$291,176Average Value$197Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes For Sale
Wood City is where industry and nature meet in northern Minnesota
Cloquet is nicknamed Wood City, and that's no hollow claim. The timber industry’s presence is clear-cut in this northern Minnesota city of about 12,500 residents some 20 miles southwest of Duluth. The high school mascot is the Lumberjacks, and Cloquet’s version of a traffic jam is created when logging trucks line up to deliver felled trees at the paper mill that’s long been one of the city’s largest employers.
That blend — heavy industry surrounded by a forested setting near the rolling waters of the St. Louis River — gives Cloquet its distinct identity. The other major element that defines the city is the 154-square-mile Fond du Lac Reservation, part of which carries into Cloquet’s west side.
Logging trucks line up daily to deliver trees to the Sappi Paper Mill.
The Fond du Lac Reservation occupies 154 square miles on the west side of Cloquet.
1/2
Industry, casino play heavy roles in the local economy
The last matchstick factory in the United States was here until it closed in 2017, but Cloquet withstood the blow thanks to a solid base of major employers. The Sappi paper mill is the most noticeable, by sight and scent, and about a mile upriver, a USG plant produces ceiling tiles. Though industry remains vital to the economy, Black Bear Casino Resort, which sits on tribal land in neighboring Carlton, is also a major economic player. Community Memorial Hospital is another prominent employer. Interstate 35, which leads 20 miles east to Duluth and 140 miles south to the Twin Cities, provides key infrastructure. Duluth International Airport is 25 miles from Cloquet.
The Sappi paper mill processes around 5,500 tons of wood each day and is a major employer in Cloquet.
The USG plant is a major employer in Cloquet since 1918.
1/2
Homes reflect rapid rebuild following 1918 wildfire
In October 1918, the third-deadliest wildfire in recorded history swept through Carlton County, destroying every structure in Cloquet save for those on Dunlap Island. The rebuild was rapid, and today, Craftsman homes and bungalows from the first decade following the fire make up most homes in the city.
Except for some new homes built on established lots, houses constructed more recently than the 1970s are unusual here. Since the Fond du Lac Reservation is the sovereign land of the Lake Superior Chippewa, Cloquet has less room to expand than may appear. “We have a housing shortage, like most every place,” says Cloquet mayor Roger Maki, who also has a 55-year career as a Realtor. “There’s some infill, but the subdivisions we do have are full.”
Cloquet’s median home price of around $240,000 is well below the national median and around $50,000 below the median price in Duluth.
Most homes in Cloquet were built prior to 1970.
The median home price in Cloquet is around $240,000.
1/2
Cloquet High carries a proud hockey tradition
Cloquet Public School District has two elementary, one middle and one high school. The district earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Cloquet Senior High’s athletic options include sports with a decidedly Minnesota flavor: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and boys' and girls' ice hockey. “Hockey is very big in Cloquet. It is definitely No. 1,” Maki says.
Students living on the reservation can attend unrated Fond du Lac Ojibwe School and continue their studies at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
Cloquet Senior High is located in Cloquet MN.
Cloquet Middle School sits on a large campus that is shared with the Cloquet High School.
1/2
Residents embrace the outdoors year-round
Locals can’t avoid the frigid blast of northern Minnesota winters, so most find ways to embrace it. Carlton County has more than 500 miles of snowmobiling trails, many of which cut through Cloquet. In addition to having one of the two ski jump hills in northern Minnesota, Pine Valley Recreational Area offers cross-country skiing courses and outdoor hockey rinks.
Summer ushers in new outdoor options, including the Beach at Pinehurst Park, a public swimming pool with a sandy bottom. Golfers can hit the links at Black Bear Resort’s 18-hole course or join Cloquet Country Club. Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton is popular year-round, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter to hiking and camping in summer and fall.
The 6,560-yard, par-72 Black Bear Golf Course is located south of Cloquet adjacent to Black Bear Casino.
Visitors can hike the Ogantz Trail to the scenic overlook at Jay Cooke State Park.
1/2
Gordy's Hi-Hat is a summertime dining favorite
Residents travel to Duluth for shopping malls and higher-end dining options, but Cloquet has the essentials. From spring through fall, few restaurants are as beloved as Gordy’s Hi-Hat, a local institution serving burgers, fried fish and onion rings since 1960 and was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
Cloquet’s other iconic location is a gas station — and for good reason. The R.W. Lindholm Service Station, which remains in operation, is the only gas station ever designed by iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Gordy's Hi-Hat is a family-run local restaurant offering burgers, fried fish, malts & other American classics.
The R.W. Lindholm Service Station in Cloquet was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
1/2
Hockey tournaments are a regular weekly event
Hockey isn’t just a pastime in Cloquet; it helps drive the economy. Maki notes that every hotel room in the city is usually booked on weekends during the winter, thanks to youth hockey tournaments at Northwoods Credit Union Arena and Pine Valley Ice Arena.
The Fourth of July and Labor Day parades are Cloquet’s biggest annual events, culminating in fireworks. Notably, Cloquet is so far north that it doesn’t get dark enough for the July Fourth fireworks show until around 10:30 p.m.
Take in a hockey game at the North Woods Credit Union Arena at Pine Valley Recreation Area.
The Pine Valley Ice Arena is the home of the Cloquet Boys and Girls Lumberjacks hockey programs and the Cloquet youth hockey association.
1/2
Winter brings a cold bite and plenty of snow
In 2023, some violent crime rates in Cloquet were above the national and statewide averages, but property crimes were well below.
