Goodhue, an early Minnesota newspaperman and territorial legislator. The county seat is Red Wing, a historic river city known for its pottery heritage and scenic bluffs. Goodhue County encompasses approximately 758 square miles and serves a population of around 47,000 residents across vibrant communities including Red Wing, Goodhue, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, Pine Island, Lake City, and Kenyon.
The county is characterized by rolling agricultural lands, dramatic river bluffs, and the confluence of the Mississippi and Cannon Rivers. Major landmarks include Barn Bluff overlooking Red Wing, Frontenac State Park, the historic Red Wing Pottery district, and the Cannon Valley Trail. The Goodhue County Government Center at 509 West Fifth Street in Red Wing houses most county administrative offices including the County Recorder, County Clerk (Auditor-Treasurer), and County Assessor.
The region's economy historically centered on agriculture, river commerce, and the famous Red Wing Shoe Company, founded in 1905. Today, Goodhue County balances agricultural production—particularly corn, soybeans, and dairy—with manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare services. The Prairie Island Indian Community maintains a significant presence in the county.
What makes Goodhue County unique is its blend of Mississippi River heritage, thriving small-town communities, agricultural productivity, and natural beauty that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is also involved in community policing initiatives and operates specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and drug task force. The Sheriff's Office is committed to public safety and works closely with local police departments to address crime and ensure community well-being.
Police Departments
Goodhue County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Red Wing Police Department, Cannon Falls Police Department, and Zumbrota Police Department are key agencies within the county. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office handles the broader county area. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and public safety across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office, located at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (phone: 651-385-3155), serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides county-wide services including jail operations, court security, and emergency response. The Sheriff's Office operates the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center, and current inmate information can be accessed through the Sheriff's website at www.co.goodhue.mn.us/sheriff or by calling the jail directly at 651-385-3155.
- For recent bookings and jail roster information, contacting the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office website provides the most current inmate lookup capabilities.
Municipal police departments operate independently in Red Wing (Red Wing Police Department, 651-385-3155), Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, Pine Island, Lake City, and Kenyon, each serving their respective city limits. Arrest records in Goodhue County are public data under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), and citizens may request arrest records through written requests to the Sheriff's Office or specific municipal police departments. Booking photos (mugshots) are generally considered public data and can be obtained through formal data requests submitted to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though some agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies.
Minnesota Statute 13.82 specifically governs access to criminal investigative data, with arrest data becoming public once an individual is charged or cited. The Prairie Island Indian Community maintains its own tribal police department with jurisdiction on tribal lands.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Goodhue County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search online portal.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Goodhue County are maintained by the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office. These records are available to the public under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A Goodhue County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information as required by state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Goodhue County Adult Detention Center is the primary jail facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, providing inmate lookup services through its online portal. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Minnesota state law, allowing for cash bail or bond through a bail bondsman. Recent arrestees can be located through the detention center's online inmate search tool.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Goodhue County are taken and retained by the Goodhue 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 website or by request. Minnesota does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dismissed or if they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which governs public access to government data.
Courts & Case Records
Goodhue County is served by Minnesota's Third Judicial District Court, with the Goodhue County Courthouse located at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (phone: 651-385-3100). This general jurisdiction court handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters for the county. Minnesota operates a unified court system, so all trial-level matters are heard in District Court rather than separate municipal or justice courts.
- There is no fee to search records online, but certified copies and detailed documents require payment of court fees, typically $14 for certification and varying copy fees.
- The Goodhue County Court Administration office (651-385-3100) can provide guidance on record access procedures, fee schedules for copying and certification, and information about obtaining case documents.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides online case access through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system at www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records, where users can search civil, criminal, family, and probate cases statewide, though some sensitive records are restricted. Walk-in public access terminals are available at the courthouse during regular business hours for more comprehensive searches. Court records in Minnesota are governed by Rule 4 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which establishes that most court records are accessible to the public unless specifically restricted by statute or court rule, such as sealed adoption records, certain juvenile matters, and domestic abuse cases with safety concerns.
Probate matters, including estate administrations and guardianships, are also handled by the District Court in Goodhue County.
Property & Public Records
The Goodhue County Recorder's Office, located at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (phone: 651-385-3003), maintains all land and property records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mechanics liens, easements, plat maps, and other documents affecting real property title. The office provides online property document search through the official Goodhue County website at www.co.goodhue.mn.us, where users can search recorded documents by name, legal description, or document number; some historical records may only be available in person.
- Recording fees are established by Minnesota statute, with standard documents typically costing $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for $14 plus copy fees, with requests accepted in person, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.
- The county's online GIS/parcel viewer provides aerial imagery, zoning information, and property boundaries, serving as a valuable tool for title researchers, real estate professionals, and property owners.
The Goodhue County Assessor's Office (651-385-3100) maintains property assessment records, parcel information, and tax valuations, accessible through the county's online GIS mapping system which provides detailed parcel data, ownership information, assessed values, and property characteristics at no charge. Property tax payment records and current tax amounts are handled by the Auditor-Treasurer's Office (651-385-3130) at the same Government Center address. Minnesota Statute 386.01-.26 governs county recorder operations and establishes public access rights to recorded land documents.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates in Goodhue County can be requested through the Goodhue County Vital Records office, part of the Public Health Department at 426 West Seventh Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (phone: 651-385-3200). Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, while death certificates cost $13 for the first copy and $6 for additional copies. Processing time is typically 5-7 business days for in-person or mail requests.
- Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage) are court records maintained by the Goodhue County District Court (651-385-3100) and must be requested through the court administration office.
- Online ordering is not currently available through Goodhue County directly, but the Minnesota Department of Health offers online ordering through VitalChek for an additional service fee.
- Requesters must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or tangible interest when requesting vital records.
Only eligible individuals can request vital records under Minnesota Statute 144.225, including the person named on the record (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or those with a tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Goodhue County Recorder's Office (651-385-3003) at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, with a marriage license fee of $115; both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Marriage certificates can be obtained from the Recorder's Office after the marriage ceremony has been completed and the license returned.
For vital records older than 1870 or when local access is unavailable, the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Vital Records (651-201-5970) at P.O. Box 64499, St. Paul, MN 55164-0499 serves as the state repository.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Goodhue County involves both county-level and state-level processes depending on the business type and activities. The Goodhue County Auditor-Treasurer's Office at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (651-385-3130) handles assumed name certificates (Doing Business As/DBA filings) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, with registration fees typically around $50.
- Sales tax permits and employer tax accounts must be registered through the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
For comprehensive business entity information including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, the Minnesota Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.state.mn.us/business-services where users can verify business registrations, view filing histories, and obtain certificates of good standing at no charge for searches. The Goodhue County Planning and Zoning Department (651-385-3104) issues building permits, conditional use permits, and zoning compliance certificates required for business construction or modifications. Professional licenses such as those for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are regulated by respective Minnesota state boards rather than county offices.
Individual cities within Goodhue County—Red Wing, Cannon Falls, Lake City, Zumbrota, Pine Island, Goodhue, and Kenyon—each maintain separate business licensing requirements for operations within city limits, typically including business licenses, signage permits, and health permits for food establishments. The Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce (www.redwingchamber.com) and Lake City Chamber of Commerce serve as valuable resources for new business owners navigating local requirements and connecting with the business community throughout Goodhue County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Goodhue County are administered by the Goodhue County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, serving as the county's official elections office, located at 509 West Fifth Street, Red Wing, MN 55066 (phone: 651-385-3130; website: www.co.goodhue.mn.us). Voter registration in Minnesota is available online through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.org, by mail, in person at the county elections office, or on Election Day at your polling place.
- The November 2024 general election saw strong turnout in Goodhue County, with approximately 78-82% of registered voters participating, consistent with Minnesota's traditionally high voter engagement.
- Citizens can request copies of election-related public data through standard data practices requests to the Auditor-Treasurer's Office, with most information available at minimal or no cost.
The standard registration deadline is 21 days before Election Day for online and mail registration, but Minnesota's same-day registration law allows eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residence. To find your specific polling place in Goodhue County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.gov or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's Office directly. Public election records in Minnesota include voter registration lists (excluding certain private data), campaign finance reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results, all accessible under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201 and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring US House and Senate midterm races along with Minnesota state constitutional offices including Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and state legislative seats. Absentee voting in Goodhue County is available for any registered voter without requiring an excuse; applications can be submitted online through mnvotes.org, by mail, in person at the Auditor-Treasurer's Office, or through Minnesota's online absentee ballot request portal beginning 46 days before an election. Absentee ballots must be received by 3:00 PM on Election Day to be counted.
Goodhue County provides excellent election transparency, with detailed precinct results published on the county website following each election, campaign finance reports accessible through state databases, and comprehensive election statistics available for public review.
Economy & Demographics
Goodhue County's economy reflects a diverse mix of agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism sectors that provide economic stability to the region. Agriculture remains foundational, with the county ranking among Minnesota's top producers of corn, soybeans, dairy products, and livestock; the fertile soils and favorable climate support approximately 1,200 farms covering over 400,000 acres.
- The median household income in Goodhue County is approximately $75,000, notably higher than the state median, reflecting the stable employment base.
Manufacturing represents a significant employment sector, anchored by the Red Wing Shoe Company, founded in 1905 and still headquartered in Red Wing, employing hundreds in the production of work boots and footwear distributed globally. Treasure Island Resort & Casino, operated by the Prairie Island Indian Community, serves as one of the county's largest employers with over 1,700 jobs and generates substantial economic activity through gaming, hospitality, and entertainment services. Other major employers include Mayo Clinic Health System in Red Wing, Ardent Mills (flour milling), Anderson Windows components suppliers, and various precision manufacturing firms.
Healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services round out the top employment sectors. The county's unemployment rate typically tracks below state and national averages, generally ranging between 2.5% and 4.0%. Tourism contributes measurably to the local economy, with Barn Bluff, Frontenac State Park, the Cannon Valley Trail, Mississippi River recreation, and Red Wing's historic downtown pottery district attracting visitors year-round.
Recent economic development initiatives focus on downtown revitalization in Red Wing, broadband expansion in rural areas, and supporting value-added agricultural businesses. The Port of Red Wing continues to handle barge traffic, maintaining the county's historic connection to river commerce.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Database | Elections: ✅ Online Portal & Results | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Goodhue County provides strong digital access to most public records with comprehensive online property search, GIS mapping, state court system integration, and transparent election information.
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Cities & Towns in Goodhue County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Goodhue County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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