Population36,711 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
River Trails and Resilient Northern Communities
Carlton County, MinnesotaCarlton County combines communities such as Cloquet, Carlton, and Moose Lake with an extensive outdoor setting. Jay Cooke State Park, Moose Lake State Park, and the Willard Munger State Trail offer different ways to explore. Local history adds another perspective on the places along these routes. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 36,711 residents in Carlton County, Minnesota, on July 1, 2025.
Carlton County at a Glance
Population36,711 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatCarlton
Largest MunicipalityLitchfield
Established1857
ZIP Codes12
Total Area, Including Water875.159 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-55 - IL-16 - IL-127
Area Codes217
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Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Carlton County
Carlton County
Carlton County was established in 1857, and the City of Carlton has served as its county seat since 1871. Cloquet and the Fond du Lac community are also central to the county's identity. The destructive fire of 1918 remains an important part of its historical record. The county directs researchers to the Carlton County Historical Society and Cloquet Public Library for more context, connecting the landscape seen today with the experiences and records of earlier generations.
Explore Jay Cooke State Park for the St. Louis River setting, or look toward Moose Lake State Park for a different combination of woods and water. The Willard Munger State Trail links a broader regional network, with activities varying by trail section and season. Back in town, local libraries and history resources offer an indoor counterpart. Check park and trail notices before deciding on a route or seasonal activity.
What Shapes Us
Local Character
Carlton County combines communities such as Cloquet, Carlton, and Moose Lake with an extensive outdoor setting. Jay Cooke State Park, Moose Lake State Park, and the Willard Munger State Trail offer different ways to explore.
Community Story
Carlton County was established in 1857, and the City of Carlton has served as its county seat since 1871. Cloquet and the Fond du Lac community are also central to the county's identity.
Explore Locally
Explore Jay Cooke State Park for the St. Louis River setting, or look toward Moose Lake State Park for a different combination of woods and water.
River landscapes, community memory, and trails to explore
A Closer Look
Carlton County
Places and perspectives from Carlton County
MPR News — Minnesota
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Read the Story Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Carlton County
Stories from every corner of Carlton County.
MPR News hosts Senate debate between Flanagan, Tafoya
Democratic nominee Peggy Flanagan and Republican nominee Michele Tafoya appear at noon Friday in their only scheduled debate…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Sam Zimmerman paints his North Shore roots
A collection of paintings and stories by Sam Zimmerman captures memories of life in northern Minnesota. His new…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
St. Cloud races could decide who controls Legislature
The mixed politics of St. Cloud-area voters have led to some razor-thin outcomes in past elections. And it…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Grandmother, daughters and grandson among 6 victims who died in a Wisconsin plane crash
Family members say a grandmother, two of her adult daughters and her grandson were among the six people…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Teen shooter kills 4 at Oregon elementary school before being shot by a witness
Authorities say a 16-year-old opened fire at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, killing three children and a…
Oct 16, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Barnum Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 3813 E NORTH ST, BARNUM, MN 55707. 218-389-6976.
South Terrace Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-05. 530 STINE DR, CARLTON, MN 55718. 218-384-4225.
Churchill Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-04. 515 GRANITE ST, CLOQUET, MN 55720. 218-879-3308.
Cromwell-Wright Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 5624 HIGHWAY 210, CROMWELL, MN 55726. 218-644-3716.
Winterquist Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 2 E HIGHWAY 61, ESKO, MN 55733. 218-879-3361.
Fond du Lac Ojibwe School – Other; grades KG-12. 49 University Road, Cloquet, MN 55720. 218-878-7242.
Moose Lake Elementary – Elementary; grades PK-06. 4812 COUNTY RD 10, MOOSE LAKE, MN 55767. 218-485-4834.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Community Memorial Hospital – Critical Access Hospitals. 512 Skyline Boulevard, Cloquet, MN 55720. 218-879-4641.
Essentia Health Moose Lake – Critical Access Hospitals. 4572 County Road 61, Moose Lake, MN 55767. 218-786-1367.
Public Safety
Emergency Services Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
State Parks Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Trails Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Utilities Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Carlton Area Public Library – 310 Chestnut Ave, Carlton, MN 55718. 218-384-3322.
Cloquet Public Library – 320 14Th St, Cloquet, MN 55720. 218-879-1531.
Moose Lake Public Library – 313 Elm Avenue, Moose Lake, MN 55767. 218-485-4424.
