Moose Lake, MN is known as the “Agate Capital of the World” and is home to the world’s largest agate on record weighing in at 108 pounds. This is kept on display at First National Bank of Moose Lake. Moose Lake is a gem of a town located in scenic northeast Minnesota. Its approximately 2700+ residents are surrounded by historic and modern buildings and businesses. Residents and visitors can visit the agate and gem displays at Moose Lake State Park, see the world’s largest agate on display at First National Bank of Moose Lake, and learnabout the history of the 1918 Fire at the Moose Lake Historical Society. Other popular attractions in Moose Lake can be found covering a wide range of year-round indoor and outdoor entertainment opportunities including the Moose Lake Muni (on and off-sale), Moose Lake Brewing Company, art galleries, the public golf course, bowling, pickleball, and agate picking in the local gravel pits (permits required). There are spectacular trails in the area for both motorized and non-motorized use. The area lakes and rivers are a perfect place to fish and swim.
If you enjoy experiencing all four seasons of the year, Moose Lake is the place to be! Winters tend to be cold and snow, followed by beautiful springs filled with young wildlife and spectacular wildflowers. Summers are perfect for outdoor activities with average high temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s (F). When the temperatures start to cool
and fall arrives, the only way to describe the colors of the many species of trees here is “stunning.”
The foundation of Moose Lake begins in the 1800’s when Scandinavians settled in the area. Ole Amunson made the first permanent home along the eastern shore of Sturgeon Lake. The population of the area quickly grew and on February 15, 1889, the Village of Moose Lake was incorporated. By 1890, there were approximately 169 residents. The Northern Pacific Railroad and logging industry were both instrumental in the growth of Moose Lake. A depot was built in 1873 and then again in 1907 by the Soo Line Railroad. It was the second depot that did not burn when the 1918 Fire ravished Moose Lake and surrounding communities. It is speculated that sparks off a train ignited the dry brush. The fire was responsible for the deaths of 453 people, including 14 members of one family.
Passenger train service to Moose Lake ended in May 1959.
Moose Lake has its share of historical places, but it also boasts new,
modern facilities, including the K-12 school, medical clinics, and surgery centers.
Only three miles southwest of Moose Lake is the Moose Lake Carlton
County Airport. It has a lighted, paved, 3,200-foot runway.
Former railroad lines have been converted to recreational trails, like the Willard Munger and Soo Line Trails. These are another way to see and be part of the beauty of the Moose Lake area. Whether you drive, ride, float or fly in, the Moose Lake area has our unique home-town experiences and events for you and your family and friends to enjoy