Community Profile
Zip Code: 56431
Population: 1800+
Elevation: 1205 ft. above sea level
Community Established: 1871
The city of Aitkin is the county seat of Aitkin County. Aitkin County has a population of about 15,000 residents.
Throughout the year, the Aitkin area offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and a variety of cultural activities and shopping experiences.
Aitkin is located in the heart of Up North Adventure Country. Warm, friendly hospitality is extended to visitors as they come to experience adventures that can only be found “up north”.
A trip to the Jaques Art Center, Depot Museum and Aitkin Library will provide arts and cultural experiences for visitors to the area.
The Retail Business District offers shopping experiences that range from antiques to zippers and a variety of restaurants. The Rialto Theatre with its art deco design and wide screen offers first run movies year around.
Two industrial parks and a small business incubator signify the importance of manufacturing to Aitkin.
Health care, education and county government contribute to keeping the local economy balanced.
Our industries are varied and include peat development, can crushers, lake restoration, foundry ladles, parts manufacturers, machine shops, cranberry/wild rice producers and technology industries. The largest service employers include Riverwood Healthcare Center, School District #1 Aicota Health Care Center and the Aitkin County Courthouse.
A wide array of churches and denominations are represented in the Aitkin area. Over two dozen civic and service organizations join forces to make the community stronger. Aitkin is not just a nice place to visit; it is a great place to live. It truly is a “full service” community, with excellent educational and medical facilities, as well as legal, financial and professional services. Only 2 hours from the Twin Cities, here you can enjoy the small town atmosphere, solid work force and low crime rate offered by an “up north” community.
Natural resources are in abundance with hundreds of lakes, the Mississippi River and the Ripple River surrounding the community. 365 lakes (one for every day of the year) are within 10 minutes (as the crow flies) of the only stoplight in Aitkin County, which just happens to be located in downtown Aitkin where Minnesota highways 210 and 169 meet.
The Aitkin Flood Diversion Channel is located just north of Aitkin. It is the only diversion channel on the entire Mississippi River. Reminiscent of the days when riverboats carried supplies up river to the wilderness, Aitkin’s Great Riverboat Race takes place during Riverboat Heritage Days each July.
Birdwatching is a year around activity along the Mississippi and around Aitkin. Over 600 species have been identified in Aitkin County, including the elusive Yellow Rail, and Great Gray Owl.
A variety of seasonal outdoor experiences include fishing, ice fishing, boating, swimming, biking, hiking, golf, snowmobiling and hunting. Exceptional Fall Colors abound in the area due to the extensive mixture of hard and soft woods.
The Aitkin Area has something to do for everyone, even if your favorite sport is relaxing. The Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce office provides an array of area information including self guided tour brochures of historic sites, homes and churches. Stop in at 24 3rd St NW – 1 block north and 1 block west of “the” stoplight and meet the staff.
For more information, call 218-927-2316, or 1-800-526-8342, fax: 218-927-4494.
E-mail: upnorth@aitkin.com or visit our website at www.aitkin.com