Minnesota State Highway 18
Encyclopedia
Minnesota State Highway 18 is a highway
in east-central Minnesota
, which runs from its intersection
with State Highway 25
in Brainerd
and continues east to its eastern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 23
in Finlayson Township near Askov
and Sandstone
. The eastern terminus of Highway 18 is less than 1/2 mile west of an interchange
with Interstate Highway 35
along Highway 23.
For part of its route (5 miles), Highway 18 runs concurrent
with U.S. Highway 169
in Crow Wing
and Aitkin
counties around the northwest side of Mille Lacs Lake
.
Highway 18 also runs together with State Highway 47
for 9 miles (14.5 km) in Aitkin
and Mille Lacs
counties around the northeast side of Mille Lacs Lake.
Highway 18 is 78 miles (125.5 km) in length.
, Garrison
, Mille Lacs Lake
, and Finlayson
in east-central Minnesota. The route passes around the north end of Mille Lacs Lake
, which is a popular fishing and recreational destination in Minnesota.
The section of Highway 18 from Brainerd
to Garrison
is officially designated the POW / MIA Memorial Highway. A section of U.S. Highway 169
in Minnesota also takes on this same memorial name designation.
Highway 18 passes through the Wealthwood State Forest in Aitkin County
.
Banning State Park
is located east of the junction
of Highways 18 and 23
; opposite the I-35
freeway near Askov
and Sandstone
.
and U.S. 169
at Garrison
was authorized on November 2, 1920. The remainder of the route was authorized in 1933 and 1963.
From 1933 until the mid 1950s, the eastern terminus of Highway 18 was at the present day junction
of State Highway 27
and State Highway 47
(then State Highway 56) at Isle
.
Before 1963, the present day section of Highway 18 between State Highway 47
and State Highway 65
was originally numbered as State Highway 27
; and the present day section of Highway 18 between State Highway 65
and State Highway 23
(near Sandstone
) was originally numbered as State Highway 66 (essentially east of Mille Lacs Lake
).
By 1940, the only paved section of Highway 18 was between Brainerd
and Garrison
. The last unpaved section of Highway 18 was east of State Highway 47
to State Highway 65
, paved in the late 1960s.
At one time, Highway 18 had continued farther west of State Highway 25
in Brainerd
. This section was turned back to the city of Brainerd maintenance in 2001 after completion of the nearby Highway 371
Brainerd bypass.
Highway
A highway is any public road. In American English, the term is common and almost always designates major roads. In British English, the term designates any road open to the public. Any interconnected set of highways can be variously referred to as a "highway system", a "highway network", or a...
in east-central Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, which runs from its intersection
Intersection (road)
An intersection is a road junction where two or more roads either meet or cross at grade . An intersection may be 3-way - a T junction or fork, 4-way - a crossroads, or 5-way or more...
with State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its interchange with U.S. Highway 169 in Belle Plaine and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 210 in Brainerd.The route is in length....
in Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
and continues east to its eastern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23 is a state highway that stretches from southwest to northeast Minnesota. At in length, it is the second longest state route in Minnesota, after MN 1....
in Finlayson Township near Askov
Askov, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 368 people, 165 households, and 92 families residing in the city. The population density was 288.3 people per square mile . There were 181 housing units at an average density of 141.8 per square mile...
and Sandstone
Sandstone, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,549 people, 580 households, and 359 families residing in the city. The population density was 292.5 people per square mile . There were 634 housing units at an average density of 119.7 per square mile...
. The eastern terminus of Highway 18 is less than 1/2 mile west of an interchange
Interchange (road)
In the field of road transport, an interchange is a road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one highway to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. It differs from a standard intersection, at which...
with Interstate Highway 35
Interstate 35 in Minnesota
In the U.S. state of Minnesota, Interstate 35 is a highway in southeast, east-central, and northeast Minnesota. The route runs north–south from the Iowa state line through the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul; where it splits into Interstates 35E and 35W; and ends in the city of...
along Highway 23.
For part of its route (5 miles), Highway 18 runs concurrent
Concurrency (road)
A concurrency, overlap, or coincidence in a road network is an instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers...
with U.S. Highway 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
in Crow Wing
Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Crow Wing County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 62,500. Its county seat is Brainerd.-Geography:...
and Aitkin
Aitkin County, Minnesota
Aitkin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population is 16,202. Its county seat is Aitkin. A portion of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is in the county.-History:...
counties around the northwest side of Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is located in the counties of Mille Lacs, Aitkin and Crow Wing, roughly 100 miles north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area....
.
Highway 18 also runs together with State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Central Avenue in Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Aitkin....
for 9 miles (14.5 km) in Aitkin
Aitkin County, Minnesota
Aitkin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population is 16,202. Its county seat is Aitkin. A portion of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is in the county.-History:...
and Mille Lacs
Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 22,330 people, 8,638 households, and 6,003 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 people per square mile . There were 10,467 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile...
counties around the northeast side of Mille Lacs Lake.
Highway 18 is 78 miles (125.5 km) in length.
Route description
State Highway 18 serves as an east–west route between BrainerdBrainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
, Garrison
Garrison, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 113 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The population density was 198.9 people per square mile . There were 191 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.94%...
, Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is located in the counties of Mille Lacs, Aitkin and Crow Wing, roughly 100 miles north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area....
, and Finlayson
Finlayson, Minnesota
Finlayson is a city in Pine County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 315 at the 2010 census. The city's area was incorporated from Finlayson Township, the remainder of which is still adjacent to it....
in east-central Minnesota. The route passes around the north end of Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is located in the counties of Mille Lacs, Aitkin and Crow Wing, roughly 100 miles north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area....
, which is a popular fishing and recreational destination in Minnesota.
