Cities and Towns in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota

Founded in 1923, Lake of the Woods County is one of 87 counties in the state of Minnesota. Historically, Lake of the Woods County was formed from Beltrami County. The city of Baudette is the county seat. With FIPS code of 77, Lake of the Woods County has a population of 3,823 and area of 1,296.70 square miles (3,358 km²).

List of all cities in Lake of the Woods County, MN alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Angle Inlet, MN	56711	218
Baudette, MN	56623	218
Birch Beach, MN	56686	218
Border, MN	56623	218
Carp, MN	56623	218
Clementson, MN	56623	218
Hackett, MN	56623	218
Long Point, MN	56686	218
Lude, MN	56686	218
Oak Island, MN	56741	218
Penasse, MN	56711	218
Pitt, MN	56623	218
Spooner, MN	56623	218
Warroad, MN	56741	218
Williams, MN	56686	218

Major Cities and Towns in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota

1. Baudette, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

• Area: 3.00 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,100 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 56623
• Latitude: 48.7364° N
• Longitude: 94.7297° W

City Location and History

Baudette is located in the northernmost part of Lake of the Woods County, near the border with Canada. It is situated along the Rainy River, which forms part of the border between the United States and Canada, and is just a short distance from the vast expanse of Lake of the Woods. The city was founded in the late 19th century, with its name believed to come from a French Canadian term for a small, fast-moving stream (possibly “baudet,” referring to a small stream or creek). Baudette was originally a small trading post for the fur trade and later grew as a center for lumbering, agriculture, and, eventually, fishing. The town’s location on the Rainy River made it a key point for shipping and trade during the early 20th century. Baudette’s economy has historically been rooted in fishing, forestry, and agriculture, but it has also become a popular stop for travelers heading to Lake of the Woods for recreational fishing, hunting, and outdoor tourism. In the mid-1900s, Baudette became known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” due to the abundance of walleye fish in Lake of the Woods, a title that continues to define the city’s identity today.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Baudette is served by the Lake of the Woods School District, with Lake of the Woods High School providing education for local students. The school offers a range of academic programs, as well as extracurricular activities like sports and the arts, with a focus on preparing students for college and careers in outdoor recreation, agriculture, and related industries. Baudette is home to a number of notable landmarks, including the Lake of the Woods County Historical Society Museum, which showcases exhibits on the area’s history, including its Native American heritage, fur trade, and fishing industry. One of the most iconic landmarks in Baudette is the Rainy River, which is popular for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The Baudette International Bridge connects the city to Fort Frances, Ontario, and is a key transportation route for both local residents and travelers from Canada. Baudette is also known for its proximity to Lake of the Woods, a massive lake that offers world-class fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Visitors often enjoy the Walleye Festival, an annual event celebrating the area’s fishing culture, complete with contests, music, and local food.

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2. Williams, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

• Area: 0.46 square miles
• Population: Approximately 150 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 56686
• Latitude: 48.7560° N
• Longitude: 94.6259° W

City Location and History

Williams is a small town located to the southeast of Baudette, near the shores of Lake of the Woods in the northeastern part of the county. It was established as a logging town in the late 1800s and grew rapidly as the timber industry flourished in the region. Over time, Williams transitioned from a logging community to one primarily focused on agriculture and fishing, with an increasing emphasis on outdoor tourism due to its proximity to Lake of the Woods. The town’s early economy was based on the transportation of timber, and the development of a railway line through the area helped it expand during the early 20th century. Today, Williams is a quiet rural community, serving as a gateway for visitors seeking access to fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities in the Lake of the Woods area. The town is also home to a small but close-knit community with a focus on traditional industries like agriculture and logging, while embracing its role in outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Williams is served by the Lake of the Woods School District, and students typically attend Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette, about 20 miles away. Major landmarks in Williams include the nearby Lake of the Woods, which provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. The area is known for its pristine natural beauty, with abundant forests, wetlands, and wildlife. Williams Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy the landscape. The town is also close to the Big Island Recreation Area on Lake of the Woods, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts for camping, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Zippel Bay State Park offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and access to the lake for recreational activities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Though Williams itself is a small town, its proximity to both Baudette and Lake of the Woods makes it an ideal base for outdoor tourism and activities in the region.

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3. Henshaw, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

• Area: 0.18 square miles
• Population: Approximately 40 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 56623
• Latitude: 48.7352° N
• Longitude: 94.9512° W

City Location and History

Henshaw is a tiny unincorporated community located in the western part of Lake of the Woods County, close to the shores of Lake of the Woods itself. It was once a small settlement that grew up around the fishing industry and agricultural activities in the area. Like many small communities in northern Minnesota, Henshaw was heavily influenced by the expansion of the railroads during the 19th century, and its economy relied on industries like timber and fishing. Over time, as the area’s natural resources began to be depleted, Henshaw became a quieter, more rural community, and today it is mostly a residential area for those who enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the surrounding forests. The community’s small size and remote location have contributed to its character as a peaceful, low-key place to live, with a strong connection to the outdoors and a community-minded spirit. Henshaw’s role as a rural getaway for visitors looking to enjoy outdoor activities has helped it retain its small-town charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

As an unincorporated community, Henshaw does not have its own schools. Students in the area attend the Lake of the Woods School District, with most secondary school students traveling to Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette. The town’s main landmarks are the surrounding natural features, particularly Lake of the Woods, a large, scenic lake that attracts fishermen, boaters, and tourists. Zippel Bay State Park, located nearby, offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing, and provides access to the lake via its boat landing. Henshaw also lies within the Rainy River corridor, which offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities along with its rugged, natural beauty. The area is an ideal spot for those interested in outdoor recreation, with various camping and hiking opportunities at nearby parks and reserves. The Henshaw Landing is a small, local access point for Lake of the Woods, providing both locals and visitors with a gateway to fishing and water activities in the region. With few amenities in the town itself, Henshaw is best known for its connection to the natural landscape and its proximity to other outdoor attractions in Lake of the Woods County.

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4. Rosewood, Minnesota

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude & Longitude

• Area: 0.35 square miles
• Population: Approximately 30 (as of 2020)
• Zip Codes: 56623
• Latitude: 48.7391° N
• Longitude: 94.7359° W

City Location and History

Rosewood is a very small community in Lake of the Woods County, situated to the west of Baudette, near the shores of Lake of the Woods. Originally, Rosewood developed as a farming and fishing settlement, with its location benefiting from its proximity to water resources like the lake and the Rainy River. The town itself is relatively isolated and has maintained a quiet, rural atmosphere. As with many small northern Minnesota communities, Rosewood grew during the late 19th century and early 20th century due to the expansion of transportation routes and local industries like logging and agriculture. However, over the years, the town has seen a decline in population as younger generations have moved to larger cities for education and work opportunities. Rosewood, today, has a small but tight-knit community, with many residents involved in the tourism and recreational industries due to the town’s close access to Lake of the Woods, which remains a popular destination for fishing and boating.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Because of its small population, Rosewood does not have its own school. Students from Rosewood attend Lake of the Woods School District and typically travel to Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette. The biggest landmark in the area is Lake of the Woods itself, one of the largest lakes in North America, offering excellent fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Nearby Zippel Bay State Park provides a public access point to the lake and is a favorite spot for campers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The Rainy River is another local landmark, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and is particularly popular among anglers who seek the world-class fishing opportunities that Lake of the Woods provides. Rosewood’s proximity to these outdoor activities makes it a quiet retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a rural lifestyle close to the water.