Aitkin County, Minnesota

Comprehensive Recreation Trail Plan

This project includes the development of an Aitkin County Comprehensive Recreation Trail Plan for all county lands managed by the Aitkin County Land Department (ACLD). The plan will guide recreation trail management.

Background

Aitkin County is a fast-growing county in the lakes and forest region of North Central Minnesota.  Aitkin County covers a total of 1.2 million acres, which includes 365 lakes and over 600,000 acres of public land.  The county's population according to the last census figures is 17,400.  Major highways in the county include US 169, and MN 120 and 65.  The City of Aitkin, with a population of 2,000 is the county seat.

Aitkin County is located in the center of the State of Minnesota, containing parts of the Mississippi River and Mille Lacs Lake. It is located two hours north of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and 45 minutes east of Duluth. The lakes and forests of the County draw many people to the area for recreational purposes.

Over half of the land base in Aitkin County is in public ownership, including Savanna Portage State Park and the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  Aitkin County is proud of its vast expanses of forests and plentiful natural resources.  Aitkin County's commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources is exemplified in several ways.  The 222,000 acres of forestland managed by the Aitkin County Land Department (ACLD) was among the first public lands in the U.S. to be certified as "well-managed" based on international standards of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).  The 380,000 acres of state-managed forests in the county are also certified. The Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC) located in Aitkin County is Minnesota's oldest environmental/conservation learning center serving thousands of school age and adult students annually.  There are over 100 miles of designated ATV trails for residents and summer visitors, including the North and South Soo Line trails, Rabey Line, Blind Lake trail, and the Redtop trail.  In addition, there are over 600 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and several groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through scenic forests and lake areas. Trails are also available for cross-country skiing, horse riding and hiking.

The project is directed by the Aitkin County Land Department with the involvement of the Aitkin County Park Commission (ACPC). An Ad Hoc Committee with local representatives has been formed to help advise the project. Dovetail Partners is contracted to assist with project coordination.  Park Commission Meetings are open to the public.  Any questions or comments about the project can be directed to Katie Fernholz at Dovetail Partners, email or phone: 612-333-0430.

Project Resources and Information

Aitkin County Comprehensive Land Use Plan (website)

Aitkin County Outdoor Recreation Plan (1970) (pdf)

Aitkin County Recreation Information (website)

Aitkin County Tax Forfeited Land Management Plan, Strategic Plan (website)

Information about trail design, recreational managment, and regulations.