Crow Wing County

Crow Wing County is an administrative division in central Minnesota characterized by dense forests, numerous lakes, and the Mississippi River running through it. The landscape shapes daily life with water, woodlands, and a natural environment that defines the region's character.

The county was established in 1857 and named after the Crow Wing River, with Brainerd as its seat. The river and its location shaped early settlement and trade patterns in the region.

The area preserves ties to Native American presence through places where Ojibwe and Dakota peoples once lived and hunted. Visitors can find local references to this heritage woven into the region's identity today.

County services and information points are available in towns throughout the area to help visitors orient themselves. Summer is the best season for exploring the lakes and forests, as weather and road conditions are most favorable.

The county earned a fiscal management award, an honor shared by only a handful of administrative divisions in the state. This recognition reflects decades of effective administration and careful financial stewardship.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: May 23, 1857

Capital city: Brainerd

Shares border with: Cass County, Aitkin County, Mille Lacs County, Morrison County

Website: http://co.crow-wing.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 46.49000,-94.07000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06