Hennepin

Hennepin County is a county in the state of Minnesota, United States, located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It is the most populous county in Minnesota and contains the city of Minneapolis, which is both the county seat and largest city. The county covers a mix of urban centers, suburban municipalities, and rural areas on its western fringe, and includes numerous lakes and portions of the Mississippi River.

The county is named after Louis Hennepin, a 17th‑century Jesuit priest and explorer who traveled along the upper Mississippi River. It was established in 1852, and its growth was shaped by rail transportation and river trade that supported Minneapolis and surrounding communities.

Governing responsibilities are handled by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and county offices, which oversee public health, social services, courts, and parks. As of the 2020 census, the population was about 1.26 million, reflecting a diverse and densely populated urban-suburban region. The county includes major districts such as downtown Minneapolis and various suburban municipalities, with a broad mix of housing, industry, and cultural institutions.

The economy emphasizes healthcare, education, government, finance, and retail, with large employers in health systems and the University of Minnesota campus located largely within the county. Cultural and recreational offerings include theaters, museums, parks, and the Chain of Lakes, supported by a substantial library system (Hennepin County Library) and extensive parks and trails that serve residents and visitors.