Tax-Forfeited Land Sales

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The properties being offered for sale were once privately owned but forfeited to the state due to failure to pay real estate taxes. St. Louis County manages State of MN tax-forfeited properties in St. Louis County.

A list of land for potential sale is prepared by the Land and Minerals Department and submitted to the County Board. State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approval is necessary for certain parcels (on water, mineral potential, etc.). Once approved, properties are sold at public auction to the highest bidder. If a property does not sell at auction, it may be available over the counter, on a first come, first served basis, or continue to be offered through online auction.

September Tax-Forfeited Settlement Sale Auction

Properties will be available to bid on at www.publicsurplus.com beginning Wednesday, September 9th. Bidding will close on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.

Land Sale Auction Booklet

Public Surplus Bidder Instructions

Settlement Sale Auction Type	Dates
Initial Auction With Residential Use Restriction	September 9 - 23, 2026
Unsold tracts are available over the counter, with the residential use restriction, until reoffered at auction.
Auction Without Residential Use Restriction	October 26 - November 4, 2026
Unsold tracts are available over the counter without the residential use restriction.

*Please note: these sales must be paid in full at the time of the sale. Contract for deed is NOT an option.

These sales are governed by Laws of Minnesota, 2024, Chapter 113, as amended by Chapter 127, Article 70, Section 10.

St. Louis County makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees with respect to access to state tax-forfeited lands sold. Subject to all existing easements of record and rights-of-way.

Spring 2026 Tax-Forfeited Settlement Sale Available List - Available Over the Counter

Property for immediate purchase over the counter.

*Please note: these sales must be paid in full at the time of sale. Contract for deed is NOT an option.

Settlement Sale Available Booklet

Settlement Sale Available List

These sales are governed by Laws of Minnesota, 2024, Chapter 113, as amended by Chapter 127, Article 70, Section 10.

St. Louis County makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees with respect to access to state tax-forfeited lands sold. Subject to all existing easements of record and rights-of-way.

Spring 2026 Tax-Forfeited Available List - Available Over the Counter

County financing may be available.

These sales are regulated by Minnesota Statute 282. All properties listed in this booklet forfeited prior to 2016 and are not subject to the Tax-Forfeited Lands Settlement.

Available Property Booklet

Available Property List

Sales can be paid for in full on the day of the sale or the purchaser may enter into a contract with the county for a period not exceeding 10 years. The down payment is 10% of the purchase price or $500, whichever is greater, plus fees. The current annual interest rate as determined by statute is 7%. For those parcels for which there is an estimated volume of timber, the appraised value of the timber must be paid in full at the time of purchase, in addition to the down payment. Certified assessments must be paid in full at the time of purchase, in addition to the down payment.

St. Louis County makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees with respect to access to state tax-forfeited lands sold. Subject to all existing easements of record and rights-of-way.