Cities and Towns in Clearwater County, Minnesota

Founded in 1902, Clearwater County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Clearwater County was formed from Beltrami County. The city of Bagley is the county seat. With FIPS code of 29, Clearwater County has a population of 8,576 and area of 994.71 square miles (2,576 km²).

List of all cities in Clearwater County, MN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alida, MN	56676	218
Bagley, MN	56621	218
Bear Creek, MN	56676	218
Berner, MN	56644	218
Clearbrook, MN	56634	218
Clover, MN	56652	218
Copley, MN	56621	218
Dudley, MN	56652	218
Ebro, MN	56621	218
Eddy, MN	56634	218
Falk, MN	56621	218
Gonvick, MN	56644	218
Greenwood, MN	56634	218
Hangaard, MN	56644	218
Holst, MN	56652	218
Leon, MN	56634	218
Leonard, MN	56652	218
Minnewaska, MN	56634	218
Moose Creek, MN	56676	218
Nora, MN	56621	218
Pine Lake, MN	56644	218
Pinewood, MN	56676	218
Popple, MN	56621	218
Shevlin, MN	56676	218
Sinclair, MN	56652	218
Winsor, MN	56644	218
Zerkel, MN	56621	218

Major Cities and Towns in Clearwater County, Minnesota

1. Bagley

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.32 square miles
• Population: 1,200 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56621
• Latitude: 47.5357° N
• Longitude: 95.2980° W

City Location and History

Bagley is the county seat of Clearwater County and is located in the northern part of the state, approximately 180 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Situated along U.S. Highway 2, Bagley has served as a transportation hub for the surrounding rural areas, connecting residents to nearby towns and larger cities. The town was founded in the late 1800s, and its early history is tied to the logging industry, which was the primary economic driver during its early years.

The town was named after Clarence Bagley, a prominent early settler and historian. Bagley experienced substantial growth during the timber boom, which brought people and businesses to the area. As logging slowed, agriculture became a more significant part of the local economy, and the town shifted to serve as a center for farming trade and services. Today, Bagley retains its small-town charm while benefiting from the natural beauty of the surrounding Chippewa National Forest. The city remains a vital service center for Clearwater County residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Bagley is served by the Bagley Public Schools District, which includes Bagley High School, Bagley Middle School, and Bagley Elementary School. The district provides strong academic programs, along with opportunities in athletics, music, and the arts. Bagley is home to several local landmarks, including Bagley City Park, which offers picnic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds. Clearwater County Historical Museum is another notable site, showcasing exhibits that highlight the region’s Native American history, early settlers, and the logging industry. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Itasca State Park offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating in the Mississippi Headwaters. The Zumbro River also offers scenic beauty and recreational activities, with trails and parks along its banks. Each year, Bagley hosts the Bagley Days Festival, which celebrates local culture with a parade, live music, and community activities.

2. Clearbrook

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.04 square miles
• Population: 500 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56634
• Latitude: 47.6750° N
• Longitude: 95.5017° W

City Location and History

Clearbrook is located in the central part of Clearwater County, near the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Minnesota State Highway 92. The town is situated in the fertile Red River Valley, which historically made it an important agricultural center. Clearbrook was originally founded in the early 1900s as a railroad town, and the arrival of the Great Northern Railway spurred its growth. It was named after the clear brook that runs through the area, and it quickly became known for its farming, particularly wheat and potato cultivation.