Courts Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
DMV
Transportation Resources
Montgomery County Administration
Find information about county leadership, departments, and public services.
(217) 532-9530
County Clerk's Office
Vital records, elections, licenses, and official documents.
(217) 532-9531
County Treasurer
Property taxes, payments, and financial services.
(217) 532-9525
Building & Zoning Department
Permits, inspections, zoning, and property information.
(217) 532-3941
Health Department
Community health programs, services, and resources.
(217) 532-5541
County Extension Office
Agriculture, community education, and youth programs.
(217) 532-3941
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Carlton County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Carlton County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
36,711 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
875.159 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Board of Commissioners, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Jail Roster, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with these official Minnesota resources: Locations; Disability parking certificates; Renew my tabs. Choose the page for the service you need, then check its office or online instructions before making a trip. These links cover state services; they do not establish that every transaction is available at a county office.
Use USPS ZIP Code Lookup for the mailing ZIP Code of a specific street address. Use the USPS location finder to search for nearby postal facilities and available services. An address lookup is more useful for mailing than assuming the entire county shares one ZIP Code.
The VA explains how to find and appoint an accredited representative for benefit claims. Contact a representative to confirm availability before appointing them. For education benefits, use the GI Bill application guidance. These are national VA services available to eligible local residents, rather than a listing of county offices.
Search USAJOBS for federal positions and the Apprenticeship Finder for apprenticeship opportunities, using location filters to narrow the results. USAGov job-training guidance points to training programs and state resources. Check each listing for current availability, eligibility and application instructions; a search result does not guarantee an opening in the county.
Carlton County was established in 1857, and the City of Carlton has served as its county seat since 1871. Cloquet and the Fond du Lac community are also central to the county’s identity. The destructive fire of 1918 remains an important part of its historical record. The county directs researchers to the Carlton County Historical Society and Cloquet Public Library for more context, connecting the landscape seen today with the experiences and records of earlier generations.
Explore Jay Cooke State Park for the St. Louis River setting, or look toward Moose Lake State Park for a different combination of woods and water. The Willard Munger State Trail links a broader regional network, with activities varying by trail section and season. Back in town, local libraries and history resources offer an indoor counterpart. Check park and trail notices before deciding on a route or seasonal activity.
The 2020 Census geography figures record 861.192 square miles of land and 13.967 square miles of water in Carlton County. The county’s total area includes both. These are geographic measurements for that Census vintage, not a measurement of current water levels or public recreation access.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make Time to ExploreBrowse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.
Kids' Fun
- Highland Playgroup
- Wonder Works Science Center
- Giggle Junction
- Little Explorers Museum
- Discovery Park
- Greenfield Splash Pad
- Storytime Corner
- Adventure Zone
- Mini Makers Studio
- County Fairgrounds
- Family Fun Center
- Junior Nature Club
Restaurants
- Olive & Oak
- The Daily Dish
- Harbor House Grill
- Sunrise Diner
- Greenfield Table
- County Line Cafe
- Brick Oven Kitchen
- Maple Street Bistro
- The Local Plate
- Hometown Barbecue
- River Bend Grill
- Harvest Kitchen
Shopping & Retail
- Market Square General Store
- Home & Hearth
- The Book Nook
- Local Threads
- Greenfield Mercantile
- County Market
- Garden Gate Goods
- Prairie Home Supply
- Cornerstone Gifts
- Main Street Finds
- Heritage Antiques
- Artisan Hall
Clothing & Boutiques
- Uptown Boutique
- Thread & Co.
- Modern Muse
- Vintage Charm
- Willow & Co.
- Prairie Rose Apparel
- Sunday Best
- County Clothiers
- Evergreen Outfitters
- The Wardrobe
- Oak & Linen
- Market Street Style
Outdoor Fun
- Riverfront Adventures
- Summit Trail Outfitters
- Lakeside Kayaks
- Trailhead Co.
- Greenfield Lake
- Prairie Ridge Trail
- County Conservation Area
- Hillsboro Sports Park
- Sunset Campground
- Oak Valley Stables
- Meadow Creek Preserve
- Scenic Route 16
Free Things To Do
- City Park
- Downtown Walking Tour
- Community Art Wall
- Farmers Market
- Courthouse Square
- Public Library Events
- Lake Overlook
- Historic Marker Trail
- Summer Concert Series
- Community Garden
- Heritage Museum Day
- Holiday Main Street Walk
A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below