Rushford, Minnesota

Gateway to the Root River Valley in Beautiful Bluff Country

Population: 1,860 | Fillmore County | Zip Code: 55971

About Rushford

Rushford is a charming city in Fillmore County, Minnesota, nestled in the scenic bluff lands of southeastern Minnesota. The first pioneers pole-boated up the Root River to the junction of Rush Creek, discovering the astonishing beauty the bluff lands had to offer.

Today, Rushford offers a mix of rural tranquility and outdoor recreational opportunities that attract both residents and visitors. The town is intersected by Minnesota Highways 16, 30, and 43 and serves as a key stop along the famous Root River State Trail.

The median household income is approximately $73,321, with a median home value of $203,200. The cost of living index is 85.8, making it more affordable than the national average.

Quick Facts

  • County: Fillmore County
  • Population: 1,860 (2020 Census)
  • Median Age: 41.1 years
  • Area Code: 507
  • Zip Code: 55971
  • Elevation: 728 feet
  • Time Zone: Central (CST)

Local Government

City Hall

101 N. Mill Street
PO Box 430
Rushford, MN 55971

Phone: (507) 864-2444
Fax: (507) 864-7003

Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City Council

The City of Rushford is represented by the Mayor and four Council Members.

Meetings: 2nd & 4th Monday
6:30 PM at City Hall

Elections: Held in odd years

Emergency Services

Police Department
405 S. Elm Street
Rushford, MN 55971

Emergency: 911

Electric Outages (After Hours):
MiEnergy: (800) 432-2285

Official Website: rushford.govoffice.com

Parks & Recreation

Root River State Trail

A 42-mile paved multiple-use trail running through Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and Houston. The trail follows the scenic Root River through dramatic bluff country and is perfect for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Rushford Trailhead: Turn north on Elm Street from Highway 16, one block to the Historic Depot parking lot.

Magelssen Bluff Park

Access 1.5 miles of looping hiking trails from Winona Street in Rushford or drive to the top via Highway 30 West to Magelssen Drive for stunning panoramic views of the Root River Valley and surrounding bluffs.

Features: Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing

Vinegar Ridge Recreation Area

Located along the Root River State Trail, featuring six miles of horseback riding trails and access to the Root River State Water Trail for canoeing and kayaking. Eight primitive campsites are available for outdoor enthusiasts.

Activities: Horseback riding, kayaking, canoeing, camping

Rushford City Pool

Outdoor public swimming pool open early June through August.

Ferndale Golf Course

A beautiful, well-maintained mature golf course that opened in 1931, nestled in the bluffs of southeastern Minnesota.

Snowmobile Trails

79 miles of spectacular bluff country snowmobile trails maintained by the local Snowmobile Club.

Schools & Education

Rushford-Peterson Public Schools (ISD #239)

Rushford-Peterson Public Schools serves approximately 639 students across three schools with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. The district built a new facility in 2017 that serves as a modern learning environment for students.

Elementary School

Grades PK-5

~307 Students

Middle School

Grades 6-8

~140 Students

High School

Grades 9-12

~219 Students

School Address: 1000 Pine Meadows Lane, Rushford, MN 55971

Phone: (507) 864-7785 | Website: www.r-pschools.com

Rushford Public Library

101 N. Mill Street, Rushford, MN 55971 (Located behind City Hall)

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Local Businesses & Services

Dining

Stumpy's Restaurant & Bar

122 W. Jessie Street | (507) 864-7156

Family restaurant serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Famous for homemade pizza, burgers, and daily specials. Open 7 days a week.

Kwik Trip

110 State Highway 16 | (507) 864-4800

Convenience store with fresh food, hot meals, and fuel. Open daily 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

Shopping & Services

Rushford IGA / Rush Foods

400 S. Mill Street

Full-service grocery store serving the community.

Sterling Pharmacy

Downtown Rushford

Local pharmacy with prescription delivery, senior discounts (60+) on Tuesdays, and free vitamin program.

Banking

Rushford State Bank

Community banking services

Merchants Bank, N.A.

Full-service banking

Historic Attractions

Rushford Historic Depot & Museum

Built in 1867 by the Southern Minnesota Railroad, the Rushford Depot is Minnesota's oldest two-story railroad station remaining on its original site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Rushford Area Historical Society purchased and restored the building in 1987. Today it houses a museum, visitor center, and genealogy research center.

Address: 401 S. Elm Street
Phone: (507) 864-7560
Visitor Center: Open daily April-October

Historic Buildings on Site:

  • ✓ Original 1867 Railroad Depot
  • ✓ One-Room Schoolhouse
  • ✓ Historic Chapel Replica
  • ✓ Limestone Jailhouse
  • ✓ Log Cabin (under restoration)

Annual Events & Celebrations

Rushford Days

Third Weekend in July

Annual citywide celebration featuring parades, entertainment, food, and community activities.

Homecoming Celebration

Every 5 Years

Citywide celebration with a standing invitation to all former residents to return and visit.

Community Theater

July

Annual production by the Rushford Area Society of the Arts (RASA).

Farmers Market

Weekly (Seasonal)

Local produce, crafts, and independent artists.

Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce

Your resource for local business information, tourism, and community events.

Address: 401 S. Elm Street, PO Box 338, Rushford, MN 55971

Phone: (507) 864-7560

Website: rushfordpetersonvalley.com

Visit Rushford, Minnesota

Located in the heart of Minnesota's scenic Bluff Country along the Root River State Trail. Experience small-town charm, outdoor adventure, and rich history.

© 2025 Rushford, Minnesota Community Information | Content verified January 2025

  • Events and Things to do in February 2026 in Rushford Minnesota

    Things to Do in February 2026 in Rushford, Minnesota Published for the Rushford Community | Last Updated: January 2026 Welcome to Rushford, Minnesota — nestled in the scenic bluff country of Fillmore County along the Root River Valley. February brings crisp winter days perfect for exploring our charming community, enjoying local events, and experiencing the […]