Throughout the 20th century, Clearbrook continued to grow as a rural farming community, although its proximity to larger urban centers, like Bemidji, has allowed it to diversify its economy. Today, Clearbrook remains a small, tight-knit community with a strong focus on agriculture and local businesses. The town celebrates its history and agricultural roots with annual events and festivals, which help maintain a vibrant local culture. While it retains a rural atmosphere, Clearbrook’s location along major highways provides convenient access to neighboring communities and recreational areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clearbrook is served by the Clearbrook-Gonvick School District, which includes Clearbrook-Gonvick High School, Clearbrook-Gonvick Middle School, and Clearbrook Elementary School. The district offers strong academic programs and extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Clearbrook is home to several landmarks, such as Clearbrook City Park, which features playgrounds, a picnic area, and walking paths. The town is also known for Clearbrook Heritage Park, where visitors can learn about the town’s founding and early history. For outdoor recreation, Lake Bemidji State Park and Itasca State Park are nearby, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and boating. The Clearwater County Fairgrounds, located on the outskirts of the town, hosts the Clearbrook Summer Festival, which includes a parade, live entertainment, and food vendors. The town also has a strong tradition of agriculture, with the Clearbrook Potato Festival being a major event celebrating the local farming community.

3. Pinewood

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.60 square miles
• Population: 250 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56679
• Latitude: 47.5928° N
• Longitude: 95.5815° W

City Location and History

Pinewood is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Clearwater County, near the eastern shore of Pinewood Lake. The settlement grew around the logging industry in the late 19th century, and its location along the lakes made it a popular spot for the transportation of timber. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe Native American tribe, and their influence on the region’s culture and history remains significant.

In the early 20th century, the town shifted focus from logging to agriculture, with local farms producing grains, vegetables, and dairy products. Over the years, Pinewood has maintained its rural charm, attracting people who seek a quieter, more scenic place to live, especially near the lake. The surrounding natural beauty and the presence of Pinewood Lake, along with nearby forests, have made the area an attractive spot for recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hunting. Pinewood remains a small, quiet community within Clearwater County, with a handful of businesses and services that cater to its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pinewood is part of the Clearbrook-Gonvick School District, so students typically attend Clearbrook-Gonvick High School and other district schools. The town does not have many large landmarks, but Pinewood Lake is the primary natural feature that defines the area. The lake offers fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreational activities that attract visitors from around the region. Pinewood Park is another local attraction, with a peaceful atmosphere for picnics and walking. The nearby Chippewa National Forest provides residents and visitors with ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Itasca State Park, a short drive away, is one of the most significant natural landmarks in the area, offering scenic vistas and a variety of recreational opportunities. Pinewood remains a serene community, ideal for those who appreciate rural living and the outdoor lifestyle it offers.

4. Shevlin

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.45 square miles
• Population: 180 (as of 2020 census)
• Zip Code: 56676
• Latitude: 47.6105° N
• Longitude: 95.3751° W

City Location and History

Shevlin is located in the northwestern part of Clearwater County, situated along U.S. Highway 2. The town was founded in the early 1900s as a railroad and timber community. Like many small towns in northern Minnesota, Shevlin was built around the natural resources of the area, including the rich forests and rivers that provided the materials for the lumber industry. The town was named after James Shevlin, a timber industry executive, and served as a key point for logging and transportation in the region.

As logging declined, the town transitioned to a more agriculturally focused economy, with residents cultivating crops like wheat, oats, and barley. Despite its small size, Shevlin has maintained a vibrant community atmosphere, with local businesses supporting the needs of its residents. The town’s economy remains primarily agricultural, but its location near larger cities like Bemidji provides easy access to modern amenities and services. Shevlin retains its rural charm and offers a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle for those seeking a small-town experience.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shevlin is served by the Clearbrook-Gonvick School District, where students attend Clearbrook-Gonvick High School and other local schools. The town has a strong community spirit, often holding local events and gatherings to bring residents together. Shevlin City Park is a central feature of the town, offering a green space for outdoor recreation, picnics, and sports. The Mississippi River is nearby and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding forests and wetlands offer a peaceful, natural setting that draws visitors for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Shevlin’s location along U.S. Highway 2 makes it easily accessible for those traveling to nearby towns, such as Bemidji, where additional services and landmarks can be found. The small town atmosphere and close-knit community make Shevlin a peaceful place to live and visit, and its location within Clearwater County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor exploration.