Land Sales
Lake County regularly sells tax-forfeit/county fee lands by auction – either online or in person.
Online auctions are conducted on publicsurplus.com, and interested bidders should create an account on the website and follow registration requirements.
Public Surplus – Current Auctions for Lake County
In-person auctions are held at the Law Enforcement Center located at 601 3rd Ave, and interested bidders should complete a Bidder Registration form.
Notices of sales will be published on this site at least thirty (30) days prior to a sale.
To subscribe for notifications on upcoming sales, email forestry@co.lake.mn.us.
2025 Forfeiture Undivided Interests Sale
EMV Sale: 3/31/2026 10am
Minimum Bid Sale: 4/30/2026 10am
This sale is for undivided interest parcels that tax-forfeited in 2025 and will consist of in-person auctions at the Law Enforcement Center, located at 601 3rd Ave in Two Harbors, MN at the dates and times listed above. Parcels not sold at the EMV auction will be available for purchase over the counter in the Auditor’s Office up until the Minimum Bid auction.
2025 Forfeiture Sale
EMV Sale: 2/2/2026 10am – 3/3/2026 10am
Minimum Bid Sale: 3/4/2026 10am – 3/18/2026 10am
This sale is for property that tax-forfeited in 2025.
Settlement Sale
11/3/2025 10am – 12/3/2025 1pm**
This sale is governed by the Laws of Minnesota, 2024, Chapter 113, as amended by Chapter 127, Article 70, Section 10. For more information visit: https://mntaxforfeituresettlement.com/
UNSOLD TRACTS: Any tracts which are unsold by said bid deadline may be purchased at not less than the appraised value on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00 AM, December 4, 2025 to first eligible purchaser providing a signed purchase agreement and full payment for the tract to the office of the County Auditor, until such time the County Board or Land Commissioner appears it to be in the public interest to withdraw from sale.
**This online auction is now closed, however the following parcels are currently available to purchase over the counter at the Auditor’s Office:
| Parcel/Tract | Description | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| 23-7645-00040 | Outlot D, City of Two Harbors 11th Addition | $152,000.00 |
| 23-7645-00080 | Outlot H, City of Two Harbors 11th Addition | $190,900.00 |
| 25-5211-02440 | All that part of the SE1/4 of NW1/4 Lying S and E of US Hwy 61, Section 2, Township 52, Range 11 | $35,600.00 |
| 25-5511-21800 | East 208 FT of West 283 FT of North 208 FT of NW1/4 of SE1/4, Section 21, Township 55, Range 11 | $14,800.00 |
Tax-Forfeited Land Sales
Tax-forfeited land is property that has been acquired by the State of Minnesota due to non-payment of taxes. Beginning with property forfeited after 12/31/2023, pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Section 282.005, there are two sales that happen within six months of forfeiture:
Estimated Market Value (EMV) Sale
This sale is held a few months after forfeiture and lasts thirty (30) days. The price is the estimated market value of the property.
Minimum Bid Sale
This sale is held of the property didn’t sell at the EMV sale. The minimum bid price is the sum of delinquent taxes, special assessments, penalties, interests, and costs assigned to the property.
Subsequent Sales
Tax-forfeited property that has not been previously sold may be offered for sale at auction upon board approval. Watch this site or local publications for updates.