Cities and Towns in Itasca County, Minnesota
Founded in 1849, Itasca County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Itasca County was one of nine original counties; formed from residual La Pointe County, Wisconsin Territory. The city of Grand Rapids is the county seat. With FIPS code of 61, Itasca County has a population of 45,070 and area of 2,665.06 square miles (6,902 km²).
List of all cities in Itasca County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Arcturus, MN | 55786 | 218 |
| Arrowhead Promotion Fulfillm, MN | 55745 | 218 |
| Ball Bluff, MN | 55752 | 218 |
| Bass Brook, MN | 55721 | 218 |
| Bigfork, MN | 56628 | 218 |
| 56639 | 218 | |
| Boray, MN | 55709 | 218 |
| Bovey, MN | 55709 | 218 |
| Bowstring, MN | 56631 | 218 |
| Calumet, MN | 55716 | 218 |
| Cohasset, MN | 55721 | 218 |
| Coleraine, MN | 55722 | 218 |
| Cooley, MN | 55769 | 218 |
| Cornish, MN | 55752 | 218 |
| Craigville, MN | 56639 | 218 |
| Deer River, MN | 56636 | 218 |
| Effie, MN | 56639 | 218 |
| Good Hope, MN | 56681 | 218 |
| Goodland, MN | 55742 | 218 |
| Grand Rapids, MN | 55730 | 218 |
| 55744 | 218 | |
| 55745 | 218 | |
| Greenway, MN | 55764 | 218 |
| Holman, MN | 55786 | 218 |
| Inger, MN | 56636 | 218 |
| Jacobson, MN | 55752 | 218 |
| Keewatin, MN | 55753 | 218 |
| Lawrence, MN | 55786 | 218 |
| Lone Pine, MN | 55769 | 218 |
| Marble, MN | 55764 | 218 |
| Marcell, MN | 56657 | 218 |
| Max, MN | 56659 | 218 |
| Morse, MN | 56636 | 218 |
| Nashwauk, MN | 55769 | 218 |
| Oslund, MN | 56680 | 218 |
| Oteneagen, MN | 56636 | 218 |
| Pengilly, MN | 55775 | 218 |
| Sand Lake, MN | 56680 | 218 |
| Savannah, MN | 55786 | 218 |
| Spring Lake, MN | 56680 | 218 |
| Squaw Lake, MN | 56681 | 218 |
| Stokes, MN | 56628 | 218 |
| Swan River, MN | 55784 | 218 |
| Taconite, MN | 55786 | 218 |
| Talmoon, MN | 56637 | 218 |
| Warba, MN | 55793 | 218 |
| Wirt, MN | 56688 | 218 |
| Zemple, MN | 56636 | 218 |
Major Cities and Towns in Itasca County, Minnesota
1. Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 29.58 square miles
- Population: Approximately 11,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55744
- Latitude: 47.2130° N
- Longitude: 93.5229° W
City Location and History
Grand Rapids, located in the heart of Itasca County, is situated along the banks of the Mississippi River. The city serves as the county seat and has a rich history tied to the timber industry, which played a central role in its founding. Originally a logging town, Grand Rapids grew rapidly in the late 19th century as timber was harvested from the nearby forests and sent down the river. The city was formally established in 1872, and its proximity to water resources made it a vital hub for the timber trade. As the logging industry dwindled in the early 20th century, Grand Rapids diversified, with tourism, manufacturing, and service industries becoming more prominent. Today, the city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Chippewa National Forest, and its vibrant local culture.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Grand Rapids is home to several educational institutions, including Grand Rapids High School and the Itasca Community College, which provides higher education opportunities to local residents. The Grand Rapids School District offers a wide range of educational programs for students at all levels. Major landmarks include the Judy Garland Museum, honoring the iconic actress and Grand Rapids native, as well as the Forest History Center, which showcases the city’s logging history. The city is also known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, with places like the Mississippi River and Pokegama Lake offering fishing, boating, and hiking. The Blandin Paper Mill, still operational today, serves as a reminder of the city’s industrial roots.
