Founding and History of Hills, MN

Hills, a city in Martin township, was platted in November 1889 and incorporated November 15, 1904.   At the time of incorporation the population was 351. The city was first called Anderson (after the names of Oslo and Grant were short-lived) , in honor of Goodman Anderson, a resident there, but was renamed March 1, 1890 for Frederick C. Hills, who was president of the Sioux City and Northern Railway.  The city was located at the intersection of the Illinois Central and the Sioux City and Northern railroads.

The post office was established in 1890, when postmaster Jacob N. Jacobson and his partner moved their store from the town of Bruce, having served as a postmaster there.  

A bank, Rock County Banking company, was started in 1892, owned by R. B. Hinkly, B. H Hinkly, W.H. Wilson and J.R. Wright.  This later became First National Bank. A second bank, Farmers State Bank, was organized in 1900.

The Hills Crescent newspaper was founded in August, 1893.  

The school was started in 1893.

There were three churches in 1910:  Immanuel Norwegian Evangelical Union, the United Norwegian Lutheran and the Trinity Norwegian Lutheran Free.  The Presbyterian society also maintained a building.

Hills, MN Today

In 2010 Hills had a population of 686 people.  It is the southwestern-most city in Minnesota and offers residents a small town community just 20 minutes from Sioux Falls, SD.  The annual community celebration, Friendship Days, is the second weekend of June.

Hill is home to the Hills-Beaver Creek high school, grades 7-12.  

Hills has two churches: Bethlehem Lutheran and the Hills United Reform Church.

Hills has a post office, zip code 56138.

A branch of the Security Savings Bank is located in Hills.  

Hills has several options for senior living including the Morningside and Sunview apartments, the Tuff Village and Vista Manor assisted living and the Tuff Memorial home, a skilled nursing facility.