The community is located 18 miles (29 km) southeast of the city of Virginia, and 14 miles (23 km) southeast of the city of Eveleth, at the intersection of Saint Louis County Road 16 and County Road 108.

Markham and Palo are other nearby communities, from which some residents obtain mail service from Makinen.

The most important Finnish clusters developed in Cherry (Alavus), Corbin, Forbes, Makinen and the Saint Louis River, while lesser numbers of Finns were scattered throughout the whole region.

A historic Finnish pioneer farm is located in southeastern Makinen, once owned by Eli Wirtanen.

The surrounding community hosts a Wirtanen Pioneer Farm festival that takes place for one weekend in September every year.