Karlstad ( ) is a city in Kittson County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 710 at the 2020 census.
U.S. Route 59 and Minnesota State Highway 11 are two of the main arterial routes in the city. The city's slogan is "The Moose Capital of the North".
History
A post office called Karlstad has been in operation since 1905. The city was named after Karlstad, Sweden.
Enterprise
Karlstad's largest employers are Wikstrom Telephone Company (Wiktel) and Mattracks. Wiktel provides internet and phone services for much of northwestern Minnesota, including the regional telephone directory. The company has a long history in Karlstad, dating to the early 1900s. It was founded by the Wikstrom family. Mattracks manufactures and markets track conversion systems. Mattracks Innovation Center is housed in the location of the former Germundson's Home Furnishings. Other businesses include stores, restaurants, bars, and insurance and accounting services. The local economy is primarily agricultural.
From 1951 through 1995, the town had its own hospital.
Events
Karlstad holds an annual Kick'n Up Kountry Music Festival and Moosefest.
Education
Karlstad has two schools: Tri-County Public Schools and Heritage Christian School. Both serve grades K-12. Tri-County combines with Marshall County Central Schools of Newfolden, Minnesota, 17 miles south, for its athletic programs. The name of the consolidated team is the Northern Freeze. Girls' and boys' track are also combined with Badger School and Greenbush Middle River School. Baseball and softball have included Stephen-Argyle School District in their sports coops. The Northern Freeze, since the coop, have advanced to the State Tournament three times: in volleyball (2006, sixth place), baseball (2009) and girls' basketball (2010, fourth place).
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of , all land.