resident resources Welcome to Wahkon! WAHKON WELCOMES YOU! Yearly events Fourth of July Fireworks Wahkon hosts a spectacular fireworks display every year on the fourth with the help of donations from local businesses and organizations. ​ Wahkon Days Always the third weekend of August. Includes the Classic Car Cruise on Friday; kids games, food, music, libations, parade and street dance on Saturday; and an old fashioned “free” picnic in the park on Sunday hosted by the Wahkon Area Vision Effusion (WAVE) committee. ​ ​ message from the mayor We are so glad you’re here and hope you like this community as we do. To help you feel more at home, we have prepared this little packet of information for your use. For more information, please feel free to call city hall or others identified in this packet. ​ Wahkon is a great little city, and it is our hope that you will play an active role of participation in city government and the many civic events held here. Enjoy your time in Wahkon and all the SPIRIT we have to offer! Sincerely, Ronda Bjornson Wahkon Mayor Recycling The first and third Saturdays in Onamia and the second and fourth Saturdays in Isle at the Mille Lacs County Highway Maintenance Shops. Times are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clean Up Day Annually held in the spring sponsored by the City of Wahkon. Look for further information in the Mille Lacs Messenger or contact city hall. Wahkon City Government Council: Mayer Ronda Bjornson (2022) Municipal Buildings Commissioner Brenda Buck (2024) Park Commissioner Rick Roberts (2022) Street & Sidewalk Commissioner Tony Button (2024) Wastewater Commissioner Chip Frederickson (2022) ​ City Staff: City Clerk/Treasurer: Karrie Roeschlein Public Works Supervisor: Jacob Weinreich Zoning Services: A professional was hired to ensure property owners receive accurate information specific to their parcel in order to make informed land use decisions. Depending upon the parcel’s location, elevation, and vegetation, the following rules may apply: Wetland Conservation Act (federal), Shoreland Management Ordinance (state) and Zoning Ordinance (city). ​ ​ City Hall: Located at 151 2nd Street E is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with exception of Wednesday, closing at 3:30 p.m. Please realize there will be days the office will be closed due to holidays, sick and/or vacation days. Clerk also attends out of town meetings and trainings. You are important to us, so please don’t hesitate to contact us as we will get back to you promptly! Phone #320-495-3441 Email: karrie@cityofwahkon.com City website: www.cityofwahkon.com ​ Council Meetings Ordinance 2005-6: Regular council meetings shall be held the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Wahkon Community Hall located at 151 2nd Street E. Until such time that there is a separate committee deemed the “Planning Commission,” council shall hear and make decisions upon such zoning related issues as conditional use permits and variances at special meetings usually held the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Christopher Columbus Day, the second Monday of October, will not be observed as a legal holiday and public business may be conducted thereon. All meetings are open to the public. Ordinance 2002-2: Regular city election shall be held biannually on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year. Polling place is Wahkon City Hall located at 151 2nd Street E, which shall be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Two council members shall be elected for four-year terms and the Mayor shall be elected for a two-year term at every election. ​ ​ Local Parks & Organizations Wahkon has three parks in town for your enjoyment. The Ellen Ruth Park at 105 1st St. E has a picnic area; City Park at 250 4th St. E has a boat launch, fishing pier and pavilion and the Veterans Park at 505 North Main has playground equipment, “Walk to Honor” path and benches to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Mille Lacs Lake. The Soo Line Trail runs through our backyard from Isle to Onamia and is for walkers, bicyclists, 4- wheelers and snowmobiles. For you runners, it is 2.5 miles from Wahkon to Isle. If you would like to become involved in the community, please contact City Hall for further information on local committees such as the Wahkon Area Vision Effusion (WAVE) and Wahkon Days. Local businesses can join the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce which includes the Wahkon area. Street & Sidewalk Commissioner General Description: The Street & Sidewalk Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of streets and sidewalks in the City of Wahkon. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep, including plowing and sanding during the winter months; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise. He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase. ​ Municipal Buildings Commissioner General Description: The Municipal Buildings Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of city owned buildings. