Jenkins, MN

Jenkins grew from a late-nineteenth-century logging outpost into a quiet northwoods community nestled in the heart of Crow Wing County. Named after its earliest homesteaders in the 1880s, the town originally revolved around the timber trade and the busy rail lines running between Brainerd and northern camps. While those bustling rail days are long gone, Jenkins has held onto its unhurried, down-to-earth character.

ATTRLorie Shaull / CC BY-SA 4.0

Today, the old railroad corridor serves as part of the paved Paul Bunyan State Trail, giving residents direct access to miles of biking, walking, and snowmobiling. The town sits right at the doorstep of the Whitefish Chain of Lakes, making boating and fishing a regular part of everyday life. Local families are served by the nearby Pequot Lakes School District, and larger hubs like Brainerd and Baxter offer easy access to major shopping, healthcare, and dining.