Cities and Towns in Beltrami County, Minnesota
Founded in 1866, Beltrami County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Beltrami County was formed from unorganized Territory, Itasca County, Pembina County, and Polk County. The city of Bemidji is the county seat. With FIPS code of 7, Beltrami County has a population of 46,380 and area of 2,505.27 square miles (6,489 km²).
List of all cities in Beltrami County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alaska, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Alvwood, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Battle River, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Becida, MN | 56678 | 218 |
| Bemidji, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| 56619 | 218 | |
| Birch, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Blackduck, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| 56663 | 218 | |
| Cormant, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Durand, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Eckles, MN | 56687 | 218 |
| Funkley, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Grant Valley, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Hagali, MN | 56647 | 218 |
| Hines, MN | 56647 | 218 |
| Hornet, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Jones, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Kelliher, MN | 56650 | 218 |
| Lammers, MN | 56678 | 218 |
| Langor, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Liberty, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Maple Ridge, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Moose Park, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Nebish, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Northern, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Nymore, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| O Brien, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Pennington, MN | 56663 | 218 |
| Ponemah, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| 56666 | 218 | |
| Port Hope, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Puposky, MN | 56667 | 218 |
| Quiring, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Redby, MN | 56670 | 218 |
| Redlake, MN | 56671 | 218 |
| Saum, MN | 56650 | 218 |
| Shotley, MN | 56650 | 218 |
| Solway, MN | 56678 | 218 |
| Sugar Bush, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Summit, MN | 56630 | 218 |
| Ten Lake, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Tenstrike, MN | 56683 | 218 |
| Turtle River, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| Waskish, MN | 56685 | 218 |
| Wilton, MN | 56601 | 218 |
| 56687 | 218 |
Major Cities and Towns in Beltrami County, Minnesota
1. Bemidji
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 34.09 square miles
- Population: 15,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Codes: 56601, 56619
- Latitude: 47.4723° N
- Longitude: 94.8835° W
City Location and History
Bemidji, the county seat of Beltrami County, is located in the northern part of Minnesota, nestled on the shores of Lake Bemidji. It is considered the “First City on the Mississippi River” as the river begins its long journey southward from the lake. The city was founded in the late 1800s as a trading post, with European settlers arriving around 1896. The name “Bemidji” is derived from a Native American Ojibwe word meaning “a place where the waters meet.” The area’s original inhabitants, the Ojibwe people, have a rich cultural history tied to the region’s lakes and forests.
Bemidji grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, becoming a commercial hub for the timber and logging industries. As the logging industry waned in the early 20th century, Bemidji transitioned toward becoming a regional center for education, healthcare, and tourism. Today, it is a thriving city known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, vibrant arts scene, and its proximity to the Chippewa National Forest.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bemidji is served by the Bemidji Area School District, with Bemidji High School being one of the city’s most prominent educational institutions. The University of Minnesota, Bemidji is a major higher education center, contributing to the city’s cultural and intellectual life. Major landmarks in Bemidji include Lake Bemidji, which offers boating, fishing, and swimming, and the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox Statues located in Paul Bunyan Park—two of the most iconic roadside attractions in the state. The Bemidji Regional Events Center hosts concerts, sports events, and community gatherings. Beltrami County History Center provides visitors with exhibits on the area’s Native American heritage, the region’s logging history, and the significance of the Mississippi River. The Chief Bemidji Statue, located at the city’s historic downtown, honors the Native American heritage of the region and is a popular cultural landmark.
2. Blackduck
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.26 square miles
- Population: 1,000 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56630
- Latitude: 47.6824° N
- Longitude: 94.5526° W
City Location and History
Blackduck is a small city located in the southeastern part of Beltrami County, near the shores of Blackduck Lake. It was first settled in the early 1900s as a logging and railroad town. The city’s location along the Northern Pacific Railway made it an essential point for the timber trade and transport, helping it grow into a bustling community. The name “Blackduck” comes from the large number of black ducks once found in the area, reflecting the natural beauty and rich wildlife of the region.
Throughout the 20th century, Blackduck maintained a close relationship with the logging industry, though it also began to attract tourists drawn to its scenic lakes and forests. The decline of logging operations in the area prompted a shift toward recreational and service industries, with fishing, boating, and outdoor tourism becoming key economic drivers for the city. Despite its small population, Blackduck is a charming, rural community that remains rooted in its natural surroundings.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Blackduck is served by the Blackduck School District, with Blackduck High School as the community’s primary educational institution. The school offers a variety of academic programs as well as extracurricular activities, including sports and arts. The city’s major landmarks include Blackduck Lake, popular for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with numerous surrounding lakes such as Bass Lake and Cranberry Lake that offer additional recreational opportunities. The Blackduck Community Park is a local hub, featuring a playground, walking trails, and picnic areas for families. The Beltrami County Historical Center is located nearby and offers educational exhibits on the area’s logging and Native American history. Additionally, The Blackduck Museum showcases local artifacts and highlights the town’s growth from a railroad and timber town to a modern rural community. The scenic beauty of the area and its proximity to Big Bog State Recreation Area attract nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to Blackduck year-round.
3. Kelliher
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.67 square miles
- Population: 412 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56650
- Latitude: 47.7385° N
- Longitude: 94.5331° W
City Location and History
Kelliher is located in the northeastern part of Beltrami County, near the Mississippi River and Blackduck Lake. The city’s history dates back to the early 1900s, and it was originally founded as a railroad town, with the Northern Pacific Railway running through the area. The town grew quickly during the early 20th century, with the timber industry providing the economic backbone of the region. Logging and transportation were key drivers of Kelliher’s economy, though the community’s development was always closely tied to its natural surroundings, including the surrounding forests and waterways.
Like many small towns in northern Minnesota, Kelliher saw its timber-based economy fade in the latter half of the 20th century, transitioning to a quieter, more residential community. Today, it is a peaceful small town known for its natural beauty and friendly, rural atmosphere, making it a popular location for residents and seasonal visitors alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kelliher is served by the Kelliher School District, with Kelliher High School as the primary public school in the area. The school offers a variety of academic and athletic programs for local students. The major landmarks in Kelliher include the surrounding natural beauty, such as Kelliher City Park, which offers picnic areas, walking trails, and a peaceful environment. Blackduck Lake, located just south of the city, is a popular recreational area known for fishing, boating, and swimming. Nearby, the Big Bog State Recreation Area offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and exploring the bogs and wetlands of the region. Kelliher’s location near The Mississippi River provides further recreational opportunities, particularly for those who enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The town itself offers a mix of historic buildings, quiet residential areas, and parks that provide a tranquil place to live or visit.
4. Tenstrike
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.42 square miles
- Population: 127 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 56683
- Latitude: 47.7424° N
- Longitude: 94.8072° W
City Location and History
Tenstrike is a small, rural community located in the western part of Beltrami County. The town was named after the Tenstrike Lakes, which were named by early settlers and are the central feature of the area. The settlement of Tenstrike dates back to the late 19th century, and it has historically been a small agricultural and logging community. With its proximity to forests, lakes, and rivers, Tenstrike’s economy relied on timber and farming, but in recent years it has transitioned into a peaceful, rural community that attracts visitors interested in outdoor recreation.
The city has remained relatively small and unincorporated, but it maintains a strong sense of local pride and community. Its location in northern Minnesota, surrounded by natural beauty, has made it an attractive location for seasonal residents, retirees, and those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle. Tenstrike remains deeply connected to its natural surroundings, offering an abundance of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hunting.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tenstrike is part of the Bemidji School District, with students typically attending Bemidji High School for their secondary education. Major landmarks in Tenstrike include the Tenstrike Lakes, which provide recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The Tenstrike City Park offers a gathering place for local events, picnics, and community activities. The surrounding natural areas, such as the Chippewa National Forest and nearby Blackduck Lake, offer additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the dense forests of the region. Tenstrike’s peaceful rural atmosphere and close-knit community make it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter lifestyle in northern Minnesota.
