Minnesota State Highway 371

Minnesota State Highway 371 is a state highway in north-central Minnesota, connecting the cities of Brainerd and Bemidji. The highway spans approximately 107 miles, passing through the counties of Crow Wing County, Cass County, and Beltrami County. Along its route, it intersects with several major highways, including U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 71, and Minnesota State Highway 200. The highway also passes near several notable lakes, including Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Winnibigoshish, and Lake Bemidji.

● Route Description

The route of the highway begins in the city of Brainerd, at an intersection with Minnesota State Highway 210 and Minnesota State Highway 25. From there, it heads north, passing through the communities of Pequot Lakes and Pine River, before entering the Chippewa National Forest. The highway continues north, intersecting with Minnesota State Highway 84 and Minnesota State Highway 87, before reaching the city of Walker. The highway then passes near the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and the Leech Lake, before entering the city of Bemidji. In Bemidji, the highway intersects with U.S. Route 2 and Bemidji State University, before terminating at an intersection with Minnesota State Highway 197.

● History

The highway was established in 1933, as part of a major expansion of the Minnesota State Highway System. At the time, the highway was routed from Brainerd to Bemidji, passing through the communities of Pequot Lakes and Pine River. Over the years, the highway has undergone several realignments and improvements, including the construction of new bridges over Lake Mille Lacs and Lake Winnibigoshish. In the 1960s, the highway was upgraded to a four-lane highway, with the construction of new interchanges at Minnesota State Highway 210 and U.S. Route 2. The highway has also been recognized for its scenic beauty, with several sections designated as part of the Paul Bunyan State Trail and the Mississippi River Trail.

● Major Intersections

The highway intersects with several major highways, including U.S. Route 2, U.S. Route 71, and Minnesota State Highway 200. Other notable intersections include Minnesota State Highway 84, Minnesota State Highway 87, and Minnesota State Highway 197. The highway also passes near several major institutions, including Brainerd High School, Central Lakes College, and Bemidji State University. Additionally, the highway intersects with several county roads, including Crow Wing County Road 1 and Beltrami County Road 5.

● Tourism and Attractions

The highway passes through several scenic areas, including the Chippewa National Forest and the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. The highway also passes near several notable lakes, including Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Winnibigoshish, and Lake Bemidji. Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, at places like Itasca State Park and Lake Bemidji State Park. The highway also passes near several cultural attractions, including the Brainerd International Raceway and the Bemidji Regional Airport. Other notable attractions include the Paul Bunyan Land amusement park and the Headwaters Science Center.

● Traffic and Safety

The highway is a major route for both local and through traffic, with average daily traffic volumes ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day. The highway has a speed limit of 65 miles per hour, with several sections designated as part of the Minnesota State Patrol's Safe Roads program. The highway has also been the site of several notable accidents, including a 2010 crash involving a Minnesota Department of Transportation snowplow and a 2015 crash involving a Bemidji Fire Department ambulance. To improve safety, the highway has been equipped with several safety features, including rumble strips and traffic cameras, as part of the Federal Highway Administration's Highway Safety Improvement Program. The highway is also patrolled by the Minnesota State Patrol and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.