General Info
Lake County spans 2,062 miles and is located in the Arrowhead Region of Northeastern Minnesota. The Dakota and Chippewa tribes occupied the area until European fur traders, missionaries and trappers arrived in the late 1600’s. Iron ore was discovered by George Stuntz in 1868 on the Vermilion Range and by 1884 Minnesota was part of the iron ore industry. Norwegian and Swedish immigrants began commercial fishing on Lake Superior at the turn of the century and the Two Harbors Lighthouse was built to guide ships in 1892. The Mesabi Range, the chief iron ore deposit in the United States, was discovered by the Merritt Brothers and the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company was established. Lake County is bordered by Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. Two public marinas, historical shipwrecks and two lighthouses can be found along the shoreline. Four state parks, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and a national forest are located within Lake County’s boundaries, offering residents and visitors many recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping and fishing. Today Lake County is home to approximately 10,609 residents.