2. Bigfork, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.62 square miles
- Population: Approximately 500 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56628
- Latitude: 47.6711° N
- Longitude: 93.5405° W
City Location and History
Bigfork is a small town located in the eastern part of Itasca County, along the Bigfork River, which flows into the larger Mississippi River. The town was first settled in the late 19th century, with a focus on agriculture and timber. Its name is derived from the Bigfork River, which was named for the fork in the river at the town’s location. Bigfork was historically an important transportation and trade hub for the surrounding rural areas, particularly during the logging boom. Although small, Bigfork has maintained its rural charm and is known for its scenic surroundings and access to the vast Chippewa National Forest. It serves as a gateway for those traveling to the forest’s recreational areas, including its numerous lakes and hiking trails. While the town itself remains largely agricultural, it has grown in recent years as a center for outdoor tourism and seasonal residents.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bigfork is served by the Bigfork School District, which includes the Bigfork High School and a local elementary school. The town’s rural setting is perfect for those who appreciate outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking, and Bigfork is often considered a gateway to the Chippewa National Forest. Notable landmarks include the Bigfork River, which provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and nearby Lake Winnibigoshish, one of the largest lakes in Minnesota, known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The Bigfork Historical Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s past, featuring exhibits on logging, Native American history, and early settlement. Bigfork’s small-town atmosphere, combined with its proximity to vast natural resources, makes it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Coleraine, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 3.27 square miles
- Population: Approximately 5,000 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55722
- Latitude: 47.2302° N
- Longitude: 93.3876° W
City Location and History
Coleraine is located in the central part of Itasca County, about 12 miles north of Grand Rapids. The town was founded in the early 20th century and grew rapidly thanks to its location near rich iron ore deposits in the region. In 1907, the Coleraine area became a key player in Minnesota’s iron mining industry, which brought economic prosperity to the town. It was incorporated as a village in 1910. The Coleraine iron mines were once among the most productive in the state, contributing to the city’s rapid growth and development. In the mid-20th century, the mining industry in the area began to decline, but Coleraine’s economy adapted by transitioning to tourism, manufacturing, and retail. Today, the town retains its historical ties to the mining industry while also embracing the region’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coleraine is part of the Grand Rapids School District and offers educational services to students through the nearby Grand Rapids High School. The town has a number of recreational facilities, including the Coleraine Park, which features a baseball field, playgrounds, and picnic areas. A major landmark is the Coleraine Cemetery, which offers a quiet place for reflection and is historically significant for the town’s early settlers. The nearby Bowstring Lake, a popular spot for fishing and boating, serves as a key outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike. The town is also known for its proximity to the Chippewa National Forest, offering residents and tourists access to hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing.
4. Talmoon, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.45 square miles
- Population: Approximately 100 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 56637
- Latitude: 47.5886° N
- Longitude: 93.5079° W
City Location and History
Talmoon is a very small community located in the southwestern part of Itasca County, along U.S. Highway 2. Originally, Talmoon was a railroad town, established in the early 1900s with the construction of the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway. The town was named after the nearby Talmoon Township, which itself derived from a term referring to a “moon-shaped bend” in the nearby river. Talmoon developed as a stop for railroad workers and travelers, and the economy was once centered on forestry, mining, and rail transport. However, as transportation shifted and the railroads declined in importance, Talmoon transitioned into a more residential and recreational community. Today, it remains an isolated but scenic small town, offering peace and quiet for those looking to escape city life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Being a small community, Talmoon doesn’t have its own school but is part of the Grand Rapids School District. The area is popular with outdoors enthusiasts, as it is located near several lakes, including the nearby Sand Lake, which is known for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Other landmarks in the region include the scenic shores of the Mississippi River, where visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and hiking in the surrounding woodlands. The nearby Chippewa National Forest provides additional opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as camping, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Talmoon is a peaceful destination for those who enjoy a slower pace of life, surrounded by the natural beauty of the northern Minnesota wilderness.
