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Blackduck, MN
Blackduck, a small city in Beltrami County, Minnesota, lies 24 miles northeast of Bemidji along Blackduck Lake, at an elevation of 1,400 feet. Originally inhabited by the Sioux, the area saw the arrival of the Anishinaabe (Chippewa) as they moved west, displacing the Sioux and thriving on the region’s game, fish, berries, and wild rice. The Laurentian Divide, nearby, ensured well-drained land ideal for logging, which drew European settlers in the late 19th century.
Founded in 1900, Blackduck was organized as a village on October 19 and incorporated as a city on December 21. Named for Blackduck Lake, legend suggests the name came from the lake’s cormorant population, mistaken for black ducks. Early settlers from Crookston, Minnesota, staked claims along the lake, planting gardens and harvesting timber. Logging companies flourished, with sawmills and pole yards employing many, while others built homes and businesses. The Minnesota and International Railway, arriving in 1901, connected Blackduck to external markets, boosting lumber exports and growth.
The early 20th century saw community development, with Marcus D. Stoner, a surveyor who platted the town, founding the Blackduck Telephone Company in 1903 as part of the Blackduck Electric Company. By 1905, Nels Lien took over the telephone business, which grew under his family’s management. The Blackduck Times, started by E.J. Taylor, and later The Blackduck American, documented local life. The 1930s brought the Civilian Conservation Corps’ Camp Rabideau, a National Historic Landmark, which employed young men in conservation work during the Great Depression.
Blackduck’s economy diversified with agriculture and tourism. The Blackduck State Forest and Chippewa National Forest offered hunting, fishing, and hiking, while the Blue Ox Trail, incorporating the historic Minnesota and International Railway Bridge, attracted snowmobilers and hikers. The Blackduck Area History and Art Center, opened in 2006, preserves local heritage with artifacts and photos, many from the 1900s, donated by residents and collectors. The center, alongside the Tin Pan Gallery, showcases local art and history, enhancing the town’s cultural appeal.
Today, Blackduck’s population of about 845 enjoys a family-friendly community with a motto of “A Great Place for Families.” Events like the Woodcarvers Festival and access to Blackduck Lake and the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway draw visitors. With its rich logging past, natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit, Blackduck remains a charming Northwoods destination.
