Cities and Towns in Lake County, Minnesota
Founded in 1856, Lake County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Lake County was formed from Itasca County. The city of Two Harbors is the county seat. With FIPS code of 75, Lake County has a population of 10,986 and area of 2,099.16 square miles (5,437 km²).
List of all cities in Lake County, MN alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Beaver Bay, MN | 55601 | 218 |
| Finland, MN | 55603 | 218 |
| Isabella, MN | 55607 | 218 |
| Knife River, MN | 55609 | 218 |
| Little Marais, MN | 55614 | 218 |
| Murphy City, MN | 55603 | 218 |
| Silver Bay, MN | 55614 | 218 |
| Two Harbors, MN | 55616 | 218 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lake County, Minnesota
1. Two Harbors, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 4.15 square miles
- Population: Approximately 3,700 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55616
- Latitude: 47.0226° N
- Longitude: 91.6612° W
City Location and History
Two Harbors is located along the north shore of Lake Superior in the northeastern part of Minnesota, serving as the county seat of Lake County. The city is named for its two natural harbors, which were vital for trade and transportation during the early years of settlement. The area’s history dates back to the indigenous Ojibwe peoples, who lived along the shores of Lake Superior for centuries before European settlers arrived. Two Harbors became a key location during the late 19th century, especially with the expansion of the railroad and the mining of iron ore in the nearby area. The town grew rapidly with the establishment of a port and iron ore loading docks, making it an important site for the shipping of ore. Incorporated in 1907, Two Harbors is a small yet significant city that continues to embrace its maritime heritage. Today, it is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including its proximity to parks, forests, and Lake Superior. Tourism, along with local industries like shipping, forestry, and manufacturing, supports the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Two Harbors is served by the Two Harbors School District, which includes Two Harbors High School. The school district is known for its small but strong academic programs and a variety of extracurricular activities, particularly in athletics and the arts. One of the most iconic landmarks in Two Harbors is the Two Harbors Lighthouse, which was first built in 1892 and remains operational, offering a glimpse into the area’s maritime history. Another key landmark is the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, located just to the north, which includes the historic Split Rock Lighthouse and provides scenic views of Lake Superior. The Lake County Historical Museum offers visitors a look at the history of the region, while the nearby Tettegouche State Park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. The Agate Bay Marina is another local landmark, catering to recreational boating and fishing enthusiasts. The city also hosts the annual Two Harbors Festival, which celebrates the local culture, arts, and outdoor activities.
2. Silver Bay, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 2.61 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,800 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55614
- Latitude: 47.3066° N
- Longitude: 91.4035° W
City Location and History
Silver Bay is located on the north shore of Lake Superior, roughly 25 miles north of Two Harbors. The city was established in the 1950s as a company town for the Reserve Mining Company, which built a major taconite iron ore processing plant in the area. Silver Bay was designed to house the workers employed by the mining company, and it grew rapidly in the post-World War II era as the demand for iron ore surged. The city was incorporated in 1954, and the plant operated as a key component of the regional economy for several decades. However, by the 1980s, the plant closed, and the city had to adapt to the loss of its main employer. Despite this, Silver Bay has diversified its economy over the years, with tourism, recreation, and light manufacturing taking the lead. Its natural beauty, including its location on Lake Superior, draws tourists, especially those seeking outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and winter sports. Silver Bay has worked to rebrand itself as a destination for those seeking a quiet, scenic location along the lake.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Silver Bay is part of the Lake Superior School District, with Silver Bay School being the main educational institution in the area. The school provides a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and vocational training programs. The city is home to the Silver Bay Public Library, which offers a variety of community programs and educational resources. Silver Bay’s biggest natural landmark is Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, just a short distance south of the city. The park features the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with hiking trails and breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The Tettegouche State Park, located nearby, is another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Silver Bay’s scenic location on the shores of Lake Superior provides numerous opportunities for water-based activities, including boating, kayaking, and fishing. The Silver Bay Marina is a popular destination for boaters, and the Silver Bay Recreation Area offers additional amenities like parks, trails, and sports fields.
