Northern Minnesota Info (St. Paul, Duluth, Cloquet: for sale, co-op, houses)

[MeganAK]

My husband and I are from Alaska and we are feeling like we want to move back to the "Lower 48". There are many reasons why, but the trouble is that we have no real direction in terms of where we want to go. Initially, we wanted mountains, snow in the winter, and someplace more rural. We have looked at Maine, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, the Dakotas, etc. We have had varying issues with all of the above places and my brother mentioned Northern Minnesota (he is in St. Paul). We are interested in buying a decent chunk of land (at least 40 acres), hunting for meat, growing as many things as we can for food, and having a state where we can raise a family, possibly home-school, not be surrounded by millions of people, and still have access to family, cities, cultural/educational opportunities, etc. I know, we probably want someplace that doesn't exist. We have ultimately decided that we could give up the mountains if a place had enough of the other qualities we desired. We enjoy doing outdoor activities, we like to hunt, fish, backpack, bike, kayak, climb, etc. We have found some areas we are interested in looking and are planning to check them out in more detail when we drive down next summer. I am a Nurse and would eventually be looking for part-time work somewhere near where we live. Our options are limited because we really like winter, and we really like snow, but we also want a decent place to grow food in the summer. I know, I know, we want it all! Anyway, any thoughts? Suggestions? Similar desires or experiences? Thanks in advance. I haven't seen much on this forum about Northern Minnesota, but what do you think?

[newcastle]

YOu can find plenty of land, snow, hiking, biking, ice climbing, winter camping, dog sledding, snow shoeing, skiing, etc. in Northern Minnesota. IN Northeastern Minnesota the better place for farming land would be south of Duluth in Carlton County and over toward Aitkin county. Most land north of Duluth the soil needs a lot more fertilizer and nutrients as it is hard, rocky, or has a lot of clay.

There are also plenty of nursing job opportunities available especially in rural areas of the state. There is a whole foods movement in the Duluth area with the Whole FOods Co-Op buying localy from farmers in the area especially near Wrenshall.

[golfgal]

The Red River Valley on the northwestern border of MN has some of the most fertile soil in the country, it is, however, flat, open and windy. The area around Grand Marias sounds like it would fit most of your needs but the growing season isn't all that long. You could set up a greenhouse to lengthen that. That area claims to have Lutsen "Mountain" which is just a really big hill but you at least have something to look at. I know of one family living near Grand Marias that is living a similar lifestyle and doing well.

[whatnow]

Hi Megan AK, What newcastle said is all good info. and golfgal mentioned Grand Marais which is a good town to visit but living there is way more expensive than other areas. I used to live on the northshore in Silver Bay where land and houses are more reasonably priced and is a lot closer to Duluth when you want to go to their wonderful Whole Foods CO-OP. Yes, Grand Marais has a co-op but I prefer Duluth's. I also lived outside of Cloquet (Carlton County) for ten years, loved it and want to go back. I also lived in Perham (farm country) and hated it because I love hills, trees, and water and I was in farm country where the potato farmers destoyed the aquafir. Northwestern MN was mentioned but I wouldn't think you'd like it because you are used to mountains. Right now I live outside of International Falls and it is ok but not for me - too much wetland and barely any hills. After seeing a lot of this wonderful state and living here for 20 yrs I think it is a good choice for you and that you would be happiest in northern MN. I wouldn't live in Duluth but there are places that'll get you close enough to take advantage of its amenties. Another reason I like Carlton County (Aitkin & norther Pine good too) is that you can take advantage of both Duluth and the Twin Cities and everything they have to offer. When I worked for the Forest Service I met several people who used to live in Alaska so I guess Minnesota is a great second choice! Oh, I was just online yesterday looking at land and I was encouraged by some of the good prices. GOOD LUCK and Best Wishes in your search.

[whatnow]

I forgot to mention northwestern Wisconsin which is a beautiful state too. There is more farmland for sale on the WI side of Lake Superior and you could still be close to Duluth. If you drive an hour out of Duluth in most directions you will find many choices. I lived in small town WI too and loved it.

[akbound08]

northwest wi would be a good choice, i lived in polk county which is an hour from the twin citys. the farm land there is great plus there are lots of hills due to the proximity to the st. croix river. i also lived in duluth and there are lots of places there that would be good for you, but the farm land isn't as good due to being in the iron range. i left both those places to move to Alaska, and if i were to move back i would probly go back to duluth cause they get a better winter, and i love hiking along the north shore of lake superior. hope you find what you are looking for!

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by whatnow

Hi Megan AK, What newcastle said is all good info. and golfgal mentioned Grand Marais which is a good town to visit but living there is way more expensive than other areas. I used to live on the northshore in Silver Bay where land and houses are more reasonably priced and is a lot closer to Duluth when you want to go to their wonderful Whole Foods CO-OP. Yes, Grand Marais has a co-op but I prefer Duluth's. I also lived outside of Cloquet (Carlton County) for ten years, loved it and want to go back. I also lived in Perham (farm country) and hated it because I love hills, trees, and water and I was in farm country where the potato farmers destoyed the aquafir. Northwestern MN was mentioned but I wouldn't think you'd like it because you are used to mountains. Right now I live outside of International Falls and it is ok but not for me - too much wetland and barely any hills. After seeing a lot of this wonderful state and living here for 20 yrs I think it is a good choice for you and that you would be happiest in northern MN. I wouldn't live in Duluth but there are places that'll get you close enough to take advantage of its amenties. Another reason I like Carlton County (Aitkin & norther Pine good too) is that you can take advantage of both Duluth and the Twin Cities and everything they have to offer. When I worked for the Forest Service I met several people who used to live in Alaska so I guess Minnesota is a great second choice! Oh, I was just online yesterday looking at land and I was encouraged by some of the good prices. GOOD LUCK and Best Wishes in your search.

I was looking at a mapping program yesterday, and was wondering what type of crops are grown using center pivot irrigation west of the Park Rapids area?
I thought very few crops could be grown in the northwoods due to the shorter growing season?

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by GraniteStater

I was looking at a mapping program yesterday, and was wondering what type of crops are grown using center pivot irrigation west of the Park Rapids area?
I thought very few crops could be grown in the northwoods due to the shorter growing season?

Sugar beets! They are a big deal in the Red River valley.

[MeganAK]

Thanks for all the replies! I will have plenty of time this winter to do some research on the areas you mentioned. Does Northern Wisconsin get good snow cover? We hadn't really looked there much. Compared to Alaska, the growing season will be super long! Anyway, thanks for all the thoughts.

[whatnow]

Yes, northern WI gets good snow cover, many times better than MN.