Tax-Forfeited Land Sales

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.

New Forfeiture Auction List

THIS AUCTION WILL BE PRESENTED ONLINE ONLY.

Properties that did not sell at the auction ending on May 8, 2025, are available for purchase at the initial price over the counter on a first come, first served basis. On June 12, 2025, properties that have not sold by that date will go back up for auction for the minimum bid amount.

Upon review of the auction tracts, it was discovered there was an error in the initial calculation of the minimum bid amounts. This error was detected and corrected on May 8th, and the auction book shown here has the updated amounts as of May 9th, 2025.

May 8, 2025 Auction Results

New Forfeiture Auction List

Public Surplus Bidder Instructions

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

New Forfeiture Auction Type	Date
Initial Auction (EMV)	April 24th - May 8th, 2025
Unsold tracts are available OTC until reoffered at auction.
Minimum Bid Auction	June 12th - June 26th, 2025

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 2025 Tax-Forfeited Settlement Sale Available List

Property for immediate purchase over the counter. Updated 5/6/25.

*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.

Winter - Spring 2025 Tax-Forfeited Available List

Property for immediate purchase over the counter. County financing may be available.

Updated 4/4/2025.

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 8%. 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.

Former Shoreland Lease Lot Sales

Visit our Former Shoreland Lease Lot Sales page for information about purchasing former shoreland lease lots. One property is currently available for purchase over the counter.