Message from
the President

Carlton Area
Chamber of Commerce

213 Chestnut Avenue
Carlton, MN 55718

218.384.3322

Carlton, Minnesota 

Welcome to the City of Carlton, the year was 1870, and the Northern Pacific Railroad had decided to complete the one stretch of track that would connect Duluth to St. Paul.  In February, the work began and where once only pines and aspens resided, temporary shacks for the workmen were erected, creating the settlement of “Northern Pacific Junction”.

It is this settlement that in 1881 was officially incorporated by the State of Minnesota as “Carlton”, named after Ruben Carlton, the first Senator in the Minnesota Legislature from this district.  Today, Carlton is a thriving and friendly community with a rich history of fur explorations along the St. Louis River, white pine logging, and the beginning point of the Northern Pacific Railroad; along with a “by hook or crook” tale of how Carlton became the County Seat.  Many lakes and rivers attract people from neighboring communities to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and skiing. Carlton is the gateway to Jay Cooke State Park and the Willard Munger and Alex Laveau state trails, providing hiking, biking, and rollerblading in a beautiful natural environment. Enjoy a ride down the St. Louis River.  In Carlton, you can go by raft or kayak. 

Carlton’s main street provides its residents and visitors with various service-oriented businesses, eateries and unique shopping opportunities.  Main Street also serves as the starting point of “Rushing Rapids Parkway” a 9-mile designated Minnesota Scenic Byway that begins in downtown Carlton and continues through Jay Cooke State Park. 

The residents of Carlton voted to name and dedicate the recently constructed shelter located on the Munger Trail after its origin.  The “Northern Pacific Junction” shelter provides trail enthusiasts with a beautiful and convenient location to stop for a picnic or just to relax along their journey.  The shelter also serves as an accessible starting point for a 14-mile trek along the trail to Duluth.  Parking, water, picnic and restroom facilities are all available for your convenience and pleasure.

Carlton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Carlton Area Chamber is unlike most other chambers.  Our structure is less formal, we do not have a lot of committees, we are not very political, and you won’t find very many members wearing a suit.  What you will find is a close-knit group of community and business leaders and employees working together to make the Carlton area a better place to work, live and raise a family.  Most of our efforts go to organizing events that bring people into the area by providing a safe, entertaining environment for adults and kids alike. We have also been known to provide financial and volunteer support for member sponsored events.

Over the past years, the Chamber has sponsored community events including: Carlton Daze, Winterfest, Annual Community Banquet, Business after Hours, The Jim Ruzic Memorial Golf Tournament, Munger Town Trail Association, Health Fair, the Christmas Celebration and the Four Seasons Complex.  Our projects are often a joint effort with local businesses, the school and residents. 

The Board of Directors meets at Noon the third Wednesday of each month at a member location. 

The entire Chamber meets at Noon the first Wednesday of each month at a member location.  The meetings last one hour and in addition to lunch and fellowship there is also a business meeting. 

Officers and Board Members