St. Louis County

St. Louis County is a large administrative area in northeastern Minnesota that encompasses varied landscapes and natural features. The region is defined by hundreds of lakes, extensive forests, and the St. Louis River system flowing through it.

The Minnesota Legislature created the county in 1856, naming it after the St. Louis River flowing through the region. The area later became significant through timber operations and mining activities that shaped its development.

The county is home to the Bois Forte and Fond du Lac Indian Reservations, where Ojibwe communities maintain their traditions and deep connections to the land. Visitors can explore these cultural sites and learn about Native American heritage firsthand.

The area is quite large and benefits from advance planning when exploring its different regions and attractions. Summer and early fall offer the best conditions for visiting, when weather is mild and natural features are easily accessible.

Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness falls within this county and attracts paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. At the same time, active taconite mining operations in the Iron Range demonstrate the contrast between wild nature and industrial heritage.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: March 1, 1856

Capital city: Duluth

Shares border with: Lake County, Aitkin County, Carlton County, Koochiching County, Itasca County, Douglas County

Website: http://stlouiscountymn.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.58000,-92.46000

Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:22