Esko, Minnesota
Population: 4,500
Located in Carlton County
In settlement days, the present village of Esko did not exist; it was Thompson Township and the area occupied the eastern end of Carlton County perhaps twenty miles from Cromwell. Statistics for the county reflect the makeup of the Thompson Township population. Today, most folks still identify with "Thompson Township" and Esko is an afterthought nearby. However, Esko is far more than an "afterthought". Today it is a thriving community with many newer homes built on large properties, most of them 5 or more acres. Several homes are built right on the trails that are used year round for a variety of sports. Many homes also feature their own lakes or ponds which are ideal for hockey or skating in the long winter months that Esko is famous for. Homes range in price from $150,000 to $300,000 for three or four bedroom homes, many of them with full walk-out basements, and garages, stables and sheds. The Norwegian influence is felt strongly in this region, and is seen in the architecture and in the features of the homes. Esko is also only a stone's throw from Duluth. The Duluth area is a heavy tourist area in the summer months. The ships come in through this entry way which intrigues thousands of tourists each year as well as the locals. Many fine eating establishments surround you which allows you to spend many hours in this area. The boardwalk allows walkers, runners, bikers and roller blade enthusiasts to take an afternoon or evening stroll along the lake side. If swimming in one of the worlds largest freshwater lakes is more up your alley then be sure to bring your towel. Park Point offers many opportunities to get your feet wet. If you decide to drive to the end of the point you will find Park Point pavilion and many areas for recreation. The Thomson Dam is one of Carlton Counties main summer attractions. Many visitors make this a stop on their schedule. Gateway to Jay Cooke State park it hosts a National Kayak event each year with participants from all over the world. Jay Cooke State Park offers so much to everyone. The park includes part of the Willard Mungar trail system which you can take you to over 500 miles of multiple use trails which include snowmobile, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. If you prefer to drive then be sure to take your time enjoying the panoramic views of the St Louis River as it winds along side of you. Duluth has museums, libraries, parks, theatres, a waterfront boardwalk, and limitless recreation including boating, fishing, skiing, scholastic sports, and arts presentations. Education is a top priority, with excellent public and private schools and opportunities for higher education at several public and private colleges. If the "Northwoods" is in your future, then make sure you check out Esko for the best of all worlds; close to the city of Duluth, and yet filled with the winter treasures that makes Minnesota famous throughout the world.
|
