There is one unique ZIP code in Floodwood, Minnesota and it is 55736. Area code: 218.
1
ZIP codes
355.88
sq mi land
1.89
sq mi water
218
area code
Floodwood, MN ZIP code map
About Floodwood, MN
Floodwood is a small city located in Saint Louis County in the northeastern region of Minnesota, serving as a quiet community surrounded by the vast forests and waterways of the Northland. It carries the ZIP code 55736 and is reached by callers using the 218 area code, which is shared across much of northern Minnesota. Despite its modest size, Floodwood offers residents and visitors a genuine connection to Minnesota's outdoor heritage and small-town character.
Location & geography
Floodwood sits in Saint Louis County in northeastern Minnesota, positioned near the confluence of the Floodwood River and the St. Louis River, which directly inspired the city's name. Neighboring communities include Brookston to the southwest, Hibbing to the northeast, and Duluth farther to the southeast along Lake Superior. The city encompasses a substantial 355.88 square miles of land area alongside 1.89 square miles of water area, reflecting the region's characteristic mix of boreal forest, wetlands, and river corridors.
Community & economy
Floodwood has the tight-knit, welcoming character typical of rural Minnesota towns, where neighbors know one another and community events draw broad participation. The local economy has historically centered on timber, agriculture, and related industries, with many residents also commuting to larger employment centers in the region. Daily life in Floodwood revolves around the school, local businesses along the main corridor, and abundant outdoor recreation available right outside residents' doors.
Transportation
Floodwood is served by U.S. Highway 2, a major east-west corridor that connects the community to Duluth to the southeast and Grand Rapids to the west, making it a recognizable stop along that route. Minnesota State Highway 73 also passes through or near the area, providing additional north-south connectivity to surrounding communities. The nearest commercial airport with scheduled passenger service is Duluth International Airport, located approximately 60 miles to the southeast.
History
Floodwood was established in the late nineteenth century during a period of active logging and railroad expansion across northeastern Minnesota, with the community growing up around the timber industry that was transforming the region. The name Floodwood itself is believed to derive from the driftwood and flood debris that would collect at the confluence of local rivers, a natural phenomenon well known to early settlers and loggers. The railroad played a central role in the town's early development, enabling the transport of timber and later connecting residents to regional markets and services.
Did you know?
One lesser-known fact about Floodwood is that its enormous land area of more than 355 square miles makes its total footprint far larger than many people would expect for such a small and peaceful northern Minnesota community. The city's position near the St. Louis River also places it within one of Minnesota's most ecologically rich river systems, which supports diverse wildlife and draws outdoor enthusiasts throughout all four seasons.
