About Hubbard County
Hubbard County is located in north-central Minnesota, established in 1883 and named after Lucius Frederick Hubbard, the ninth Governor of Minnesota. The county seat is Park Rapids, a vibrant community situated along the Heartland State Trail. Hubbard County encompasses approximately 928 square miles, with nearly 200 lakes dotting its landscape, making it a premier destination for outdoor recreation and tourism. According to recent census estimates, the county has a population of approximately 21,000 residents.
The county is home to portions of the Chippewa National Forest and Itasca State Park, where the headwaters of the Mississippi River originate. Major landmarks include Itasca State Park, Lake Itasca, and numerous resort communities along Big and Little Mantrap Lakes, Bad Axe Lake, and Lake George. The Hubbard County Courthouse, located at 301 Court Avenue in Park Rapids, houses several key county offices including the County Recorder, County Assessor, and County Clerk.
The Hubbard County Recorder's Office maintains land records, deeds, and property transactions, while the Assessor's Office manages property valuations and tax assessments. The county's economy traditionally centered on logging and agriculture, but tourism and recreation now drive much of the local economy. The area's natural beauty, fishing opportunities, and proximity to major population centers make Hubbard County a popular vacation destination and retirement community.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within the county. It provides law enforcement services to the unincorporated areas and manages the Hubbard County Jail. The office handles criminal investigations, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and a drug task force to address specific law enforcement needs.
Police Departments
In addition to the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. The Park Rapids Police Department serves the city of Park Rapids, while the Nevis Police Department and Akeley Police Department serve their respective communities. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 301 Court Avenue in Park Rapids, Minnesota 56470, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (218) 732-3331 and maintains a website at www.co.hubbard.mn.us/sheriff. The agency provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates the Hubbard County Jail. Inmate information and jail roster searches can be conducted by contacting the jail directly at (218) 732-1153 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours.
- Municipal police departments operate independently in incorporated cities within Hubbard County, including the Park Rapids Police Department, which provides law enforcement services within city limits.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit requests to the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Requests should include the individual's name, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest.
- The agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time.
- The Sheriff's Office maintains booking logs that include photographs taken during the intake process at the county jail.
Arrest records in Hubbard County are considered public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available as part of arrest records, though some restrictions apply for juvenile offenders and certain sensitive cases. Minnesota Statute 13.82 governs access to criminal justice data, allowing public access to booking photographs and arrest information for adults charged with crimes.
There are no tribal police agencies with primary jurisdiction in Hubbard County, though the White Earth Nation has treaty-reserved hunting and fishing rights in portions of the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hubbard County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Minnesota Bureau of Investigation also assists Hubbard County residents in accessing criminal records for various purposes, including employment and housing.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hubbard County are maintained by the Hubbard 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 public records, ensuring transparency and public access to arrest information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Hubbard County Jail, located in Park Rapids, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's online inmate lookup system. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance. The bond and bail process in Minnesota allows for the release of inmates pending trial, with conditions set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hubbard County are taken and retained by the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Minnesota does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshots from third-party websites. Mugshots may also be available through court records if they are part of a public case file.
Courts & Case Records
Hubbard County is served by the Ninth Judicial District Court of Minnesota, with the Hubbard County Courthouse located at 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470. The court can be reached at (218) 732-3552. The District Court has general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal matters, including felonies, gross misdemeanors, civil cases exceeding $15,000, family law matters, probate proceedings, and juvenile cases. Minnesota's unified court system eliminated separate justice courts and municipal courts, consolidating all proceedings under the District Court structure.
- The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides public access to most civil, criminal, family, and probate case information.
- Remote access fees apply: $8.00 per transaction for searches resulting in documents.
- In-person searches at the Hubbard County Court Administrator's office are free, though copy fees of $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page apply for certified copies.
Probate matters, including estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, are handled by the Probate Division of the Hubbard County District Court. Court records can be searched through Minnesota's statewide case search system, available at www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts. Public access to court records is governed by Minnesota Court Rules and Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, which establish that most court records are public unless specifically classified as private or confidential.
Certain family court records, juvenile proceedings, and sealed documents have restricted access. The Court Administrator's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Property & Public Records
The Hubbard County Recorder's Office, located at 301 Court Avenue, Suite 103, Park Rapids, MN 56470, maintains all land and property records for the county. The office can be reached at (218) 732-1451 and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, plat maps, certificates of real estate value, and Torrens property records.
- Hubbard County offers an online property search system through the Recorder's website at www.co.hubbard.mn.us/recorder, allowing users to search recorded documents by name, document type, or legal description.
- Some historical records have been digitized and are available for viewing online.
- Recording fees are established by Minnesota Statutes Section 357.18 and vary based on document type; standard documents cost $46 for the first page and $2 for each additional page.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment.
- The Recorder's Office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for fees.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hubbard County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Hubbard County can be requested through the Hubbard County Clerk's Office at 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470, phone (218) 732-1264. The office maintains records for events occurring within the county. Birth certificates cost $26 for the first copy and $19 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Processing time for walk-in requests is typically same-day if records are readily available; mail requests take approximately one to two weeks.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/people/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee.