3. Beaver Bay, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 0.50 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55601
- Latitude: 47.4992° N
- Longitude: 91.4444° W
City Location and History
Beaver Bay is a small town located on the shores of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota, within the boundaries of Lake County. The town was established in the late 19th century as a settlement along the early routes of the Great Northern Railway, and it quickly became known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the lake. The name “Beaver Bay” comes from the large population of beavers in the area when early settlers arrived. Historically, Beaver Bay was a key location for logging, fishing, and transportation, especially during the boom years of the iron ore industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Beaver Bay is primarily a tourist destination, known for its picturesque setting and as the gateway to Tettegouche State Park. The town’s small population is bolstered by tourism, with many visitors coming to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, including the rugged coastline, waterfalls, and dense forests. Beaver Bay is also known for its strong sense of community, with local events and cultural activities drawing residents and visitors alike.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Beaver Bay is part of the Lake Superior School District, with students attending Silver Bay School in the neighboring city of Silver Bay. Despite its small size, the community offers several local amenities, including a public library and a post office. The most significant landmark in Beaver Bay is Tettegouche State Park, which spans over 1,500 acres and features dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and access to Lake Superior’s shoreline. The park offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Beaver Bay Marina provides facilities for boating and fishing, making it a popular stop for those traveling along the North Shore Scenic Drive. The Beaver Bay Scenic Overlook offers panoramic views of Lake Superior, while the Beaver Bay Waterfront Park serves as a community gathering place with picnic areas, walking trails, and beautiful views. The Holy Cross Lutheran Church, established in the early 1900s, is also a notable historic building in the town, adding to Beaver Bay’s small-town charm.
4. Finland, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 0.62 square miles
- Population: Approximately 170 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55603
- Latitude: 47.6865° N
- Longitude: 91.4163° W
City Location and History
Finland is a small unincorporated community located in the western part of Lake County, Minnesota. The town’s history is closely tied to the settlement of Finnish immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name “Finland” was chosen because of the large number of settlers from Finland who made the area their home. Originally, the community was established as a logging town, with the Finnish settlers engaging in forestry, farming, and establishing small businesses. Finland is situated near the Sawbill Trail, a popular route to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), and the town has long been a starting point for adventurers heading into the wilderness. Today, Finland is a small but welcoming community, offering a serene and peaceful environment surrounded by forest and lakes. It remains a popular stop for tourists, particularly those on their way to the BWCAW, and a hub for outdoor recreation in the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Finland is served by the Lake Superior School District, with students attending schools in nearby cities, such as Silver Bay. Despite being a small community, Finland is home to several local landmarks that reflect its Finnish heritage. The Finland Heritage Site includes a Finnish-American cultural center, a small museum, and a chapel. The nearby Sawbill Lake offers access to the Boundary Waters and is a popular spot for canoeing, fishing, and camping. Finland also boasts access to Tettegouche State Park, located a short distance away, where visitors can explore rugged trails, waterfalls, and the shores of Lake Superior. The Finland Community Center serves as a hub for local events and gatherings, and the surrounding area is known for its scenic beauty, including forests, lakes, and wildlife that make Finland a quiet retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
5. Isabella, Minnesota
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude
- Area: 1.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 90 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 55607
- Latitude: 47.8082° N
- Longitude: 91.3355° W
City Location and History
Isabella is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Lake County, Minnesota. It was first settled in the late 19th century, primarily by Finnish and Scandinavian immigrants who were drawn to the area’s natural resources, including timber, and its proximity to Lake Superior. The town was once a hub for logging and mining, with many of the early settlers working in these industries. However, with the decline of these industries in the mid-20th century, Isabella became a quieter, more rural area. The community has remained small but has preserved its historic character, and it continues to be a place for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those interested in fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness attracts visitors who enjoy the area’s natural beauty, making Isabella a popular stop for people on their way into the wilderness.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Isabella is part of the Lake Superior School District, with students attending nearby schools in cities like Silver Bay. Despite its small size, Isabella is home to a few notable landmarks, including the Isabella Community Center, which serves as a gathering place for the local population. The town is surrounded by Superior National Forest, offering miles of hiking trails, pristine lakes, and dense forests for outdoor enthusiasts. The Isabella River and nearby Pine River provide fishing and kayaking opportunities, while the town’s proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness makes it a gateway for those exploring this protected wilderness area. Additionally, the Isabella Church, built in the early 1900s, remains a historic structure in the area and serves as a focal point for local community activities.
