Aitkin County Courthouse and Jail

The Aitkin County Courthouse and Jail is a Beaux-Arts-style judicial and detention facility completed in 1929, representing the second courthouse structure built at this location. Interior spaces showcase refined craftsmanship with marble wainscoting, oak woodwork, terrazzo flooring, and stained glass skylights throughout.

The original courthouse built in 1888 was deemed unsafe in 1920, prompting county commissioners to approve construction of a replacement. Its completion in 1929 established a new foundation for judicial operations in the county.

The building remains the focal point for legal proceedings and county administration in Aitkin, shaping how residents experience their civic institutions. Citizens gather here regularly to conduct official business, making it a working center of community governance.

The building serves active judicial and administrative functions, so visitors should verify which areas are publicly accessible before visiting. Daytime visits allow architecture enthusiasts to explore common areas and appreciate the historic craftsmanship on display.

The design blends Beaux-Arts and Art Deco elements, created by architects E.C. Pell and the firm Toltz, King & Day, making it a notable example of early 20th-century architecture in Minnesota. This stylistic blend is less commonly discussed than the building's more conventional courthouse role.

Location: Aitkin

Inception: 1929

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Address: 209 and 217 2nd Street NW

GPS coordinates: 46.53303,-93.71028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:00