About Us
Welcome to Shingobee Township, a vibrant community in the heart of Cass County, Minnesota, where scenic lakes, rich history, and a strong sense of community come together. Officially organized on September 15, 1913, the township was named after the Shingobee River and has proudly served residents for more than a century. Today, Shingobee Township is home to approximately 1,700 residents and encompasses 71.8 square miles, including 53.7 square miles of land and 18.1 square miles of water. More than 25 percent of the township is covered by lakes, making it a premier destination for outdoor recreation and year-round enjoyment.
The township surrounds the City of Walker geographically while remaining a separate local government and includes the communities of Onigum and Ah-Gwah-Ching. Minnesota Highways 34, 200, and 371 provide convenient access to the area, connecting residents and visitors to the many natural attractions that define the region.
Shingobee Township has played an important role in the history of northern Minnesota. Before the township was established, the former community of Cyphers thrived as a railroad stop and logging village along what is now Highway 371. The township was also home to Glengarry Springs, the first resort on Leech Lake, established in 1901 by Walker founder Patrick H. McGarry. These early developments helped establish the area as both a center of commerce and one of Minnesota's premier vacation destinations.
Other historic landmarks include the Ah-Gwah-Ching Sanatorium, which served the state for nearly 100 years, and the Shingobee Winter Playground, one of northern Minnesota's earliest ski hills developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. The township's history is also closely connected to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe through the historic Indian Agency at Onigum and the region's enduring Native American heritage.
Today, Shingobee Township is known for its exceptional natural beauty, with dozens of lakes—including portions of Leech Lake and Tenmile Lake—offering outstanding opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing. The Township Board is committed to preserving this unique landscape while providing responsive, transparent local government. By maintaining township roads, protecting natural resources, and supporting responsible growth, Shingobee Township continues to be a welcoming place to live, work, and visit while honoring the history that has shaped our community for generations.