Little Creek Woods subdivision moves forward with final plat approval

An 11-lot residential subdivision along the Gunflint Trail is moving forward after the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the project’s final plat Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The Little Creek Woods development is located on 60 acres just north of Hedstrom’s Mill and will include 11 residential lots, most of which are approximately five acres. Developer Howard Hedstrom and his wife, Bonnie Gay Hedstrom, are leading the project.

Howard Hedstrom said the project grew out of conversations with fellow community members about the limited availability of raw residential lots in Cook County.

“There’s very little,” Hedstrom said. “There’s been some lots come up for sale, but generally there hasn’t been a lot of raw land or lots for sale.”

The development plan is to sell the lots as vacant undeveloped parcels rather than build homes. Lot purchasers will be responsible for clearing, constructing the road and home, and installing infrastructure such as a well and septic system.

Electricity and broadband would be extended along Little Creek Road, with connections available near the individual lot lines. Hedstrom said he has been working with Arrowhead Electric Cooperative on formulating a utility installation plan.

Little Creek Woods final plat map | Howard Hedstrom

A homeowners association will also govern the subdivision and be responsible for costs associated with maintaining Little Creek Road and certain drainage, wetland, and stream-related areas.

With the final plat now approved, the next steps include completing the surveying and establishing lot corners before the new parcels can receive individual parcel identification numbers and hit the market.

“So we’re within a couple of weeks of having all that,” Hedstrom said. “Then there’ll be individual lots that are identified and ready for sale.”

While the Little Creek Road leading into the property has been logged, additional work, including fill and gravel, will be needed before the road is complete and homeowners can access the parcels.

Entrance of Little Creek Woods subdivision | Contributed by Howard Hedstrom

Another step in the process, likely to take place in Spring 2027, is installing a bridge over Little Creek, a tributary to the Devil Track River, identified as a trout stream near the subdivision entrance. The crossing requires additional review and permitting from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins sat down with Little Creek Woods developer Howard Hedstrom to talk about the 11-lot residential subdivision project. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins August 28, 2026