Situated in central-western portion of the county, the city of Aitkin, Minnesota is the seat of government for Aitkin County. The community was founded as a stop along the Northern Pacific Railroad, which extended its track through the region around 1870. Both the city and county were named for William Alexander Aitken, a fur trader who did business with the Ojibwe, and a partner in the American Fur Company. Early settlers of the city and county came for a variety of reasons, including the fur trade, but also for its logging and riverboat industries. After the Great Depression and World War II, the area’s logging industries declined, and were largely taken up by agriculture, primarily the raising of cattle and poultry, which continued to be a significant factor in the city’s economy into the 1980s. Today, very few active farms remain, although several abandoned farms surround the city, and its economy has looked to tourism and its attraction as a retirement community, with health care, human services, and non-profits being its larger employers. The actress and singer, Judy Garland, performed at the opera house in Aitkin as a young child. The Mississippi River flows through the northern edge of the city, and the Ripple River and Sissabagamah Creek are nearby. US Highway 169 and Minnesota Highway 210 join together as they pass through the northern part of Aitkin, and Minnesota Route 47 enters the eastern part of town. Other roads serving the town include County Roads 1, 12, 15, 41, and 54. Nearby communities include Bennettville, Crosby, Cuyana, Deerwood, Glory, Hassman, Kimberly, Rossburg, and Wolford. St. Joseph, Minnesota is about ninety miles south, while Duluth is about eighty-five miles east of Aitkin.
Categories
Faith & SpiritualityServices & Industries | Things to Do & Places to Go |
Recommended Resources
The official county government site offers a calendar of events, contacts for county government offices, with office hours, and a guide to towns and cities within the county, public notices, and visitor information. Campsite reservations may be made through the site, and access to various forms, notices, and other documents are available.
http://www.co.aitkin.mn.us/
Coordinating Area Resources Effectively is a countywide movement based in Aitkin, Minnesota that is charged with promoting the well-being of older and disabled adults and those who care for them. Information on volunteering or contributing to the program are put forth, with a calendar of events and information about its services and resources.
http://www.aitkincountycare.org/
Aitkin County Soil & Water Conservation District
The district was established in 1957 to provide technical and financial assistance to local landowners, as well as educational opportunities. Its officers and staff contacts are posted, with office hours, board meeting schedules, project reports, and information about tree sales and native plant sales.
http://www.aitkincountyswcd.org/
Consisting of Rippleside Elementary School and Aitkin High School, the Aitkin, Minnesota public school district offers a K-12th grade curriculum. Each of its campuses are featured, with directions, class schedules, faculty and staff contacts, and announcements, as well as district policies and notices.
http://home.isd1.org/
The American Legion is a wartime veteran’s organization. Post 86 is based in Aitkin, Minnesota. Meeting dates, an event calendar, directions, and a list of officers and contacts are posted to the site, along with reports from the post commander, auxiliary, and color guard. Fundraising activities are highlighted.
http://www.aitkinlegion86.org/
The Aitkin, Minnesota auto dealership sells new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and hybrids, as well as a selection of pre-owned vehicles of various makes and models. Its inventory and special offers are featured, and its hours of operation and contacts are published.
http://www.brandlgm.com/
The historic Mississippi Riverboat town is located northern Minnesota. Its official municipal web site publishes meeting agendas and minutes, city ordinances, a comprehensive plan, employment postings, bid requests, public notices, and project reports, as well as a guide to local services and facilities.
http://www.ci.aitkin.mn.us/
The Aitkin Police Department began in 1903 as the Night Watchmen, who served the Aitkin Village Council until the community became a city, at which time it became a police department. The history and organizational structure of the APD is put forward, and career opportunities and community programs are posted.
http://www.aitkinpolice.com/
Located in downtown Aitkin, Minnesota, the real estate company facilitates the buying and selling of residential and commercial property, acreage, and other real estate throughout Aitkin County. Available properties are highlighted, and its office location, hours and contacts are given.
http://www.cummingsjanzen.com/
The Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce is made up of business owners and others in Aitkin, Minnesota and the surrounding area. Its purpose and role are discussed, along with membership benefits, meeting schedules, and project reports, as well as a guide to local restaurants, shopping venues, hotels, and other businesses.
http://aitkin.com/
Locally owned and operated, FIRM is an Aitkin, Minnesota dealership and service center that specializes in the sale and servicing of South Bay Pontoons, Larson Pontoons, Palm Beach Pontoons, Yamaha PWCs. Classic Docks, and Floe Docks and Lifts, which are highlighted here, including its featured inventory, service and parts requests, and current promotions.
http://www.farmislandrepairandmarine.com/
The inn and banquet center is located in Aitkin, Minnesota. Featuring thirty guest accommodations, including two suites, and an on-site restaurant, event and conference facilities, and a list of amenities that are highlighted here, with directions, room photographs, and online reservations.
http://www.fortyclubinn.com/
Broadcasting from Aitkin, Minnesota, the company operates KKIN FM 94.3, KKIN AM 930, KFGI FM 101.5, KLKS FM 100.1, WWWI FM 95.9, and WWWI AM 1270, each of which are featured here, with sports reporting, weekly auctions, advertising information, and contact data.
http://www.kkinradio.com/
Often referred to as the GOP, for Grand Old Party, the Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. Offering links to statewide and national GOP organizations, the site promotes local GOP candidates for political office, and posts notices of meetings and events.
http://www.aitkingop.com/
Headquartered in Aitkin, Minnesota, RHC operates Aitkin Community Hospital, as well as primary care clinics in Aitkin, Garrison, and McGregor. Locations, hours, contacts, and an overview of its services, providers, specialities, and schedules are posted, including promotional video.
http://riverwoodhealthcare.org/
