Northwest Angle, Exclave in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, United States
Northwest Angle is an exclave in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota, forming the northernmost tip of the contiguous United States. The area is separated from the rest of the country by Lake of the Woods and by Canadian provincial territory.
The area was assigned to the United States in 1783 because cartographers mistakenly believed the Mississippi River originated farther north. The errors were discovered later, but the borders remained unchanged.
The name of this land finger refers to its geographic shape, jutting like a corner into Canadian territory. Most residents make their living from fishing and from tourists who stay in small cabins along the shoreline.
Driving access requires crossing through Manitoba and passing two international borders with valid travel documents. In winter, an ice road is maintained across the frozen lake, creating a direct route into Minnesota.
The local school consists of only one classroom and is the last of its kind in all of Minnesota. Classes continue even though fewer than ten children often attend.
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