Crosslake

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Our Story

Population:  2,141                          

Median Age:  56.1

Median Income:  $50,806

Area:  36.89 square miles

Most Common Industry:  Construction, Retail Trade, Manufacturing 

PAST

The Cross Lake community is located about thirty-two miles north of Brainerd.  It is called “Cross Lake” because the lake from which it takes its name is crossed by currents of two rivers, forming a cross.  In the 1930’s the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce pronounced Crosslake “the beauty spot of Minnesota” and it is still true today.

The Sioux and Chippewa Indians lived here in the early times using the lakes and rivers as travel highways.  They fished the waters and hunted the woodlands.

Logging was at its peak at the turn of the last century, Crosslake Lumber Company Headquarters, at one time, housed up to 1,400 men.  The logging headquarters were located just east of Cross Lake.   A railway was established to haul logs from the Longville area, south to Cross Lake where logs were deposited.  The headquarters operation took up about 200 acres.  The logging industry flourished until about 1912 when the logging companies moved on and the railroad closed down.

Most of the logs were Norway and White pine.  Some of the logs contained 12,000 feet of lumber; sometimes thirty million feet of logs would go down river in one drive.  Delivered by water they put the logs in the lake and then floated them down the rivers in booms.  Then by train they put the logs on the cars and took them directly to the cities.

The government built the first wooden dam, Pine River Dam, in 1899 to regulate the height of the water to transport the logs.  Later it was replaced by a concrete dam. 

Many of the early settlers came to work in the logging industry and stayed on, responsive to the beauty of the lakes and potential for fishing, hunting and recreation.  One of the early industries of Cross Lake was fishing.  Some of the early settlers fished for market.  By 1934 the leading industry in Cross Lake was resorts.  Tourism is still the leading industry, but many resorts are selling out as more people own their own cabin on a lake.

The Pine River Dam in Crosslake — which controls the level of the entire Chain, at the US Army Corps of Engineer's Cross Lake Recreational Area, is at the heart of the city of Crosslake's history.  This federal campground is the site of the first settlement in the area, which was followed by Indian trading, logging and then as an area of resorts. 

PRESENT

Today the city covers 37 square miles, with over one-third of this area covered by water and over 121 miles of shoreline.  Crosslake is home to just over 2,000 permanent residents, but 60% of the community's housing units are only used seasonally, during the summer the population spikes to over 15,000.

The City of Crosslake exemplifies Minnesota's "up-north" environment and lakeside flavor.  From log furniture in the hotels to unique art stores and fabulous lakeside dining or golf, Crosslake boasts a vibrant and growing business community eager to greet visitors and residents alike.  Crosslake is a place with a small city feel, where you can view the stars in the night sky and where people know their neighbors and love the peace and quiet found here.  When people talk about Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, Crosslake is at the heart of that expression.  This is a sportsmen’s paradise; there is a lot to enjoy here in any season, not just summer.

Learn more about Crosslake's history at the Historical Log Village, across the street from the Corp of Engineers Campground.  Each building at this museum-like site offers a "stop-and-listen" system in which you push a button to listen to a recording about the specific site.

Crosslake is especially proud of their high-speed communication capabilities connecting residents with the world.  A natural gas line runs through town and the city will soon be installing a sanitary sewer system.  Protecting the environment is important here and the Whitefish Area Property Owners Association (WAPOA) in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources, Soil & Water District and others are doing an outstanding job of caring for the lakes.

Community celebrations such as Winterfest, the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Celebrate Crosslake Days draw in thousands of visitors annually.  Watching the 4th of July fireworks from a boat on Cross Lake is also something not to be missed. The summer outdoor music series at Crosslake Town Square are a great way to end a day at the lake, too.  The community pulls together to present events which will promote the area while advancing economic and community development.  This is a forward thinking town with progress always on their mind.

 

Residents identified these specific assets in Crosslake

Natural Assets:

Up-guard Center conservation	Eagles
“Beauty spot of MN”	Campground
Trees/woods/towering pines	150 acres of woods, lakes & trails @ Community Center
Ability to view night sky	Hunting land
Beaver dams	Part of major watershed system-Pine River
Huge lakes/lakes/rivers	Whitefish chain of lakes
Loons nest	Falls colors
Winter snow	Summer water
Spring fishing	Sunsets over the  water
Wildlife

 

Cultural Assets:

Friendly/safe	Logging
Passing on property & experiences	German/Scandinavian/English/Irish
Many active & successful churches	Retired people
Historical area	Native heritage
Railroad Club	Religion

 

Human Assets:

High skill retired people/Retired professionals	Strong leadership
Doctors/dentist/chiropractor	Teachers
Excellent retail	Lion’s
Children	Volunteers
Police/first responders	Last Generations music-local band
City council	Retired professionals
Photographers	Realtors
Sporting guides

 

Social Assets:

Festivals & events-St Patrick’s Day/Crosslake Days/Winterfest/Cardboard boat races	Flea market
Chamber of Commerce	Golf
Wood Carving Club	Music in the Park
Art show	Brainerd Lakes area events
Tennis courts	Community garden
Antique & wooden boat show	Blood drive
Yacht club	Big, fun Tuesday for kids
Churches	Exercise group
Crosslake area historical events	Community garden

 

Political Assets:

Progressive city council	County Commissioners
State Representatives	Crosslake Advisory Board
BLAEDC	EDA
Governor	Chamber of Commerce
Mayor	School Board
Planning & Zoning	Northland Press

 

Financial Assets:

WAPOA Endowment fund	PAL Foundation/PAL calendar sales
Silent donors	Dru Sjodin Scholarship
4 banks	Local businesses
Lion’s Club scholarships	Wealthy landowners
Big donors-for specific projects	Fireworks donors
BLAEDC

 

Built Assets:

Community Center	Crosslake Area Historical Society Village
Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway	Library
Bridges	Corp of Engineers Park
Bike, ATV & walking trails	Sanitary sewer
Crosslake Community Charter school	Fire Department
Route 66	Dam
Ball fields	Beach
Golf/tennis	Ski & snowmobile trails
Boat launches	Businesses
Paved roads	Playground

 

FUTURE

1. Market/advertise the entire community and the assets using the city’s approved Comprehensive Plan.  Grow the community by promoting/increasing business development, attracting year around employment at liveable wages and provide affordable housing.  Keep community members involved and informed.

2. Focus on the Crosslake Community Charter School, grow the enrollment.  Draw in new families with 12 months of employment and affordable housing.  This is a wonderful place to raise a family.

3. Plan Community Development efforts:  

Visually improve the entry point of the city

Expand selection and type of medical services

Hold Community Development/public planning meetings bi-annually

Involve seasonal residents & keep them informed

 

For more information on the City of Crosslake and all it has to offer, visit: http://www.cityofcrosslake.org/