Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the beautiful city of Carlton, Minnesota.  Carlton, originally a railroad town founded over 100 years ago as Northern Pacific Junction, is located 18 miles southwest of Duluth and is adjacent to the City of Cloquet.  Carlton is a small but active city of about 900 people. It is the Carlton County Seat where all county offices are located including the Courthouse, County Sheriffs Office and the County Jail. 

Carlton is the gateway to Jay Cooke State Park and the hub of the Willard Munger Bike Trail going north to Duluth and south to Hinckley.  It is the home of White Water rafting, and if you like Las Vegas action, it’s also home to the Black Bear Hotel and Casino.  In the summer, besides our beautiful bike park, you can enjoy camping and hiking in Jay Cooke State Park, our beautiful beach at Chub Lake, or various activities such as soft ball, baseball, soccer, volley ball, and golf at one of the several ball fields, soccer fields, volleyball and tennis courts, and two scenic golf courses, Pine Hill and Black Bear.  In the winter, enjoy snowmobiling with trails going everywhere, and picturesque cross country ski trails in beautiful Jay Cooke State Park.

Carlton has three major celebrations each year.  In February, over Valentines Day weekend, enjoy chili feeds, dog sled races, hockey games, ice fishing contests, and the Rotary “Hook and Slice on Ice” golf outing.   These activities are all part of the “Carlton Winterfest” celebration.  The last full weekend in July come and be a part of “Carlton Daze”; softball tournaments, golf outings, a 3 on 3 basket ball tournament, craft shows, auctions, kid’s day, community plays, street dances, children’s tractor pull, an ultra marathon, business expo and parade; are just some of the activities available.  In November, it’s “Breakfast with Santa Claus” including Santa, craft shows, kid’s games, etc.

The Carlton City Offices are located on Chestnut Avenue (Highway 210), the main street in Carlton. Also located in City Hall is the Carlton Public Library.  There you will find a great selection of books, tapes, videos, reference materials, reading programs for kids, internet access, computers, and general information.  The Carlton Public Library also serves as the office for the Carlton/Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce.

We have an excellent school system, that’s home to the “Carlton Bulldogs”, the “Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Hockey Lumberjacks”, and the Carlton Youth Hockey Program.

Our community is proud of the beautiful facilities we have for our elderly.  The Interfaith Care Center operated by Interfaith Social Services offers programs for independent living, assisted living and nursing home needs that protect the dignity and safety of our seniors.  

If we can be of any help or answer any questions about our city, please contact our City Administrators Office (218-384-4229) and Lynn, C.J., or Julie will be happy to help you.  

If you have questions about events in our area, or about local businesses, lodging, restaurants, etc, contact our Chamber Office (218-384-3322) and talk with Cindy.

We extend to you an invitation to come and visit our community.  We’re confident you will find it a very pleasant experience and we know you will enjoy your stay.  The City of Carlton is

Elected Officials, City Employees, Citizens and Business Owners working together to make a better community.   Take Care.

Denny Randelin, Mayor

City of Carlton