It’s no secret that Bemidji State University prides itself on our scenic location in Minnesota’s north woods. Our 5,000 students learn on the shores of Lake Bemidji, surrounded by forests, with hundreds of lakes within minutes of campus. We also take great pride in our unique location between three native nations – the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and the White Earth Band of Chippewa.

Red Lake, 25 miles north of Bemidji, is aboriginal land, occupied by the nation since the Dakota moved from the region in the mid-1700s.

• Learn more: Red Lake Nation
• Learn more: State of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

Cass Lake, the largest community in the Leech Lake reservation, lies just 15 minutes east of Bemidji. Cats Lake has 40 wild-rice producing lakes, making it the state’s largest wild rice producer.

• Learn more: Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
• Learn more: State of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

White Earth is named for the clay found under the soil on the western half of the reservation. White Earth is located about 75 miles southwest of Bemidji.

• Learn more: White Earth Nation
• Learn more: State of Minnesota Indian Affairs Council