Bemidji, Minnesota
Bemidji (/bəˈmɪdʒiː/ bə-MIJ-ee) is a city and the county seat of Beltrami County, in northern Minnesota, United States. The population was 14,574 at the 2020 census. According to 2022 census estimates, the city is estimated to have a population of 15,946, making it the largest commercial center between Grand Forks, North Dakota and Duluth.
Bemidji, Minnesota | |
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Statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox | |
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Flag | |
| Motto: "The First City on the Mississippi" | |
| Coordinates: 47°28′25″N 94°52′49″W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Beltrami |
| Founded | 1888 |
| Incorporated | May 20, 1896 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Jorge Prince |
| Area | |
| • City | 22.335 sq mi (57.847 km2) |
| • Land | 17.440 sq mi (45.169 km2) |
| • Water | 4.895 sq mi (12.679 km2) 21.90% |
| Elevation | 1,368 ft (417 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
| • City | 14,574 |
| • Estimate (2022) | 15,946 |
| • Density | 914.0/sq mi (353.0/km2) |
| • Urban | 14,849 |
| • Metro | 46,718 (US: 246th) |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code | 56601 |
| Area code | 218 |
| FIPS code | 27-05068 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0655325 |
| Sales tax | 7.875% |
| Website | ci.bemidji.mn.us |
As a central city for three Indian reservations, Bemidji is the site of many Native American services, including the Indian Health Service. Near Bemidji are the Red Lake Indian Reservation, White Earth Indian Reservation, and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Bemidji lies on the southwest shore of Lake Bemidji, the northernmost lake feeding the Mississippi River; it is nicknamed "The First City on the Mississippi". Bemidji is also the self-proclaimed "curling capital" of the U.S. and the alleged birthplace of legendary Paul Bunyan.