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise. ​ He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase. ​ ​ Park Commissioner General Description: The Park Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of parks and trails in the City of Wahkon. He/she shall have the authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to their upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise. ​ He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase. ​ ​ Wastewater Commissioner General Description: The Wastewater Commissioner shall oversee the maintenance, repair and general upkeep of city owned wastewater utility system. He/she shall have authority to inspect and make recommendations relative to its upkeep; be a liaison between council and employees, contractors, volunteers, committees and organizations; and authorize employee overtime necessitated by circumstances that may arise. ​ He/she shall have the authority to authorize and/or approve purchases up to $1,000 based on appropriations contained in the City’s budget. Items not appropriated through the annual budget must be approved by the City Council. The City Clerk/Treasurer must ensure adequate funding is available from the funding source and verify that City Council or Commissioner’s approval, whichever is applicable, has been obtained for the purchase. ​ Wahkon Welcomes You New residents or long-time neighbors are urged to participate in community activities, whether attending a City Council session, volunteering for Wahkon Days, joining local organizations or simply enjoying our many recreational opportunities. ​ City Sets Rules Over the years, the Wahkon City Council has drafted and passed a number of city ordinances. Many are available via email at: Karrie@cityofwahkon.com or for review at www.cityofwahkon.com These rules were put into effect to make life here in this year-round vacation mecca a little more civilized. ​ Following is a brief overview of city ordinances, not meant to be a substitute for a full reading of applicable ordinances available at the City Clerk’s office during office hours, weekdays 9A.M. To 1 P.M ​ Zoning A close reading of the zoning ordinance, No. 2006-1, reveals that the city is concerned with defining residential and commercial uses as well as protecting health and welfare and the property values in Wahkon. The ordinance defines homes, businesses, home occupations and industries, as well as types of land and lots. Included are installation requirements, definitions of manufactured housing, nonconforming uses, permits, excavations or alterations, zoning fees and violations. Special permits are required for conditional use, variances and subdivisions. Hearing requirements are also detailed. ​ Land Use application and review process APPLICATION: City of Wahkon Land Use Application & Review Process Applicant shall complete Land Use Application and submit to the Zoning Administrator or City Clerk. Applicationshallbeaccompaniedbyasiteplandrawingthatiscompletewiththefollowingminimuminformation (as close to scale as possible): - Size of parcel - Location on the parcel of all existing structures, their square footage and distance from all property lines, setbacks (including road, bluff, and shoreline) and each other - Location on the parcel of all proposed structures and their square footage, distance from all property lines, setbacks (including road, bluff, and shoreline) and each other - Location on the parcel of existing and proposed sewage treatment systems and wells and their distance from property lines, structures and each other - Existing and/or proposed square footage of the driveway (gravel and paved), access roads, parking, sidewalks Application shall include drawings showing number of bedrooms in the structure. Application shall include elevation drawings showing proposed structure height. Applicationshallincludeifsewerhookupisrequiredorasewercomplianceinspectioncertificate. Applicant shall include the signature of the title owner of the property. By signing the application, the applicant and/or landowner is agreeing to allow the Zoning Administrator the right to conduct a site visit on the property to ensure the proposal meets the requirements of the Ordinance. Additional site visits by the Administrator will result in additional fees. REVIEW: A. The Planning and Zoning Administrator shall review the application for completeness and assign a reference number to application, plans, and any other attachments. Staff will indicate on the application the date that the application is complete. The applicant will be notified where additional information is needed. B. The Staff shall, based on submittals, compute the Land Use Permit Fee. This fee shall be paid by the