Hinckley

Nestled in Pine County at the crossroads of I-35 and Minnesota State Highway 48, Hinckley is a city with a population of 1,904 as of the 2020 census. Its unique name, Gaa-zhiigwanaabikokaag in Ojibwe, means "the place abundant with grindstones," a nod to its location along the Grindstone River. You'll also find portions of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation within and adjacent to the city.

A significant moment in Hinckley's past was the Great Hinckley Fire of September 1, 1894, a devastating event that claimed over 400 lives. Today, Hinckley is often seen as the convenient halfway point on I-35 for travelers journeying between Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Duluth.

Covering 3.78 square miles of land, Hinckley's main routes include I-35, co-signed Minnesota Highway 23, and Minnesota Highway 48 (also known as Fire Monument Road). The city's geography is also defined by the Grindstone River and the nearby Kettle River. Hinckley is proudly home to Grand Casino Hinckley, a sister casino to Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and a major employer in the area.