- The marriage license fee is $115.
- Marriage certificates documenting a completed marriage can be obtained from the Clerk's Office for $9.
- Divorce records are maintained by the Hubbard County District Court and must be requested through the Court Administrator's office.
The Minnesota Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, also maintains statewide birth and death records and serves as an alternative source. The state office is located at P.O. Box 64499, St.
Paul, MN 55164-0499, phone (651) 201-5970. Marriage licenses are issued by the Hubbard County Clerk's Office; both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144 governs vital records access, establishing that birth records less than 100 years old are private data accessible only to registrants, parents, legal representatives, and others with demonstrated legal need.
Death records are public. Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate eligibility to receive restricted records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Hubbard County involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and activities. The Hubbard County Clerk's Office at 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, processes assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity name. These filings cost approximately $50 and are public record, searchable at the Clerk's office.
- Their website at www.parkrapids.com provides information on starting and operating businesses in the area.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Minnesota Secretary of State maintains the statewide business database accessible at www.sos.state.mn.us/business-liens. This free online search tool allows users to verify business registrations, view filing history, and obtain certificates of good standing. New business entity registrations must be filed with the Secretary of State, not the county.
Sales tax permits and related tax registrations are handled by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The Hubbard County Planning and Zoning Department, located in the courthouse at (218) 732-1444, issues building permits, zoning permits, septic system permits, and conditional use permits for businesses and development projects within unincorporated areas of the county. Cities within Hubbard County maintain their own building and zoning departments.
Professional and occupational licenses such as those for contractors, food service establishments, and lodging facilities may require both state licensing and local permits. The Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 1204 Park Avenue South, Park Rapids, serves as a business resource and maintains a directory of member businesses.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Hubbard County is managed by the Hubbard County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which serves as the county's election authority. The office is located at 301 Court Avenue, Park Rapids, MN 56470, and can be reached at (218) 732-1286. Election information is available at www.co.hubbard.mn.us.
- The voter registration deadline is 21 days before Election Day for online and mail registration; after that deadline, voters must register in person either during early voting or on Election Day.
- In the 2024 general election, Hubbard County reported approximately 76% turnout among registered voters.
- Absentee voting in Minnesota is available to all registered voters without requiring an excuse.
Minnesota offers several voter registration options: online registration through the Minnesota Secretary of State at mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the county elections office or any Minnesota driver's license office. Minnesota also allows Election Day registration at polling places with proper proof of residence. To find your specific polling place in Hubbard County, voters can use the Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us or contact the Auditor-Treasurer's office.
Election records that are public in Minnesota include the voter registration roster (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filing documents, and precinct-level election results. Hubbard County typically experiences turnout rates of 75-80% in presidential general elections and 60-65% in midterm elections, generally tracking with or slightly above Minnesota's high statewide participation rates. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and Senate races, Minnesota constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Applications for absentee ballots can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by mail, in person at the Hubbard County Auditor-Treasurer's office, or by fax or email. Absentee ballots must be received by Election Day to be counted; postmarks do not extend the deadline.
Minnesota law (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 201) provides strong transparency for election records, requiring that voter rosters, election results, and campaign finance data be publicly accessible, supporting election integrity and public oversight.
Economy & Demographics
Hubbard County's economy is heavily centered on tourism and recreation, with the county's nearly 200 lakes and proximity to Itasca State Park driving significant seasonal economic activity. Major employers include Heartland RDC (Regional Development Corporation), Hubbard County government, Hubbard County Memorial Hospital (now Glacial Ridge Health System), school districts, and numerous resorts, restaurants, and hospitality businesses.
- The median household income in Hubbard County is approximately $54,000, somewhat below the Minnesota state average, reflecting the seasonal nature of much employment and the county's rural character.
Agriculture remains important, with family farms producing corn, soybeans, hay, and beef cattle, though farming operations have consolidated over recent decades. Forestry and forest products retain economic significance due to county lands adjacent to the Chippewa National Forest. The retail and service sectors expand substantially during summer months as tourism peaks, with the population in resort communities sometimes tripling.
Manufacturing is limited but includes wood products and agricultural equipment. The county has worked to diversify its economy through the Hubbard County Economic Development Corporation and partnerships with regional development organizations. Unemployment rates typically range from 4-6% annually but show seasonal variation, rising in winter months when tourism subsides.
The development of the Heartland State Trail, a 49-mile paved trail for biking and walking, has enhanced tourism infrastructure. Retirees and seasonal residents contribute significantly to the economy, particularly in the real estate and healthcare sectors. Property values along desirable lakeshore have increased substantially, creating both economic opportunities and affordability challenges for year-round residents.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (MCRO) | Property: ✅ Online GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online | Overall Score: 7/10 — Hubbard County provides good digital access to property, court, and election records, though jail rosters and vital records require direct contact or in-person visits.
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Cities & Towns in Hubbard County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Hubbard County, Minnesota.
Nearby Counties
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