Esko is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Thomson Township, Carlton County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 1,869.The community is located between Cloquet and Duluth at the junction of Interstate 35 and County Road 1 (Thomson Road). Esko is located six miles east (northeast) of the city of Cloquet; and 16 miles southwest of the city of Duluth. Carlton County Road 61 serves as a main route in the community.