"Discover the Leech Lake Area"

More about Walker:

Read about our trip to Leech Lake

More Minnesota Destinations:

Alexandria
Baudette
Bemidji
Brainerd
Cook
Crane Lake
Detroit Lakes
Ely
Grand Marais
International Falls
Kabetogama
Orr
Otter Tail
Park Rapids
Stillwater
Tower
Walker

On the Southwest corner of Leech Lake, (located in the north-central part of the state and still mainly within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation), is Walker Minnesota. Founded by one Patrick McGarry in 1896 following the arrival of the railroad from Brainerd to the area, the settlement had been strategically named after logging giant Thomas B. Walker, in hopes of luring construction of a sawmill...

In 1898, Leech Lake – third largest lake in Minnesota – was the location of a little-known conflict that would become the last Indian uprising in the United States. Conflicts over timber sales on the Leech Lake Ojibwe reservation caused deteriorating relations with the U.S. government. Following a visit to the reservation from a U.S. Deputy Marshal on an unrelated matter, a skirmish took place at Sugar Point, resulting in the death of nine solders and wounding of fourteen more. The end of the conflict brought an end to destructive timber practices as well as an end to over 300 years of hostile relations between American Indians and the U.S. government.

Although Thomas Walker ultimately located his sawmill elsewhere, Walker nonetheless developed under the business of four other logging companies and a stimulated tourism industry. Today, Walker and the surrounding Leech Lake area offer much in the way of year ‘round vacations… the recreational opportunities are endless. There is world-class fishing, hunting, golfing, hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling and plenty of trails to explore. But there are also outstanding shopping, dining and excellent accommodations – from campgrounds to resorts to elegant hotels. Or help to celebrate one of the many festivals in the area. Come and visit for a day, a weekend or a week. Stay as long as you like… and when you leave, leave with a treasury of tales to last a lifetime!

Population: 1,146 (2004 est.)
Elevation: 1300 feet
Land area: 1.5 sq mi
Water area:  174.26 sq mi (Leech Lake)
Zip code:  56484
County: Cass