Cisco

Minnesota's ghost towns are lumber camps and Iron Range locations, most of them already half-digested by the north woods.

Cisco is a place name for the remnants of a former unincorporated community located along the Soo Line Railroad and US 59 in the northwestern quarter of Section 11 of Badger Township, 149 North, Range 42 West, in Polk County, Minnesota, United States, approximately four miles north of the city of Erskine, and about the same distance south of the city of Brooks. Cisco was still in use as a place name by local people as late as 1990, but now is but a dim memory among some of the old-timers.

The on-the-ground condition of Cisco is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Cisco is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times. The mapped point for Cisco is roughly 47.7389, -96.0006 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.