applicant at the time the application is submitted. ACTION: In order to obtain a Land Use Permit, the following must happen: A. The Zoning Administrator must review and approve the application. B. The City Clerk must verify all current billings and insure that the applicant is current on all payments. C. The Zoning Administrator must insure that the permit fee has been collected. D.The Zoning Administrator must insure that the proposed improvements meet the requirements of the Ordinance. ​ Updated January 2023 ​ Thinking of building or adding on to your place? Check out the ordinances at City Hall that are easy to read and designed to speed your project along while you adhere to the rules and regulations that have been codified over the years such as those setting out minimum house dimensions and setbacks. ​ A zoning packet has been prepared which offers the builder step-by-step instructions, forms to file and fees to pay. An inspector will stop by the site and issue a permit if all regulations have been met. Property owners unable to meet all applicable zoning requirements may begin the variance process, wherein a public hearing is scheduled before the city council. In some instances, a survey will be required prior to the hearing. ​ There’s a permit for just about every imaginable project, excavation or building, so check with city hall before initiating construction plans. The city adopted the Minnesota Basic Code, amended and supplemented, with a schedule of fees and charges for various services, licenses and permits. ​ Sewer System Wahkon’s municipal sewer system maintains its own set of fees for hookups and charges. Billing is quarterly for prior quarters usage. Call city hall for full details. ​ Shoreline Management As protection of the lakes & streams are critical in the state where out motto is "land of 10,000 lakes", the city recognized and adopted Department of Natural Resources guidelines (see Shoreline Management Ordinance) for construction, excavations or landscaping within 1000 feet of the shores of Mille Lacs and in watershed areas. ​ Law and Order Among the city council’s concerns over the years have been issues of trespassing in public building or grounds, discharging firearms within city limits (Minnesota Basic Code 130-2), curfew violations and vehicle operation including snowmobiles and ATVs (Minnesota Basic Code 92.18). Fire protection services are contracted with the City of Isle (911 for emergency). Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office patrols the entire county including the City of Wahkon (911 for emergency). The Sheriff’s Office cooperates with other area law enforcement agencies including Isle Police Dept. and MN DNR. ​ Unsupervised kids under the age of 16 are subject to a curfew, 10 P.M., until 5 A.M., under most circumstances. Parents are responsible for their youngsters regarding this curfew according to Ordinance 1995-2. ​ Liquor Laws State laws govern the sale and consumption of beer, wine and liquor, (see Minnesota Liquor Control Board permits and MN statutes). The city also issues one-day 3.2 licenses for social activities and/or events sponsored by an organization. ​ Parking To ensure traffic flow, snow removal and emergency vehicle operation, the city bans: parking in alleys, overnight parking on streets from Nov. 1 to April 1, or parking within 20 feet of intersections. The city adopted state codes for other traffic laws. ​ Services and Utility Franchises Since utilities are essential to modern life within the city, the council over time has ordained that franchises and easements are granted to electricity, natural gas and cable television suppliers. Current franchises are issued to East Central Energy, Minnegasco and SCI Cable. ​ Throughout the state, excavators are obliged to phone Gopher State One Call, 800-252-1166, at least 48 hours before you dig. ​ As previously noted, the city provides sewer service while water is the responsibility of the homeowner. ​ Business/Gambling From time to time, folks arrive with the idea of setting up shop, temporarily or long-term, with various enterprises or things for sale. The city has a number of ordinances covering these enterprises. Also adopted are laws covering gambling, charitable or otherwise. Best to check before gaming. ​ The city has a host of rules for merchants to read carefully on the subjects of peddling, hawking, setting up recycling, pawnbroking and transient merchandising. ​ Keeping it Tidy According to public input at a number of city forums, the prevailing mood is to properly store and dispose of garbage and junk, as well as to keep our property maintained. The overall appearance of our town indicates pride in our community, neighbors and ourselves. ​ The city council has followed up with this sentiment with ordinances regulating blight, weeds, junk vehicles and assorted trash. Burning barrels have also been prohibited, as