Grant County lies in west-central Minnesota, surrounded by prairie lakes and open farmland. Established in 1868 and named for U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, it remains one of the state’s smaller, more rural counties. The county seat is Elbow Lake, a peaceful community that serves as the county’s commercial and government center. Other towns include Ashby, Barrett, Hoffman, and Herman, each offering small-town living where everyone knows their neighbors. Farming — corn, soybeans, and livestock — dominates the landscape. Housing is made up of farmsteads, one-story bungalows, modest ramblers, and lakeside cabins around Pomme de Terre and Pelican Lakes. Most of the area is rural, though Elbow Lake and Ashby feature cozy neighborhoods with schools and parks. The county sits about 150 miles northwest of Minneapolis, within reach of Alexandria’s larger amenities. Home prices average $180 k – $250 k, while updated lakeside homes can top $350 k – $400 k. Building new remains cost-friendly at roughly $260 – $300 per sq ft, with land still affordable at under $3,000 per acre in farm regions. Grant County offers a quiet, safe, and budget-friendly lifestyle perfect for retirees and families who value community and open skies.