The first Northern League was formed in 1902, but folded in 1905. Some of its member teams joined the Northern Copper Country League in the following year, then joined the Central International League in 1912. This league was renamed the Northern League the following year, but the league again disbanded because of a lack of manpower during World War I.
The league did not re-emerge until 1933. It did not operate during 1943, 1944 and 1945 because of a lack of manpower during World War II, and finally folded again in 1971.
The current incarnation was created in 1993. In 1998, its eight teams merged with the Northeast League, which had begun in 1995.
After the 2002 season, the Northeast League was reestablished as a separate league.
Member Teams