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Aitkin’s heritage is based around the Mississippi River. Early explorers passed through this area. Lt. Zebulon Pike (of Colorado’s Pike’s Peak fame) bivouacked at Cedar Lake, four miles east of Aitkin.

The Dakata and Ojibwe nations established the territory. Additionally, the countries of Spain, France, England and the United States laid their claims to this region.

The town of Aitkin was named after William Aitkin. William was a partner with John Jacob Astor in founding the American Fur Company following the war of 1812. Fur trading gave way to logging camps, railroads and steam boats. The settlement developed along the Mississippi River in the mid 1800’s.

For more information on the history of this area, contact the Aitkin County Historical Society.