Cities and Towns in Cook County, Minnesota
Founded in 1874, Cook County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Cook County was formed from Lake County. The city of Grand Marais is the county seat. With FIPS code of 31, Cook County has a population of 5,617 and area of 1,450.60 square miles (3,757 km²).
List of all cities in Cook County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Croftville, MN | 55604 | 218 |
| Grand Marais, MN | 55604 | 218 |
| Grand Portage, MN | 55605 | 218 |
| Hovland, MN | 55606 | 218 |
| Lutsen, MN | 55612 | 218 |
| Maple Hill, MN | 55604 | 218 |
| Schroeder, MN | 55613 | 218 |
| Tofte, MN | 55615 | 218 |
Major Cities and Towns in Cook County, Minnesota
1. Grand Marais
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.5 square miles
- Population: 1,400 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 55604
- Latitude: 47.7516° N
- Longitude: 90.3355° W
City Location and History
Grand Marais is the county seat of Cook County, located on the North Shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota. Its picturesque setting along the lake, bordered by the Sawtooth Mountains, makes it one of the most scenic towns in the state. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people, who relied on Lake Superior for fishing and trade. European settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, with the town officially incorporated in 1889. Grand Marais became a key port for the shipping industry and a hub for logging, fishing, and the fur trade. Its name, meaning “big marsh” in French, is a reference to the wetland area near the town.
Throughout the 20th century, Grand Marais transitioned from a fishing and logging community to a popular tourist destination. Its access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and Superior National Forest makes it a gateway for outdoor recreation, attracting visitors for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping. The town also boasts a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries and theaters contributing to its cultural identity. Today, Grand Marais is a small, lively community known for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grand Marais is served by the Cook County Schools District, which includes Cook County High School, Cook County Middle School, and Isabella Elementary School. The district offers a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including arts and athletics. Grand Marais’ landmark attractions include the Grand Marais Harbor, where visitors can enjoy the harbor views and watch fishing boats come in. The Grand Marais Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the harbor, is a historic site and popular photo op. The town is also home to the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, which highlights the area’s fishing history, and Artists Point, a scenic overlook providing panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. The town hosts the Fisherman’s Picnic annually, a festival celebrating its maritime heritage, featuring music, food, and outdoor activities. Pincushion Mountain, accessible by hiking or skiing, offers stunning views of Grand Marais and Lake Superior, and Judge C. R. Magney State Park is nearby, known for its dramatic waterfall and beautiful hiking trails.
2. Lutsen
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.1 square miles
- Population: 700 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 55612
- Latitude: 47.6780° N
- Longitude: 90.6536° W
City Location and History
Lutsen is a small town situated along the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 20 miles northeast of Grand Marais. The town was established in the late 1800s and was named after the Lutsen River, which flows into the lake. Historically, Lutsen was a logging and mining community, taking advantage of the vast forests and natural resources of the area. However, it was not until the late 20th century that Lutsen began to develop as a tourist destination, thanks in large part to the establishment of Lutsen Mountains, one of the largest ski resorts in the Midwest.
Lutsen’s economy today is driven largely by tourism, with visitors flocking to the area for skiing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The town’s picturesque setting along Lake Superior, surrounded by mountains and forests, continues to make it a popular retreat for those seeking outdoor adventure, as well as a place of peace and relaxation. The town is also a gateway to the Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway that leads deep into the wilderness of northern Minnesota.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lutsen is served by the Cook County School District, with students attending Cook County High School in Grand Marais. The district offers educational programs and extracurricular opportunities in sports, arts, and outdoor activities. Lutsen’s primary landmarks include Lutsen Mountains, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails in the summer. Lutsen Resort is a historic resort on the shores of Lake Superior that has been a key part of the area’s tourism industry. The nearby Caribou River provides opportunities for fishing and canoeing. For nature lovers, Cascade River State Park offers beautiful trails, waterfalls, and access to the river, as well as campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Lutsen’s scenic landscapes also draw photographers and artists, and the Lutsen Arts Center provides a venue for local artists to showcase their work. The town hosts annual events such as the Lutsen 99er, a mountain biking race that attracts participants from all over the country, and the Lutsen Lakeside Music Festival, a popular summer event that blends music and nature.
3. Hovland
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population: 160 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 55606
- Latitude: 47.7730° N
- Longitude: 90.6264° W
City Location and History
Hovland is a small, unincorporated community located along the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 20 miles east of Grand Marais. The town was originally settled in the late 19th century by Scandinavian immigrants, who were drawn to the area for its natural beauty and proximity to fishing, logging, and farming. The area was a remote logging community for much of the early 20th century, and much of the land remained undeveloped for years, preserving its natural character.
Today, Hovland is a quiet and peaceful community, attracting those who appreciate solitude and outdoor recreation. Its location along the Superior National Forest and near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area makes it a prime location for hiking, fishing, and boating. The town is known for its scenic beauty, with stunning views of Lake Superior and access to a number of trails and outdoor activities. Many visitors come to Hovland for its rustic charm and to enjoy the natural landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hovland is served by the Cook County School District, with students attending Cook County High School and other district schools in Grand Marais. There are few landmarks in Hovland itself, but the nearby Judge C. R. Magney State Park is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features the stunning Devil’s Kettle Waterfall, a unique geological feature where part of the waterfall mysteriously disappears into a hole. Hovland Art Gallery showcases local artists, and many visitors to Hovland enjoy taking in the small-town art scene. The town is also known for its access to wilderness areas like The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), which attracts paddlers and backpackers. Additionally, the Pine Tree State Park and Superior National Forest offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking, and Lake Superior remains a major draw for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Hovland’s combination of natural beauty and outdoor recreation makes it a prime destination for those looking for a tranquil retreat in the heart of Minnesota’s north woods.
4. Tofte
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: 350 (as of 2020 census)
- Zip Code: 55615
- Latitude: 47.6456° N
- Longitude: 90.8351° W
City Location and History
Tofte is located along the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 35 miles south of Grand Marais and just east of the Sawtooth Mountains. Originally, Tofte was a logging town, established in the late 1800s when the area’s vast forests were a primary source of timber for construction and railroads. The town is named after John Tofte, a local lumberman who was instrumental in the town’s development. After the decline of the timber industry, Tofte shifted focus to tourism, particularly after the creation of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in the mid-20th century.
Today, Tofte remains a small, quiet community that serves as a popular gateway for outdoor recreation along the North Shore. Its economy is based largely on tourism, with visitors coming to enjoy hiking, fishing, and skiing, as well as the serene beauty of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests. Tofte’s easy access to Lutsen Mountains ski resort and its scenic location make it a favorite destination for those seeking outdoor adventure in all seasons.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tofte is part of the Cook County School District, with students attending Cook County High School in Grand Marais. Tofte has a few key landmarks, including the Tofte Overlook, which provides breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest. Bluefin Bay, a popular resort located on the shore of Lake Superior, is one of Tofte’s main attractions. The town is also close to Sawbill Lake, which offers recreational opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking. Additionally, the nearby Temperance River State Park is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and exploring the river’s dramatic gorge and waterfalls. Lutsen Mountains, a major skiing destination in the winter, also contributes to the town’s year-round appeal, attracting visitors for both winter sports and summer activities like hiking and mountain biking.