Development Opportunities in Bemidji
Contact: Rich Spiczka
Office: 218-759-3565
Are you looking for a place to locate your family or business that has great quality of life and enjoys economic prosperity? Then Bemidji is the place for you.
The First City on the Mississippi, Bemidji is located in north central Minnesota at the intersections of U.S. Highway 71 and U.S. Highway 2, approximately 230 miles northwest of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. One of the fastest growing communities in Minnesota, Bemidji is the county seat of Beltrami County with an estimated population of 14,575 (2020). There are more than 80,000 residents in the (45-mile) Secondary Market Area and nearly 350,000 in the (90-mile) Tertiary Market Area. The Bemidji Regional Airport represents one of the busiest regional airports in the state, with nearly 30,000 enplanements annually. Bemidji is home to Bemidji State University, a four year liberal arts university with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students.
Lake Bemidji presents a tranquil backdrop for our charming community. A tourism hub, Bemidji is located near many popular recreational destinations, including Itasca State Park, Lake Bemidji State Park, state forest areas, and the Chippewa National Forest. There are 400 fishing lakes within 25 miles of the city. Over 500 miles of snowmobile trails and 160 kilometers of cross-country ski trails are in and around Bemidji provide abundant winter recreational opportunities. During the summer, more than 25,000 visitors a month stop to take pictures at the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
Community Development
The City Manager coordinates planning and development activities in the City of Bemidji. Developers are encouraged to contact the City Manager early in their planning process. We can provide information on available sites, assistance for commercial, residential, and industrial development in the City of Bemidji and connect you with the appropriate staff to meet local ordinances, permitting requirements, building regulations and development agreements. We strive to ensure that you have all the information you need for a successful project.