Cities and Towns in Aitkin County, Minnesota

Founded in 1857, Aitkin County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Aitkin County was formed from Pine County and Ramsey County. The city of Aitkin is the county seat. With FIPS code of 1, Aitkin County has a population of 15,887 and area of 1,819.30 square miles (4,712 km²).

List of all cities in Aitkin County, MN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Aitkin, MN	56431	218
Balsam, MN	55787	218
Clark, MN	55787	218
East Lake, MN	55760	218
Haugen, MN	55787	218
Haypoint, MN	55748	218
Hill City, MN	55748	218
Jevne, MN	55760	218
Lawler, MN	55760	218
Libby, MN	56469	218
Logan, MN	56469	218
Mc Grath, MN	56350	320
McGregor, MN	55760	218
Minnewana, MN	55760	218
Morrison, MN	56469	218
Palisade, MN	56469	218
Rice River, MN	55760	218
Salo, MN	55760	218
Shamrock, MN	55760	218
Sheshebee, MN	55760	218
Spalding, MN	55760	218
Tamarack, MN	55787	218
Turner, MN	55760	218
Verdon, MN	56469	218
Waukenabo, MN	56469	218
Workman, MN	56469	218

Major Cities and Towns in Aitkin County, Minnesota

1. Aitkin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 5.23 square miles
• Population: 2,105 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56431
• Latitude: 46.5331° N
• Longitude: 93.6763° W

City Location and History

Aitkin, the county seat of Aitkin County, is located along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota. Founded in 1857, it was named after William Aitkin, an early settler and fur trader who contributed significantly to the area’s development. The city grew as a logging town in the late 1800s and later expanded with the arrival of railroads. By the early 20th century, Aitkin became a regional center for commerce, serving the local agricultural and logging industries. Its location along the river was vital for trade, connecting it to larger metropolitan areas, but it also made the town an attractive spot for outdoor recreation, which remains a draw for tourists today.

Aitkin played a role in the fur trade era and served as a vital hub for transportation through the early to mid-1900s. The city has since diversified its economy, focusing on tourism, retail, and services, while preserving much of its small-town charm. The surrounding natural beauty, including the nearby Mille Lacs Lake, draws visitors year-round, especially for fishing and outdoor sports.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Aitkin has a robust public school system, with Aitkin High School being a central institution. The Aitkin School District serves the city and surrounding areas, providing education for students from K-12. One major landmark in the city is The Aitkin County Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits about the area’s history, including its fur trading and logging heritage. The Mississippi River itself is a prominent natural landmark, offering opportunities for boating and fishing, while Lake Mille Lacs to the west is a well-known recreational destination. Pine County Park is another popular local site, offering picnicking, camping, and outdoor events throughout the year. These locations make Aitkin a hub for history and recreation in the region.

2. McGregor

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.02 square miles
• Population: 397 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 55760
• Latitude: 46.0246° N
• Longitude: 93.4581° W

City Location and History

McGregor, a small city located in the northeastern part of Aitkin County, sits along the Rum River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The city was named after McGregor, Iowa, which was home to many early settlers of the region. Its location made it an important stop for settlers traveling along the river, as well as a point for timber and agricultural trade. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McGregor was a hub for the lumber industry, with sawmills and logging operations providing a significant portion of its economy. However, like much of the region, McGregor saw a decline in its reliance on logging as the industry faded in the mid-20th century.

Despite its small size, McGregor has retained a strong sense of community and its proximity to multiple lakes, including the large and popular Lake Minnewawa, makes it an attractive destination for those seeking outdoor recreation. The area’s rich history in timber, fishing, and outdoor recreation continues to influence its character and economy.

Major Schools and Landmarks

McGregor is served by the McGregor School District, which provides education from elementary through high school. McGregor High School is the focal point of education in the community. Key landmarks include the Jacobson Depot, an old railway depot converted into a museum and heritage center, which offers insight into the history of the city’s early rail and timber industry. Additionally, the Rum River State Forest nearby provides a vast recreational area, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The natural beauty surrounding McGregor is an essential part of its identity, with Lake Minnewawa and the Riverside Park serving as outdoor recreational hubs for both locals and tourists alike.

3. Hill City

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.04 square miles
• Population: 651 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 55748
• Latitude: 46.8713° N
• Longitude: 93.5852° W

City Location and History

Hill City is located in the southwestern part of Aitkin County and is primarily known for its proximity to the Sandy River and several large lakes, including Big Sandy Lake. It was originally established as a railroad and lumber town in the late 19th century, thriving as part of Minnesota’s vast logging industry. Much like other towns in the county, Hill City prospered with the arrival of railroads that facilitated the transport of logs to mills and other destinations. Over time, the community transitioned from an economy centered on logging to one based on tourism and agriculture. The presence of nearby lakes and forests provided an opportunity for the area to become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those interested in fishing, boating, and hiking.

Though smaller than other towns in the area, Hill City has remained a close-knit community with deep ties to its natural surroundings. The growth of tourism has been crucial to its economy, and as outdoor recreation continues to thrive, Hill City has retained much of its rural charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hill City is served by the Hill City Public Schools, which includes Hill City High School. The school district focuses on providing education for the small but growing student population of the town. The town’s main landmarks include Big Sandy Lake, one of the largest lakes in the region, known for its fishing and water activities. Hill City’s Veteran Memorial Park honors local residents who served in the military, serving as an important cultural and historical site. Additionally, the Sandy River Scenic Byway offers a beautiful route through the region, showcasing the area’s natural beauty and history. The town is also home to the Hill City Historical Society Museum, which preserves artifacts related to the logging and railroad history of the area.

4. Rice Lake Township

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 39.68 square miles
• Population: 1,872 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 55757
• Latitude: 46.5282° N
• Longitude: 93.2976° W

Township Location and History

Rice Lake Township is an unincorporated township located in the southeastern part of Aitkin County, known for its large areas of wooded land and numerous lakes, including Rice Lake, a popular fishing and boating spot. The township was established in the mid-1800s, with early settlers drawn by the fertile land and natural resources available in the area. Agriculture and logging were the main industries for many years, with many settlers establishing farms or working in the lumber industry. As Aitkin County developed into a center for outdoor tourism, Rice Lake Township also saw an influx of visitors, many of whom came for its pristine lakes and forests.

The community has remained largely rural, with a few small residential areas scattered across the township. Its location near McGregor and Aitkin provides easy access to services and amenities while maintaining its peaceful, rural character.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rice Lake Township is part of the McGregor School District, meaning local students typically attend schools in McGregor. The area’s major landmarks include Rice Lake, a beautiful and expansive lake popular with anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge is another prominent landmark, providing protected wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities such as bird watching and nature trails. The township’s dense forests and lakes make it a popular area for hiking, fishing, and camping, and its close proximity to the larger towns in Aitkin County ensures that residents have access to modern amenities while enjoying a rural lifestyle.