Beltrami County

Beltrami County is an administrative region in northern Minnesota that encompasses varied terrain with lakes, forests, and river features. The area includes both developed and natural spaces, with Bemidji serving as the main population and administrative center.

The region was established in 1866 and named after Giacomo Beltrami, an Italian explorer who investigated the upper Mississippi River in the early 1800s. The name reflects the area's connection to early exploration and river-based discovery.

Several Native American communities with deep roots in the land are still active throughout the area, their cultural practices and presence shaping daily community life. This heritage remains visible in local events and the landscape itself.

Bemidji, located in the center of the region, serves as the main hub for services and orientation when visiting. The surrounding lakes and forests can be reached easily from there and offer different ways to explore the landscape.

The Mississippi River flows through this area in one of its northern reaches, creating an important natural feature that many visitors overlook. This upper section of the famous river supports distinct wildlife habitats different from its better-known southern stretches.

Location: Minnesota

Inception: February 28, 1866

Capital city: Bemidji

Shares border with: Lake of the Woods County, Hubbard County, Clearwater County, Pennington County, Marshall County, Roseau County, Koochiching County, Itasca County, Cass County

Website: https://co.beltrami.mn.us

GPS coordinates: 48.02000,-94.92000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04