Welcome to the heart of Minnesota!

Our lakes area offers the best for everyone year round. Over 465 lakes dot the landscape within a 30 miles and fishing and water sports are popular activities. You can golf more than 450 holes, including several championship courses created by the game's top designers, including Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Horseback riding, canoeing, snowmobiling, biking, and downhill skiing can't be beat in the lakes area.

Make your home in the lakes area. About one family a day is moving into the area. They are attracted by out outstanding natural attributes, high quality of life, education, recreation, transportation, shopping, healthcare, and faith communities. If you are shopping for a new home one of our qualified Realtors will be happy to assist you in your search.

There are over 4,000 business in the lakes area employing over 30,000 people. Plus, advances in technology allow many professionals to live in the lakes area and telecommute to their home office.

Aitkinpop. ~ 1698

The city of Aitkin is located along the banks of the scenic Mississippi and is the county seat of Aitkin County.

Located at the crossroads of two major highways, the community offers a mix of unique shops, and services. As the county's business center, all the basic goods and services are available through the local establishments. In addition to the business offerings, there is a regional health care complex, cultural centers, paved bike/walking trail, parks, campgrounds, outdoor sports facilities and an airport.

Aitkin Public School District #1 - home to the Gobblers has two fine public schools and many extracurricular activities for all age students.

Brainerd/Baxterpop. ~ 25,000

The Brainerd Lakes Area combines the best that Minnesota's lake country has to offer. We have everything you desire - whether you're a professional considering a position in one of 3,000 businesses, an entrepreneur searching for a progressive and growing community or a future retiree looking for that perfect retirement destination - the Brainerd Lakes Area has it all!

The Brainerd Lake Area is located in central Minnesota, only 2.5 hours drive or a 30-minute flight by Mesaba Airlink from Minneapolis/St. Paul. The lakes area boats of almost 500 sand-bottom lakes within a 30-mile radius, nestled in the heart of scenic forests. Crime is low. Air is clean. Business is booming. Education is excellent. Health care is advanced and readily available. Retail choices abound. And diverse recreation choices cover all four-seasons.

The Brainerd Lake Area includes an area approximately 30 miles in diameter with numerous communities. Based on recent workforce surveys, residents frequently live in one community and work in another due to our close geographic locations and extensive highway system.

Brainerd School District is the 5th largest school district in out-state Minnesota and provides many educational programs including an alternative education program and opportunities for students who have special needs as well as the students who are gifted. Brainerd also has several private schools as well as Central Lakes College, a two-year community and technical college.

Crosby/Ironton/Deerwoodpop. ~1500

Crosby has been declared the "Antique Capital of the Lakes Area" with over 10 antique stores on and around the historic main street on State Highway 6. Experience the small town atmosphere with friendly people willing to share information and history.

The Cuyuna Range community boasts a state of the art hospital and clinics, library, community center, Realtors, antiques, grocery store, hardware stores, auto repair centers, hotels and resorts, cafes and supper clubs, and light industry.

The Crosby School District has approximately 1600 students in K-12.

Garrisonpop. ~ 138

Garrison, on the northwest shore of Mille Lacs Lake, has been known for fishing since 1899. Garrison is the world's smallest city to have a McDonald's restaurant. Today, anglers find the port if Garrison delightful. Summer or winter, the town and nearby resorts welcome fishing families and cater to their vacation needs. Harbor facilities, guide service and launch trips, originating in Garrison are among the finest. Tourist accommodations include motels, campgrounds, and resorts. Many cafes, supper clubs, McDonald's, and Taco Bell offer a variety of menu choices and dining styles. Garrison sports a retail district that includes curio and antique shops, grocery and hardware stores, sporting goods outlets, Realtor, a lawyer, a veterinary clinic, gas stations, and an automotive repair shop.

Garrison residents are in the Brainerd School District - please see Brainerd/Baxter for more school information.

Islepop. ~ 612

Located on the south shore of Mille Lacs, the town of Isle exemplifies small town living at its best. The town has rich history, originally, Isle was called "Ethel's Island", named by Charles Malone after his daughter. Today, Isle offers a complete shopping district, resorts, and light industry. Each summer the population swells to more than double its 580+ year-round residents. During ice fishing, the winter population increases as well. The city serves vacationers and tourists with its easy access to resorts, motels, shopping, recreation, and the lake. Video outlets and bait shops pair with a brand new grocery store, a drug store, variety shops and gift and antique stores to provide a complete vacation package. Restaurants, a library, full service banks, museum, bakery, hardware store, beauty salon, two Laundromats, feed store, service stations, auto repair shops, Real Estate Agents, a food co-op, medical clinic and a dentist's office round out the services available in Isle. Isle City Park offers picnic facilities, beach and playground equipment.

Isle has it's own school district with roughly 800 students in K-12.

The village of Malmo on the northeast shore of Mille Lacs was named after Malmo, Sweden, in honor of the Swedish immigrants who settled there. Like all lake-communities, Malmo prides itself on serving seasonal visitors. Gas stations, café, convenience store, flower shop, a new upholstery facility, a recreational vehicle repair outlet, liquor store, Laundromat, boat storage and repair service, and nearby resorts and supper clubs are among the facilities available. Malmo Memorial Park offers picnic tables, sand-bottom swimming, and a well-maintained public access site.

Malmo residents are part of the Aitkin School District - please see Aitkin for more information.

Onamiapop. ~ 776

The modern town of Onamia is situated south of Mille Lacs, just off Highway 169 on the shore of Lake Onamia. The gateway to Mille Lacs received its name from Lake Onamia, which in Ojibwe means, "dancing ground." The city dates back to 1908, when lumbering was a major industry in the Mille Lacs area and the first trains reached town. Today, Onamia is the Mille Lacs Lake area's largest city, housing the Mille Lacs Health System and light industry. Offering over 50 businesses, including many retail stores, Onamia is a favorite shopping stop for visitors. The shopping area offers restaurants, a florist, drug store, hardware store, grocery stores, beauty salon, video shop, liquor stores, and craft and gift shops. Two city parks and tennis courts provide in-town recreation.

Onamia has a well-staffed hospital, a newly expanded medical and physical therapy clinic and dental office to meet your emergency needs.

Onamia School District serves about 800 students in K-12.