Guide to Knife River Minnesota

Unorganized Territory 2

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

2000-2010 Change

Actual

Percent

Population

1,856

1,955

2,094

+139

+7.11

Land Area (sq. mile)

0.00

268.44

268.42

0.00

Density (persons per sq. mile)

6.91

7.28

7.80

-0.52

+7.11

Housing Units

1,069

1,096

1,397

+301

+27.46

Households

689

800

885

+85

+10.63

Persons Per Household

2.69

2.43

2.37

-0.06

-2.47

Knife River is an unincorporated community located in Lake County Minnesota. The community is located between Duluth and Two Harbors on the North Shore Scenic Drive (County 61), at the mouth of the Knife River, from which it gets its name. Knife River is located 8 miles southwest of the city of Two Harbors. The boundary line between Lake and Saint Louis counties is nearby. Knife River is located within Lake No. 2 Unorganized Territory of Lake County.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the unorganized territory has a total area of 272.3 square miles (705.2 km²), of which, 268.4 square miles (695.2 km²) of it is land and 3.9 square miles (10.0 km²) of it (1.42%) is water.

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,955 people, 800 households, and 571 families residing in the unorganized territory. The population density was 7.3 people per square mile (2.8/km²). There were 1,096 housing units at an average density of 4.1/sq mi (1.6/km²). The racial makeup of the unorganized territory was 98.93% White, 0.36% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population.

There were 800 households out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the unorganized territory the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.0 males.

The median income for a household in the unorganized territory was $48,098, and the median income for a family was $50,921. Males had a median income of $42,917 versus $24,803 for females. The per capita income for the unorganized territory was $23,436. About 4.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The community of Knife River was originally established in 1856 as Buchanan, located on the west side of the Knife River. A separate community of Mellie, located on the east side of the river was platted in 1899 following the building of the Alger–Smith Lumber Company's railroad in 1898; Mellie changed its name to Knife River in 1903. The two communities incorporated themselves as the village of Knife River on October 2, 1909; but since have returned to being an unincorporated community.

The SS Benjamin Noble foundered off Knife River in April 1914, with the loss of all hands.

Knife River is famous for its smoked fish, commercial fishing, and sport fishing. It is the smoked and fresh fish capital of the North Shore of Lake Superior. Ojibways called it "Mokomani Zibi" because of the sharp stones found in its bed and on its banks. There are also many beaches to comb for beautiful agates. The Knife River provides excellent spring trout fishing.

The village began as a copper mining settlement and because of the low grade of ore, switched to logging. The pulpwood was located at the old dock at the mouth of the river. When logging died out, the village turned to commercial fishing.

Logging train going over railway bridge at Alger Smith Lumber Company, Knife River.
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

North Shore Scenic Drive

This byway follows the majestic shoreline of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. Experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The drive provides access to eight state parks and the Superior National Forest and offers unlimited opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.

Knife River Recreation Center

The Knife River Rec Center is a non-profit organization that offers community events, facilities for play like tennis courts, a basketball court, a playground and access by beach to beautiful Lake Superior. The Rec Center also has space available for meetings and other community activities — See rentals for information.

Lake Name

Size
(acres)

Lake info

Lake Map

Rec Map

Topo Map

Island View Resort
249 Scenic Drive
PO Box 25
Knife River, MN 55609
Phone: (218) 834-5886
Web: www.islandviewresortmn.com
E-mail: info@islandviewresortmn.com

Island View Resort Cabins are nestled in a large grove of white pines just 14 miles from Duluth on the North Shore Scenic Drive, in the town of Knife River.

Knife River Campground
Knife River, MN 55609
Phone: (218) 834-5044
Web: www.kniferivercampground.com

The campground has 30 RV/tent sites that include pull-through sites that include pull-through sites, 30 and 50 Amp electric service, water and sewer. For your convenience, our campground has a dumping station, clean restroom facilities and shower building. Most sites have picnic tables and campfire rings. Wood can be bought on site.

Knife River Campground, Knife River Minnesota

Knife River Minnesota Community Guide