Moose Lake: The Agate Capital of the World
Moose Lake is a small town in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota with nearly 3,000 residents, many of whom work at two correctional facilities. “A lot of people move here for the job opportunities,” says Rick Lewis, a Realtor with United Country Real Estate Minnesota Properties who has lived in the area for about 50 years. “There are more than 1,000 workers between the two correctional facilities.” The Essential Health hospital is also a major employer in town. The community is centered around Moosehead Lake, which got its name because the shape of it resembles a moose head. But what’s truly unique about the lake is that it was formed by glacial activity from Lake Superior during the last Ice Age, which led to agate gemstones being found all over the region. Now, the city is considered the Agate Capital of the World, where tourists come to search for agates, and locals throw a big celebration in honor of the colorful rocks.
Homes near downtown and the lake
Many homes are situated in a residential pocket between downtown and Moosehead Lake. These houses were built between the early and mid-1900s, and include mostly ranch-style homes and Cape Cods that sell for around $75,000 to $250,000. Newer subdivisions feature ranch-style homes built between the 1990s and 2020s that range from around $400,000 to $450,000. Waterfront homes rarely hit the market. In recent years, one ranch-style house by the lake sold for $200,000. “The lakeshore homes are a little more dormant because we’ve seen a lot of people keeping them in the family,” Lewis says. Some properties back up to the water and have boat docks. Others along Lakeshore Drive face the water from across the street but still have a boat dock on the other side.
Moosehead Lake, trails and parks for agate hunting and an ice rink
During the mild summers, locals head to Moose Lake City Park to relax on the beach and take boats out on Moosehead Lake. While it is the prominent lake in town, several more are nearby. “Moosehead is a smaller lake,” Lewis says. “We have about a dozen lakes within a few miles. Sturgeon Lake is the biggest; then there’s Sand Lake and Island Lake right next to it. Those are the top three, and people do quite a lot of fishing.” According to Lewis, this is also a big hunting community, with smaller animals like grouse and turkey being common game. Locals and tourists enjoy hunting for agate as well. The gemstones can be found in the Soo Line Gravel Pit along the 226-mile Soo Line Trail. More agates are scattered in public pits at Moose Lake State Park, where the Agate Center has them on display. Meanwhile, the world’s largest agate, weighing 108 pounds, is displayed at First National Bank. The First National Bank Arena has an indoor ice rink for hockey leagues and public skating.
Shops and restaurants on Arrowhead Lane and downtown
Local businesses line Arrowhead Lane, where residents get groceries from KJ’s Fresh Market and can find more everyday essentials at Dollar General. Locals head to Moose Lake Brewing Company, known for its signature Mango Blond beer and lake views from the patio. “You see the Mango Blonde being poured at a lot of establishments,” Lewis says. “They ship all the way to Duluth and Minneapolis, so it’s pretty popular.” Lazy Moose Grill is a community staple serving up American dishes, including homemade pie. Arrowhead Lane intersects with downtown Elm Avenue, where there are a few more restaurants, such as Poor Gary’s, known for its pizza, pasta and subs. Downtown is also home to Moose Lake Public Library and the Historic Lake Theatre, which has been playing the latest films since 1937.
Agate Days celebrates the city's beloved gemstone
The community celebrates Agate Days every July. They’ll crowd the downtown sidewalks as a truck dumps piles of gravel in the street. Then, they rush to dig through in search of agates. “They call it the Agate Stampede,” Lewis says. The annual event started in 1969 and also includes a Gem & Mineral Show, a pancake breakfast and Brewfest, which features several breweries and live music.
Moose Lake Elementary and Moose Lake High in the same building
Moose Lake Community School is comprised of Moose Lake Elementary School and Moose Lake High School, both of which are in the same building. The elementary school receives a B-minus grade from Niche. The high school starts with seventh grade and receives a B. Students in 10th through 12th grade can enroll to take Career and Technical Education courses, including businesses and industrial technology.
U.S. 35 leads to Duluth and Minneapolis
Arrowhead Lane is the main road used for getting from place to place in Moose Lake. It transitions to Industrial Park Road, leading to U.S. 35, which runs about 40 miles to Duluth. Driving there takes about 40 minutes, and travelers can fly out of Duluth International Airport to either Minneapolis, Chicago, or Fort Myers. Instead of flying to Minneapolis, locals can also make the 115-mile drive, which takes less than two hours.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