Cloquet’s winters are not to be trifled with. The city’s record-low temperature is 45 degrees below zero, and Maki says one of the biggest challenges he dealt with as mayor was a winter storm so severe that the city’s snowplows got stuck in the streets and needed to get towed out. On average, Cloquet receives 71 inches of snow a year.
Written By
Alex Hickey
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Sams,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Cloquet, MN sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Cloquet, MN over the last 12 months is $270,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to your own private Northwoods sanctuary! Tucked away on a beautifully manicured 1.62-acre lot surrounded by mature pines, this fully refreshed 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch perfectly blends modern updates with serene country living. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully updated to offer a bright, clean, and completely move-in-ready experience. Whether you are looking for your first
Move-in ready with more space inside and out than you may expect! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath Cloquet home sits back from the road on two city lots, offering a nice sense of privacy along with a circular driveway and plenty of outdoor space to enjoy. Inside, a flexible front entry area with a bay window provides a great spot to make your own. Many areas of the home have been freshly painted with some
Join us for an OPEN HOUSE - Thursday 9/3 3:30-5:30 It’s not often you find this much yard right in town! Situated on nearly an acre in Cloquet, this clean and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers 1,688 finished sq. ft. with generous space both inside and out. The large backyard offers a private setting with plenty of room to enjoy. A 12x20 deck overlooks the yard, with a fire pit and two
Don't miss your opportunity to own the last custom-built townhome available from this quality builder. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers exceptional craftsmanship, premium finishes, and an open floor plan filled with abundant natural light. The custom kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring solid surface quartz countertops, a spacious center island, and quality
Enter into this 3 bedroom 1 bath bungalow with 1 car garage. Main level has entry that leads into living room, dining room, kitchen 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Back 3 season porch has hot tub in it. Upstairs features space that could be transformed into bedrooms, playroom or office space. Basement is open with lots of storage areas.
Don't miss your opportunity to own the last custom-built townhome available from this quality builder. This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers exceptional craftsmanship, premium finishes, and an open floor plan filled with abundant natural light. The custom kitchen is the heart of the home, featuring solid surface quartz countertops, a spacious center island, and quality
Unique, energy-efficient one-story home nestled on a private wooded corner lot. This thoughtfully designed home features an open kitchen, dining, and family room with vaulted ceilings, maple kitchen cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a pantry just off the kitchen. The family room showcases a stunning stone-surround gas fireplace, tongue-and-groove black ash ceiling,
Reduced to $159,900!!! What a DEAL! Get Ready! Get Set! GOOOOOOOO!!! Here's your opportunity to buy an extraordinary 5+ acre lot with EXCEPTIONAL visibility right on Hwy. 45!!! Tons of traffic! Right in town! You've been dreaming of a spot for your new business -well here it is! Over 1500 feet of frontage! Corner Lot! Buyer has option of Commercial or Residential zoning. Quick close possible!
Turnkey with historic character. This early-1920s home pairs original woodwork, light fixtures, and refinished maple floors through the principal rooms with modern function: newer roofs on the house and garage (approx. 2024), updated plumbing, a buried 200-amp electrical service, and an on-demand water heater with hot water radiator heat. Inside: a built-in buffet with mirrored back, bay window
Opportunities abound on this 20-acre parcel just north of Cloquet. With frontage on State Highway 33 and Nelson Road, this property has versatility for your needs. The property has 2.5 acres of grassland suitable for horses or hobby farming. With land on both sides of the state highway, a residential home or commercial enterprise can be pursued on the west side of Highway 33. Buyers are
Welcome to this well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath rambler situated on a large, partially fenced corner lot! The main level features beautiful oak hardwood floors, tiled bathroom flooring with a tub surround, and two spacious bedrooms. The lower level offers additional living space with a comfortable family room, third bedroom, and recently updated ¾ bathroom. Additional highlights include an
Large waterfront Peninsula/island, on Big Lake, great recreational lake outside of Cloquet Total of 3.79 acres with a high ground island approximately 200' × 160' with hundreds of feet of waterfront Shoreline, peninsula/island ground is 10' to 12' above water level, accessible by boat, and there are two nice boat launches on Big Lake. Most private land on the lake includes an older pontoon boat.
It’s time to love where you live! At 14th St Apartments, and 14th Street Apartments II, you’ll have access to top amenities and features including key-less entry, onsite laundry, and plenty of parking. Your new home will be close to everything you could need, such as shopping, dining, schools, churches, parks, and activities. Duluth is only a short drive away, which makes commuting to work or
Property Id: 2395456 Welcome to your new home at 000 Maple in Cloquet, MN! This single-unit property features a variety of amenities including an oven, refrigerator, and garage. With a rent amount of $1700.00 and a move-in date of 2026-09-04, this property won't last long. Enjoy the convenience of off-street parking and the comfort of carpet, concrete, linoleum_vinyl, and hardwood flooring.
Welcome to this charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home located in Cloquet, MN. This cozy house features off-street parking and an attached garage for your convenience. Situated close to parks and with a golf course nearby, this home offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. With a spacious lot and a half, there is ample room for outdoor activities and relaxation. Don't miss out on the
Cloquet, MN - 3 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom - Single Family HomeResident(s) pay all utilities and garbage. Resident(s) are responsible for snow removal and lawn care. The advertised rent has been reduced by 10% to compensate Resident(s) for performing snow removal and lawncare.This is an equal housing opportunity and is available to everyone. All are welcome to apply. Must pass a
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.