The section of Highway 18 from Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
to Garrison
Garrison, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 113 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The population density was 198.9 people per square mile . There were 191 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.94%...
is officially designated the POW / MIA Memorial Highway. A section of U.S. Highway 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
in Minnesota also takes on this same memorial name designation.
Highway 18 passes through the Wealthwood State Forest in Aitkin County
Aitkin County, Minnesota
Aitkin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population is 16,202. Its county seat is Aitkin. A portion of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is in the county.-History:...
.
Banning State Park
Banning State Park
Banning State Park is a Minnesota state park stretched along of the Kettle River near Sandstone, Minnesota in Pine County. The centerpiece of the park is of churning rapids, some up to Class IV. The daring kayakers and canoeists who shoot Blueberry Slide, Mother's Delight, Dragon's Tooth,...
is located east of the junction
Junction (traffic)
A junction, when discussed in the context of transport, is a location where traffic can change between different routes, directions, or sometimes modes, of travel.-Historical significance:...
of Highways 18 and 23
Minnesota State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23 is a state highway that stretches from southwest to northeast Minnesota. At in length, it is the second longest state route in Minnesota, after MN 1....
; opposite the I-35
Interstate 35 in Minnesota
In the U.S. state of Minnesota, Interstate 35 is a highway in southeast, east-central, and northeast Minnesota. The route runs north–south from the Iowa state line through the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul; where it splits into Interstates 35E and 35W; and ends in the city of...
freeway near Askov
Askov, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 368 people, 165 households, and 92 families residing in the city. The population density was 288.3 people per square mile . There were 181 housing units at an average density of 141.8 per square mile...
and Sandstone
Sandstone, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,549 people, 580 households, and 359 families residing in the city. The population density was 292.5 people per square mile . There were 634 housing units at an average density of 119.7 per square mile...
.
History
The section of State Highway 18 between BrainerdBrainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
and U.S. 169
U.S. Route 169 in Minnesota
U.S. Route 169 is a major north–south highway in the U.S. state of Minnesota, connecting the Minnesota River valley with the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. Much of the route is built to expressway or freeway standards.-Route description:U.S...
at Garrison
Garrison, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 113 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The population density was 198.9 people per square mile . There were 191 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.94%...
was authorized on November 2, 1920. The remainder of the route was authorized in 1933 and 1963.
From 1933 until the mid 1950s, the eastern terminus of Highway 18 was at the present day junction
Junction (traffic)
A junction, when discussed in the context of transport, is a location where traffic can change between different routes, directions, or sometimes modes, of travel.-Historical significance:...
of State Highway 27
Minnesota State Highway 27
Minnesota State Highway 27 is a highway in west-central and east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with State Highway 28 in Browns Valley and continues east to its eastern terminus at its interchange with Interstate 35 in Moose Lake....
and State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Central Avenue in Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Aitkin....
(then State Highway 56) at Isle
Isle, Minnesota
Isle is a city in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 751 at the 2010 census. Its name in the Ojibwe language is "Chi-minising" , due to being located right by Malone Island of Mille Lacs Lake, the largest island of that lake.-Geography:According to the United States...
.
Before 1963, the present day section of Highway 18 between State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Central Avenue in Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Aitkin....
and State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65 is a highway in east-central and northeast Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Washington Avenue at the north end of downtown Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S...
was originally numbered as State Highway 27
Minnesota State Highway 27
Minnesota State Highway 27 is a highway in west-central and east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with State Highway 28 in Browns Valley and continues east to its eastern terminus at its interchange with Interstate 35 in Moose Lake....
; and the present day section of Highway 18 between State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65 is a highway in east-central and northeast Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Washington Avenue at the north end of downtown Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S...
and State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23
Minnesota State Highway 23 is a state highway that stretches from southwest to northeast Minnesota. At in length, it is the second longest state route in Minnesota, after MN 1....
(near Sandstone
Sandstone, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,549 people, 580 households, and 359 families residing in the city. The population density was 292.5 people per square mile . There were 634 housing units at an average density of 119.7 per square mile...
) was originally numbered as State Highway 66 (essentially east of Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a lake in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is located in the counties of Mille Lacs, Aitkin and Crow Wing, roughly 100 miles north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area....
).
By 1940, the only paved section of Highway 18 was between Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
and Garrison
Garrison, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 213 people, 113 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The population density was 198.9 people per square mile . There were 191 housing units at an average density of 178.4 per square mile . The racial makeup of the city was 97.65% White, 0.94%...
. The last unpaved section of Highway 18 was east of State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47
Minnesota State Highway 47 is a highway in east-central Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Central Avenue in Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S. Highway 169 in Aitkin....
to State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65
Minnesota State Highway 65 is a highway in east-central and northeast Minnesota, which runs from its intersection with Washington Avenue at the north end of downtown Minneapolis and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with U.S...
, paved in the late 1960s.
At one time, Highway 18 had continued farther west of State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25
Minnesota State Highway 25 is a highway in Minnesota, which runs from its interchange with U.S. Highway 169 in Belle Plaine and continues north to its northern terminus at its intersection with State Highway 210 in Brainerd.The route is in length....
in Brainerd
Brainerd, Minnesota
Brainerd is a city in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 13,590 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Crow Wing County and one of the largest cities in Central Minnesota...
. This section was turned back to the city of Brainerd maintenance in 2001 after completion of the nearby Highway 371
Minnesota State Highway 371
Minnesota 371 was originally designated as US 371 from 1931 to 1973. During 1973, US 371 was re-designated Minnesota 371. The former US 371 designation was concurrent with US 2 from 1931 to 1973 between Cass Lake and Bemidji with a terminus at US 71.Subsequently,...
Brainerd bypass.