The city of Aitkin, Minnesota, population 1698, is the county seat of Aitkin County. The city lies along the south bank of the Ripple River, where State Highway 210 joins U.S. Highway 169. The city of Aitkin is about 26 miles northeast of Brainerd, and not more than 10 miles due north of Mille Lacs. You've heard that Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes? Well, Mille Lacs is one of the biggest in the state, and very popular for recreation.