they are unhealthy for people and wildlife. The city has also asked folks to keep city sidewalks cleared of snow, ice leaves and dirt, and unencumbered with obstructions. ​ Burning Issues Aside from the aforementioned ban on trash burners in Wahkon, the city follows Minnesota’s extensive open-burning rules. ​ As a courtesy to residents, the city clerk is also the Fire Warden who issues free permits for fires that exceed limits of campfire pits, which, by state law, may not exceed three feet in diameter, have cleared area of five feet from the burn, and which are limited to burning vegetative material only. The state issues advisories regarding fire dangers and approved burning. ​ On-line state burning permits for a fee, are offered by the DNR. See the website www.dnr.state.mn.us for details. Fire wardens and the DNR website offer copies of the MN open burning laws. So, if you are thinking of lighting up a pile of brush or some grass and weeds locally, consult city hall. There the clerk will go over the dimensions of the burn and, if burning restrictions are not in effect, issue a burning permit. Permits are effective during prescribed times only. See city hall or local and state on-line services before commencing any open burn. ​ Pets and Critters Dogs, wild critters, farm animals and fowl came under the scrutiny of the city, which enacted restrictions regulating animals within city limits. Folks who keep a number of pets are urged to check ordinances 1993-1 and 1995-1. ​ Farm animals, including chickens, need at least five acres to roam, as well as clean premises, according to the council. Free range farm animals may not stray from the owners’ acreage. The ordinances also detail dangerous and nuisance dogs, dog and cat kennels, wild animals and penalties for violations. ​ On Ice After winter sets in folks may want to take a look at the guidelines for cutting big chunks of ice within city limits, adopted by the council on December 2, 1912. Basically, the city fathers asked cutters to put up fences around their excavations until the ice thickened to six inches. This law is still on the books just in case ice boxes come back into vogue. ​ Since fish houses are another choice of many sportsmen for winter ice-angling, the city adopted rules and regs for storage of these shanties, whether on wheels or skids. ​ Good Government Council passed various ordinances over the years to take care of bonds for city officials, definitions for clerk-treasurer, council salaries, meeting dates, workers’ compensation, personal time off for employees, election dates, holidays and various other housekeeping issues to keep the wheels of government turning smoothly. The public is welcome to review the applicable rules and definitions. Copies may be obtained at city hall for a fee. The clerk also offers notary services. Want a copy of the agenda or meeting minutes? ​ Go to MEETING MINUTES and pull up a copy for free, or drop by city hall to obtain a copy for a small fee. Remember, there is no substitute for a careful reading of the ordinances, which apply to your current interests. http://www.co.mille-lacs.mn.us MLC Administrative Services Office Download Mille Lacs County Government List Mille Lacs County Contact Information 320-983-8218- Employee insurance, recruitment process 320-983-8378 – Board agendas & minutes 320-983-8269 – Financial policy, account questions Assessor’s Office 320-983-8311 ​ Attorney’s Office 320-983-8305 ​ Auditor-Treasurer’s Office 320-983-8310 – Land ownership, transfers, maps/plats, escrows, passport 320-983-8304 – Property tax 320-983-8302 – Gravel tax 320-983-8272 – Mobile home tax 320-983-8465 – Elections, voting 320-983-8287 – Bills, employee payroll ​ Community & Veterans Services 320-983-8208 ​ Court Administration (part of 7th Judicial District) 320-983-8313 ​ Land Services Office 320-983-8308 – Land records, document recording, building/zoning, septic systems 320-983-8232 – Wetlands 320-983-8236 – Birth, death & marriage certificates, military discharge, Notary Public commission ​ Probation Office 320-983-8202 ​ Public Works 320-983-8201 ​ Sheriff’s Office 320-983-8250 – Administration, civil process, mortgage foreclosure sales, gun permits 320-983-8245 – To speak with an officer 320-983-8244 – Inmate information 320-983-8248 – Incident reports 320-983-8450 – Fingerprinting, pay-to-stay, jail visiting ​ U of M Extension (contracted service) – The County contracts with the University of Minnesota for the provision of Extension activities, including 4-H, the Nutrition Program, and the Master Gardener Program. Clerical support for these services is provided through the Administrative Services Office. 320-983-8317 ​ SERVICE PROVIDER LIST FOR WAHKON AREA CITY SEWER City of Wahkon (sewer only) 320-495-3441 ​ TELEPHONE Frontier Communications 800-921-8101 ​ ELECTRIC SERVICE Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative 800-450-2191 East Central Energy 800-254-7944 ​ LP & NATURAL GAS COS. Centerpoint Energy/minnegasco 800-245-2377 (Residential) Lakes Gas (Onamia) 320-532-3305 Federated Co-op (Mora) 320-679-1166 TRASH REMOVAL Nitti’s Rolloff Service, Isle 320-676-3227 Jim’s Mille Lacs Disposal 320-983-6474 Wayne’s Sanitation 320-495-3701 POSTAL SERVICES Wahkon 320-495-3542 BURIED CABLE Gopher State 800-252-1166 CABLE SERVICES Direct TV 800-531-5000 Frontier Communications 800-921-8101 https://www.allconnect.com/providers/frontier-communications SCI 800-222-9809 TREE REMOVAL SERVICES Cabin Savers Tree Serv. 800-706-0925 Trees by Bjorn 612-598-5544 WELL DRILLING SERVICES A & M Drilling, Isle 320-676-3386 Hasskamp Bros., Aitkin 218-927-3571 Midwest Boring & Underground Onamia 218- 879-8621 NEWSPAPERS Mille Lacs Messenger / Bargain Hunter 320-676-3123 SCHOOL DISTRICTS Isle 320-676-3146 www.isle.k12.mn.us Onamia 320-532-4174 www.onamia.k12.mn.us Central Lakes College 800-933-0346 www.clc.mnscu.edu MISCELLANEOUS www.CountyOffice.org . Government search engine for all types of departments, animal shelters, libraries, post offices, etc. ​ Download a copy of the Wahkon Welcome Packet ​ ​ 2023 Wahkon Government Legislative Representatives

City of Wahkon’s Web Page Policy As a service to the residents of the City of Wahkon, the city has a website providing government and general community information. Postings include, but is not necessarily limited to, community services (churches, youth activities, senior services, library, etc.), recycling and utilities, such as, electric, water, telephone, television, etc. It also includes area maps, community services, a local business directory, area history, voter information, and links to other web sites of local interest, as well as, city services. The amount of space available on the city’s web site is limited and the city does not want to overwhelm visitors with superfluous information. Accordingly and pursuant to Subdivision 6 of Minnesota Statute 10.60, the city’s policy for listing a business, organization or other entity on the City of Wahkon’s website includes the following criteria. The business, organization or entity shall: 1.) Have a physical presence within the City of Wahkon or the immediate area, and/or 2.) Already provide a service to a significant portion of the Wahkon area, and/or 3.) Be licensed or franchised by the city of Wahkon, and/or 4.) Be a service organization with a significant number of Wahkon area residents as members, and/or 5.) Be a governmental or quasi-governmental entity that serves Wahkon or the greater Wahkon area. The city reserves the right to make exceptions to the five criteria noted above and also reserves the right to remove a listing from the city’s web site for any or no reason. Adopted by the Wahkon City Council on March 9, 2015

We are excited for you to experience our new + updated website If you have any feedback, comments or questions - please contact us!

Citizen Complaint Policy and Form When a citizen has a complaint about anything related to activities and responsibilities of the City, they may file a signed complaint in writing. This form is provided by the City and may be requested at City Hall or downloaded/printed from the link below. ​ Please read the complete Citizen Complaint Policy to understand and follow the correct procedure. The necessary Citizen Complaint Form can be downloaded/printed here as a PDF file. Citizen Complaint Policy Download Citizen Complaint Form Download

Meet YOur City council We encourage open communication with the public so please feel free to contact City Hall or individual council members with concerns or comments, good or bad. You may remain anonymous if that is your preference. There is also an opportunity to be heard during the regular council meetings held the second Monday of the month under the “Audience” section of the agenda. You need not be officially on the agenda, just show up. ​ Ronda Bjornson Mayor of Wahkon Term Expires 2024 PO Box 95 Wahkon, MN. 56386 320-630-5160 Get in Touch Chip Frederickson Wastewater Commissioner Term Expires 2026 405 Bennet St Wahkon, MN. 56386 612-221-6923 ​ Get in Touch Rick Roberts Parks Commissioner Term Expires 2026 PO Box 102 Wahkon, MN. 56386 612-991-1331 Get in Touch Anthony (Tony) Button Street and Sidewalk Commissioner Acting Mayor Term Expires 2024 2320 Lakeshore Blvd. Wahkon, MN. 56386 612-850-7958 Get in Touch Note that definite council’s decisions will most likely not be made for “audience” topics, but is a venue in which to begin an open dialogue with your government officials. Even though non-homestead property owners can not vote in city elections, please note that the Wahkon City Council still values your opinions. Same holds true for those visiting or working in our quaint little town. Remember we are a community of individuals, each and everyone is important to the town as a whole.

wahkon city park Among the gems awaiting visitors to Wahkon is the City Park on the shores of Mille Lacs Lakes Wahkon Bay. The picturesque park is accessed just off the north end of Main Street at 250 4th Street W. A recently re-crafted sign points the way to the lane which ends at a finely groomed picnic area with plenty of parking for the occasional tourist as well as the anglers who frequent the site. ​ For relaxation or a picnic the park boasts a large pavilion and a number of picnic tables. Shade trees also keep the area cool and refreshing. ​ Sunset Pier stretches into the waters of the lower bay. The pier was built by a cadre of volunteers recruited from the ranks of local volunteers. Between the construction of the main pier at a local welding shop and the later addition of the deck, rails and ramps, countless man-hours went into the project. Since then the city maintains the site and removes the structure from the bay before freeze-up. Created for all to enjoy, the wood and steel pier with a handicap-accessible walkway was donated to the city by the civic-minded WAVE Committee. Generous sponsors are noted on wooden plaques lining the railings. It’s the site of an annual kids’ fishing event at the end of Wahkon Days in August. While there, children and their folks try their luck at catching sunnies, crappies, walleye or northern which swim into the shallows. ​ Throughout the spring, summer and fall fishing season folks of all ages try their luck fishing from the deck. It’s also a favorite spot for photographers to capture views of boating activity, picturesque sunsets and waterfowl frequenting the area. ​ Perhaps the most popular use for the park is the gravel boat launching ramp available for a $7 donation. Sportsmen enjoy the access as well as the sumptuous parking which accommodates vehicles and trailers. Throughout the year, the city also maintains satellite restroom accommodations. As with any public facility, the city encourages visitors to leave the park as neat or neater than when they found it. ​ Visitors roaming the city on foot will find trails leading both north and south from City Park. The northerly route over a small bridge takes folks to the newly refurbished Veterans’ Park . Southerly destinations include Wahkon’s downtown businesses and attractions including Ellen Ruth Park and the Soo Line Trail . Amenities include: Fishing Pier Gravel Boat launch ramp ($7 donation) Picnic Pavilion Grassy Picnic Area Walking Trails Parking Area Satellite Restroom (seasonally) Photos courtesy of patti packer

Accessibility Statement for City of Wahkon website This is an accessibility statement from City of Wahkon, MN. Conformance status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. City of Wahkon website is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard. Feedback We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of City of Wahkon website. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on City of Wahkon website: Phone: 320.495.3441 E-mail: karrie@cityofwahkon.com Visitor Address: 151 2nd Street E. Wahkon, MN 56386 Postal Address: P.O. Box 8 Wahkon, MN 56386 We try to respond to feedback within 2-3 business days. Date This statement was created on 19 October 2022 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool .

Residential resources Welcome to the City of Wahkon residential resources! Find information as a new resident, snow removal policies, helpful links and more! new resident resources Read a welcome from our Mayer, learn about yearly events, clean up day and overview of ordinances and city policies. Snow removal Process Learn more about the snow removal process in the City of Wahkon. helpful links Helpful resources for new and existing residents including links to Mille Lacs Tourism, Mille Lacs Messenger, local libraries, DNR and more!

soo line trail One of the unique charms of Wahkon is its easy access to the 126-mile Soo Line Trail. It’s a year-round favorite of ATV riders, bicyclists, snowmobilers and cross country skiers. This easy trail follows much of the Soo Line Railroad grade as it wends itself from Saunders Junction, Wisconsin (near Superior), through the fields and forests of North Central Minnesota and eventually lands riders at Hwy. 10 in Royalton. (Please see links to DNR websites for details.) The importance of the historic rail line can be seen around every bend. Imagine seeing the places where freight was once unloaded for Mille Lacs area pioneers, since 1908, at small cities such as Wahkon and its neighbors, Isle to the north and Onamia to the south. ​ Modern-day explorers may jump off the trail as it intersects S. Main St., near Hwy. 27, Wahkon, to find a great place to take a rest at the Ellen Ruth Park. Your landmark is a fine old launch, painted red and white, which disembarked from the rail line in 1932 to ply the waters of the big lake until the late 1970s. Seeing this restored relic of days-gone-by is just the beginning of a fun day in the city which anchors Mille Lacs Lake’s southern shore. ​ To get started, Wahkon is easily traversed by biker or hiker on roads and trails, while the city streets are ATV friendly. Next to the park, wheeler riders or snowmobilers can fuel-up and get a cup of coffee, soda, convenience snacks and picnic items. Not far away are Wahkon’s friendly eating and drinking establishments well known for their generous meals and convivial atmosphere, favored by the locals, summer residents and tourists alike. City shopping includes a range of interesting stops including gift stores and a quilt shop. ​ Just off North Main St., travelers looking for a little relaxation may choose the two tidy waterfront venues, City Park and Veterans’ Park. From these perches, folks may enjoy an almost endless view of Wahkon Bay and its islands. ​ City Park features picnic shelters, spacious mowed lawn and a biffy. For the day-tripping angler a fishing pier and rustic boat launch ramp provide ample access to the water. ​ Veterans’ Park boasts a walk of honor for military and community honorees which was recently added by a cadre of volunteers. Bring the kids for a good time on the playground equipment, as well. Recent landscaping efforts have improved the park and made it very family-friendly. Nearby resorts offer a wealth of fishing or boating fun for those who decide to stay for a day on the lake. Lodging is also available locally for travelers or long-term visitors. ​ If you decide Wahkon is a starting off place on the Soo Line Trail, you’re never too far from Minnesota State Forests and lake recreational areas and from other more adventuresome byways and approved ATV trails. Just north of Isle, four-wheeler enthusiasts welcome the challenges of the Red Top ATV Trail, for example. ​ Once they’ve visited Wahkon, Soo Line Trail riders are often eager to return to this little gem on the lake. For more information, see the DNR’s website , or www.findthetrails.com with materials on the trail as well as links to a PDF map . ​ (Material describing the trail was obtained from The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center.)

around town: about our city Learn about our history, spots to visit, places to worship, local businesses and restaurants. The Story of Wahkon, MN Tucked along Mille Lacs Lake’s South Shore, Wahkon was the earliest settlement in the Mille Lacs Lake area, beginning its history in 1885. It was platted on the southeast shore of Mille Lacs Lake by the Soo Railroad Company near the site of the old town of Lawrence, once an American Indian trading post. Robert and Ben Briggs built a log cabin near the old site of the Soo Line Depot, acted as land surveyors and located men on claims as families began moving into the area. In 1907, with the coming of the railroad, the Wahkon town site was set up and in 1912 it was incorporated as a village. Wahkon was a typical “boom town” of the early days with American Indians, lumberjacks, ox and horse teams filling the town’s streets. The town became a rail terminal and the docking point for large logging company steamers that transported logs from all points around the lake. Historical Tour of Old Wahkon Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Phil Tideman and Don Robbins for creating this comprehensive map of historical points of interest with complete descriptions. If you would like to view a printable version of the Wahkon Tour Map please click on the following link. Wahkon Tour Map ​ Website of Interest This interesting site contains the complete yearbooks (scanned) from 1933-1934 Wahkonian 1933-1934. You can view them by individual page or easy to use slideshows. wahkon city park Among the gems awaiting visitors to Wahkon is the City Park on the shores of Mille Lacs Lakes Wahkon Bay. ​ The picturesque park is accessed just off the north end of Main Street at 250 4th Street W. A recently re-crafted sign points the way to the lane which ends at a finely groomed picnic area with plenty of parking for the occasional tourist as well as the anglers who frequent the site. READ MORE Wahkon veteran's park Come stroll or sit a spell at Veterans’ Park and you’ll soon feel in touch with Wahkons history of service to community and nation. A fine resting spot for visitors, the park features memorials, evergreen-shaded benches, picnic tables and playground equipment for the kids. READ MORE ellen ruth The voyage of the Ellen Ruth to her final berth in a Wahkon park is a tale drenched in the fishing history of the lake. Visitors to Wahkon can find the impressive 42-foot launch moored at the south end of town at the corner of Main Street and 1st St. E. The Ellen Ruth was once the largest fishing launch in active duty on Mille Lacs Lake. READ MORE soo line trail One of the unique charms of Wahkon is its easy access to the 126-mile Soo Line Trail. It’s a year-round favorite of ATV riders, bicyclists, snowmobilers and cross country skiers. ​ This easy trail follows much of the Soo Line Railroad grade as it wends itself from Saunders Junction, Wisconsin (near Superior), through the fields and forests of North Central Minnesota and eventually lands riders at Hwy. 10 in Royalton. READ MORE City Hall Holiday Schedule According to Ordinance No. 1995-4 – Wahkon City Hall will be closed for the following legal holidays: New Year’s Day – January 1 Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday – Third Monday, January Washington’s & Lincoln’s Birthday – Third Monday, February Memorial Day – Last Monday, May Independence Day – July 4 Labor Day – First Monday, September Veterans Day – November 11 Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday, November Friday Following Thanksgiving – Fourth Friday, November Christmas Day – December 25 ​ When a holiday falls on Saturday, the preceding day shall be a holiday. When a holiday falls on Sunday, the following day shall be a holiday. ​ No public business shall be transacted on any holiday, except in cases of necessity and except in cases of public business transacted by the legislature, nor shall any civil process be served thereon. 1/2 Photos courtesy of patti packer BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - COMING SOON! Support local and discover new places to play, learn, grow and buy! local places of worship Looking for a place to worship? Take a peek at our local list of churches. Restaurant spotlight - coming soon! Where can you get a bite to eat in Wahkon? We are working on a list to get you to our favorite places in town! Contributions? If you have any pictures or stories about Wahkon history, please contact Karrie Roeschlein at City hall between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Or Contact Us Here by Email. ​ 151 2nd Street E. P.O. Box 8 Wahkon, MN 56386 Phone: 320.495.3441

Ellen ruth The voyage of the Ellen Ruth to her final berth in a Wahkon park is a tale drenched in the fishing history of the lake. Visitors to Wahkon can find the impressive 42-foot launch moored at the south end of town at the corner of Main Street and 1st St. E. The Ellen Ruth was once the largest fishing launch in active duty on Mille Lacs Lake. ​ Painted in her original sparkling white and red scheme, the Ellen Ruth now sits under a shelter built to protect her from the ravages of time. There next to her sturdy wooden hull is a grassy area with picnic tables which are favorites of tourists passing through town on Hwy 27 or via the Soo Line Trail . ​ The back story of how the Ellen Ruth became an icon of the city in its heyday goes to 1932 when she was commissioned by entrepreneur resorter Guy Hill and built of Lebanon Cyprus by Dingle & Sons Boatworks in St Paul. Hauled by rail and horse teams to Mille Lacs Lake, she was named for Hill’s two daughters Ellen and Ruth and used as an excursion boat for many years and stayed with the resort located at the north end of Main Street later popularly known as Freddies. ​ In 1960 Ames and Rowena Petty bought the resort and the Ellen Ruth which continued to serve vacationing anglers for another 29 seasons. The Pettys opened up the boat’s cabin to accommodate fishing. ​ Rowena recalled later that the Ellen Ruth was a craft worthy of the waves and storms which often crossed the big lake. The Petty’s sons, Paul Gary and Larry, all obtained their pilots licenses and took their turns running the craft through fall, 1988 when Freddies Resort was sold . Rowena donated the Ellen Ruth to the city and she found her place in the living history of town as a permanent memorial. The picnic tables located in Ellen Ruth Park offer a good view of the craft as well as a dandy spot to sit a spell. Visitors are always welcome to come and take in a bit of local lore. Amenities include: The Ellen Ruth – once the largest fishing launch in active duty on Mille Lacs Lake Grassy Picnic Area Paved Parking Spots Located at the south end of town at the corner of Main Street and 1st St. E.

Helpful links Mille Lacs Area Tourism Mille Lacs Messenger Isle Area Chamber of Commerce DNR Initiative Foundation League of Minnesota Cities www.citiesmatter.org Lakes and Pines CAC https://www.lakesandpines.org/ Mille Lacs County Mille County Sheriff’s Dept Isle Library Onamia Library ​ Adventure Home | Lake Mille Lacs Scenic Byway ​ Wahkon 2023 Government Legislative Representatives ​ mille lacs County Profile from Luke Greiner with the MN Dept. of Employment & Economic Development (DEED)