Guide to Knife River Minnesota

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Knife River Guide:
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Nearby Communities:
Beaver Bay
Duluth
Illgen City
Grand Marais
Larsmont
Little Marais
Lutsen
Schroeder
Silver Bay
Tofte
Two Harbors

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Knife River Minnesota Community Guide

Location:

This community has a long history that goes back to the first days of logging and commercial fishing on the North Shore. In fact, the first recorded American total-loss shipwreck on Lake Superior occurred at the mouth of the Knife River in 1838. The village was also an important stop for both of the major railroads that used to serve the area.

Today, Knife River remains a quiet village, but visitors and residents alike enjoy a public beach, restaurant, and excellent fishing. In addition, the Knife River Marina is a full-service marina operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Population: Knife River is an unincorporated community located in Unorganized Territory 2 in Lake County

Unorganized Territory 2	1970	1980	1990	2000	1990-2000 Change
Unorganized Territory 2	1970	1980	1990	2000	Actual	Percent
Population	--	--	1,856	1,955	99	5.33
Land Area (sq. mile)	0.00	0.00	268.44	268.42	-0.02	-0.01
Density (persons per sq. mile)	--	--	6.91	7.28	0.37	5.34
Housing Units	0	0	1,069	1,096	27	2.53
Households	--	0	689	800	111	16.11
Persons Per Household	--	--	2.69	2.43	-0.26	-9.79

Geography:

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.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Demographics:

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.

History:

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

Government: unincorporated

Post Office:

US Post Office
200 Central Avenue
Knife River, MN 55609-4400
Phone: (218) 834-3433
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS
Web: www.usps.com

Regular Business Hours:
Week Days       8:00 am - 12:00 pm
                        1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Saturday           8:00 am - 10:00 am

Latest Collection at Post Office:
Week Days 4:45 pm
Saturday none

Utilities:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Utility Phone
Electricity	n/a	--
Natural Gas	n/a	--
Wastewater	n/a	--
Water	n/a	--
Telephone	n/a	--
Cable TV	n/a	--

Major Employers:

Employer	Products/Services	Employees
n/a

News:

Weather:

Map:

View Larger Map

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Knife River Minnesota area

Events:

none

Attractions:

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.

Recreation:

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.

Lakes:

Lake Name	Size (acres)	Lake info	Lake Map	Rec Map	Topo Map

Health Care:

none - see Two Harbors and Duluth

Schools:

Students attend Two Harbors schools

Aerial View, Knife River Minnesota, 1970. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

Churches:

Knife River Lutheran Church
158 Church Road
PO Box 218
Knife River, MN 55609
Phone: (218) 834-2676

Pastor: Susan Berge
Sunday Worship: 8:30 am

Media:

none - see Two Harbors and Duluth

Motels:

none - see Two Harbors and Duluth

Check for motel rates and availability on:

Resorts:

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.

Campgrounds:

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

Businesses:

Aschenmacher Travel 247 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-6100
Coolidge Machine 171 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5202
Emily's Eatery & Inn 218 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5922 Web: www.emilyseatery.com Set against the backdrop of the pristine North Woods and the mesmerizing Knife River is Emily's Eatery. After an extensive remodel, we are now open for your dining experience. Not your average restaurant, Emily's is an eclectic mix of old history and new ideas! Emily's offers a variety of menu items including soups and sandwiches which are prepared with quality, fresh ingredients. Our homemade soups may differ daily so be sure to check our "Specials Board" or call ahead and get the scoop. Browse our wine and beer list to choose the perfect complement to your lunch or dinner. Our complete food menu is also available for take-out so if you're pressed for time, phone in your order and we will have it ready for pick up at your convenience!
Farms International Incorporated Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-2676
Great Lakes Candy Kitchen 223 Scenic Drive PO Box 27 Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5858 Web: www.greatlakescandy.com Great!Lakes Candy follows a tradition of over 100 years of fine candy making that originated on Minnesota’s Iron Range in 1905 by founder Gust Canelake. From Gust Canelake’s Candy Kitchen, the secret recipes were passed on to sons John & Leo. Hand made candies made the old-fashioned way in our copper kettle kitchen. Our candies are made with the finest ingredients, heavy whipping cream, grade AA butter and fine chocolate.
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.
Jenson Ray Partners 1521 Superior Shores Drive Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-6075
Kendall Russ Smoke House 149 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 (218) 834-5995
Knife River Campground Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5044
Knife River Marina PO Box 219 Knife River, MN 55609-0219 (218) 834-6076 Web: www.knife-river-marina.com E-mail: info@knife-river-marina.com Knife River Marina is located in the historic fishing village of Knife River, Minnesota, only 15 miles north of Duluth on Lake Superior's scenic North Shore. Whether you want to enjoy the unlimited cruising of Lake Superior, the terrific fishing just beyond the harbor entrance or simply relaxing aboard in the quiet of the marina with family and friends, we are committed to helping you enjoy your precious boating time to the fullest.
Knife River Recreational Council 199 Algor Smith Road Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-6938
Knife River Sanitary District Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-2913
Knife River Trading Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-2224
KRM Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-7157
L J Ronning Builders 243 Riverview Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-3249
Lake County Day Activity Center Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5767
Ojard Well Drilling Incorporated PO Box 34 Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5733
Playing With Yarn 276 Scenic Drive Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5967 Web: www.playingwithyarn.com Judy Casserberg, owner of Playing With Yarn, is a handweaver who weaves mostly household linens and rugs. She also carries yarns and materials for knitters. She carries many imported yarns, luxury fibers and designer yarns. Many of which can be used for both knitters and weavers. She is carrying some Scandinavian needle work kits and materials, such as Hardanger. Casserberg has studied with: Madelyn van der Hoogt, Jane Evans, Judy Yamamoto, Heather Winslow and many other great weavers.
Stone Mosaics PO Box 205 Knife River MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-5707 Web: www.laurastonemosaics.com E-mail: kniferiver264@yahoo.com Laura is an accomplished artist who has learned the art of mosaic by travel and study to Italy and England to study marble, glass and pebble mosaics. A professional artist, and former teacher at Gustavus College in St. Peter, MN,as well as several other colleges and art centers she exhibited and taught drawing for 22 years in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and New York. After a chance visit to the mosaics of the St.Louis, Mo. Basilica - and their mosaic center in 2000, Laura made a overnight decision to pursue mosaic skills and design.
Stewart River Boatworks PO Box 297 Knife River, Minnesota 55609 Phone: (218) 834-2506 Web: www.stewartriver.com E-mail: acomb@frontiernet.net Stewart River Boatworks is a premier builder of wood and canvas canoes, wooden kayaks and lapstrake row boats. All boats are hand crafted by Alex Comb who has been building wooden boats professionally since 1979. We build wood and canvas canoes, wooden kayaks and classic wooden row boats.
Squeeky Clean Cleaning Service PO Box 71 Knife River, MN 55609 Phone: (218) 834-0750

Aerial Photo:

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Topographic Map [click map to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]

Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge