SPOTLIGHT ON: Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes
“I was born and raised in Minnesota, and moved away after high school,” she says. “But it didn’t take long for me to return to the only place I call home. Sometimes you don’t realize the beauty of where you’re located until you leave.”
It’s no wonder so many companies choose to make their home in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” In Cowart’s area of Pine County, a growing number of small light industries are enjoying the benefits of lower real estate costs and the proximity to the Twin Cities and the Twin Ports.
“We’re in the heart of woods and wildlife but close enough to the city to get there when we need to,” says Cowart. And those wooded areas are increasingly popular with those seeking their own piece of property, whether for timber investment or recreation.
“Almost all of our Potlatch tracts are near state lands. We’re selling forest-managed properties in the area, too,” Cowart says. Indeed, Minnesota’s forest products industry is ranked 8th nationally in its per capita contribution to Gross State Product.
Potlatch Preferred Broker Charlie Chernak, of Bear Island Land Co., also knows the lure of Minnesota well. He says, “There’s lots of woods, lots of water and that equates to lots of hunting, fishing and every aspect of recreation.”
His business in Ely, Minn., is near the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which he calls the “crown jewels” of Minnesota. “Potlatch properties are scattered across the Superior National Forest,” says Chernak. “The Forest features an intricate system of groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails.”
Minnesota natives and newcomers are entranced by the plentiful areas of untouched beauty that surround them. Chernak says, “A lot of my clients are looking for property off the grid.”
An additional draw is the promise of four distinct seasons. Potlatch Preferred Broker Rod Osterloh, of Close~Converse Properties, says, “There’s something to enjoy about every season in Minnesota.”
For example, The Paul Bunyan Trail runs through the state, with 112 miles of paved trail offering biking, hiking and rollerblading in the spring through fall, and snowmobiling in the winter.
Osterloh says spring is the perfect time to get out on your Potlatch property and see what trees may be ready to harvest, or to scout food plot areas for wildlife. During the summer, the woods attract hikers and four-wheelers, while the water draws boaters and kayakers. Winter brings out the ice fishermen and winter camping is becoming popular as well. But autumn is Osterloh’s favorite season. “Minnesota is a wonderful place to be in the fall. Cool crisp nights and brilliantly sunny days.”
Not to mention great hunting opportunities. Pheasant, turkey, white-tail deer and bear abound. The desire to have their own hunting property and the proximity of so much public land leads many prospective buyers to contact Potlatch Preferred Brokers.
The unspoiled beauty of acres of forested land makes Minnesota a hidden gem.
Osterloh says, “Probably the best thing about this state is that the rest of the world hasn’t discovered it yet.”
For more about Minnesota and it’s recreational opportunities, or to learn about Potlatch in Idaho, Wisconsin or Arkansas, visit our website – www.PotlatchLandSales.com or follow us on Facebook for all the latest.