Navigation

LakesnWoods.com
  Home
Page
  Contact Us
  Privacy
  Minnesota History Shop

Visit The Minnesota History Shop
www.minnesotahistoryshop.com
Historic maps
Historic books
Historic framed art
Historic postcards

Clothing with historic images
And much more!!!

Big Falls Guide:
 
Photo Gallery
  Location
  Geography
  Demographics
  History
  Government
  Post Office
  News
  Street Map
  Events
  Attractions
  Recreation
  Lakes
  Health Care
  Schools
  Churches
  Media
  Motels
  Resorts
  Campgrounds
  Businesses
  Aerial Photo
  Topographic Map

© 2004-2024
Lakeweb1 Internet Services
All Rights Reserved

DCMA, Defamation, Copyright and Trademark Infingement Policy

 

WANTED!

Do you have photos, historical accounts or other items pertaining to the Big Falls area? Would you like to share this historical information with the world? LakesnWoods.com would like to publish your Big Falls photos (current or historical) or historical accounts on this website. Original materials can be returned and your privacy will be respected.

Contact us


 

Minnesota Map Mug
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store

 

 

 

I'd Rather Be At The Cabin Mousepad
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store

 




Fishing Lure Clock Wall Clock

Fishing Lure Wall Clock 
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store

 





Minnesota State Bird Ringer T

Minnesota State Bird Ringer T
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store

 

  

 

Walleye Fear Me Hat
(design available on over 100 different items!)LakesnWoods.com Store

 

#1 RV Rental Marketplace

  

 

I Love 'Up North'
T-Shirts & Sweatshirts!

Design available on over 100 different items! and is available for dozens of Minnesota cities and towns!

 

  

 

Minnesota You Betcha Loon White T-Shirt
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store

 

  

 

Minnesota Map
Greeting Cards
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store




  

 

Greetings from Minnesota Large Mug
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store







Walleye Fear Me Hat
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store







Minnesota State Bird Ringer T

Minnesota State Bird Ringer T
(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store








I Love Minnesota
Hooded Sweatshirt

(design available on over 100 different items!)

LakesnWoods.com Store





 
Big Falls Minnesota Community Guide


Location:

Location of Big Falls, Minnesota


Population:  
 Big Falls (city) 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 Change
Actual Percent
Population 534 490 341 264 236 -28 -10.61
Land Area (sq. mile) 24.40 5.98 6.04 6.04 6.04 0 0.00
Density (persons per sq. mile) 21.89 81.94 56.46 43.73 39.07 -4.66 -10.66
Housing Units 201 201 184 191 181 -10 -5.24
Households -- 171 156 134 130 -4 -2.99
Persons Per Household -- 2.87 2.19 1.97 1.82 -0.15 -7.61

Geography:

Big Falls is a city in Koochiching County, Minnesota. U.S. Route 71 and Minnesota State Highway 6 are two of the main routes in the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.06 square miles (15.70 km˛), all of it land. The elevation is 1,217 ft (371 m).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Demographics:

As of the census of 2010, there were 236 people, 130 households, and 63 families residing in the city. The population density was 38.9 inhabitants per square mile (15.0 /km2). There were 181 housing units at an average density of 29.9 per square mile (11.5 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.0% White, 1.7% Native American, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 130 households of which 13.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 51.5% were non-families. 42.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.82 and the average family size was 2.43.

The median age in the city was 53.8 years. 11.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 2.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 18.2% were from 25 to 44; 44% were from 45 to 64; and 23.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.0% male and 47.0% female.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


History:  

WHERE AXES STILL RESOUND

Big Falls (1,240 alt., 509 pop.), in the fertile valley and on the falls of the Big Fork River (see Littlefork), is the center of an agricultural area; though its main industry is lumbering.

Although Indians did not live in the immediate area, they paddled through it over the Sturgeon and Big Fork rivers to Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods. Fur traders probably followed this route and, from evidence found, may have built a post for the Hudson's Bay Company on the Sturgeon River, a short distance from the site of Big Falls. At the turn of the century came lumbermen, attracted by pine forests and available water power. A railroad, the Big Fork and Northern, was built from Northome to Big Falls and, in 1905, was leased to the Minnesota and International, the Brainerd to International Falls branch of the Northern Pacific, by which it is still controlled.

Farming developed as the land was cleared. The deep, black, sandy loam is adapted especially to clover, potatoes, and small grains. Blueberries are an important summer crop. Good highways leading in all directions make markets easily accessible. Although farming is becoming more and more important, lumbering still leads. Quantities of pulpwood, cedar ties and poles are shipped each year, and many men are given employment in the logging camps in winter.

A hydroelectric power plant, owned locally by the Croswell Power and Light Company, has been built south of the falls of the Big Fork River, one-fourth of a mile from town.

Also along the Big Fork River is a forestry station and a fire tower, which with several office buildings and living quarters comprise the unit. It operates in conjunction with CCC Camp 4701, one mile east, and Center Camp in the Pine Island Forest, 25 miles west.

In 1939, US Highway 71 received black-top treatment from Big Falls to the Canadian border, and the work is being continued south to Big Falls.

The Byman Museum in Big Falls, with its Indian relics, arrowheads, pictures, oddities, and other interesting features, is open to the public.

East of town and on the Big Fork River is the Mission Covenant Church District Bible Camp, which is open for ten days each summer and offers vacation possibilities for rest, devotion, and instruction.

Game is plentiful and duck hunting is especially popular. There is good fishing in the three near-by streams: the Sturgeon, Big Fork, and Little Fork. This is a potential tourist center, for it is close to wilderness and lake regions, and there are numerous tourist parks and campgrounds.

From the WPA Guide to the Minnesota Arrowhead Company
©1941 by the Minnesota Arrowhead Association


A general view of Big Falls Minnesota, 1908
A general view of Big Falls Minnesota, 1908
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society - click image to enlarge or purchase

 
Visit The Big Falls Photo Gallery for more recent and historic area photos
 


Government:
City of Big Falls
410 2nd Street NW
PO Box 196
Big Falls, MN 56627

Phone: (218) 276-3300

Regular Business Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

City Council Meetings:
2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 pm

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Email  Google Map

Title Term Ends Name and Address   Phone:
Mayor  12/31/2024 Shawn Pritchard
212 4th Street
Big Falls, MN 56627
  (218) 276-3040
City Clerk/Treasurer appointed Joan Nelson
PO Box 196
Big Falls, MN 56627
Email (218) 276-3300
Council Member  12/31/2022 Jeffrey Oehlerking
504 1st Street
Big Falls, MN 56627
  (218) 244-6091
Council Member 12/31/2022 not available
address not available
Big Falls, MN 56627
  --
Council Member 12/31/2024 Angela Boes
address not available
Big Falls, MN 56627
  (218) 276-2421
Council Member 12/31/2024 LouAnn Abendroth
206 4th Avenue NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
  (218) 276-3953

Post Office:
US Post Office
305 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627-9725
Phone: (218) 276-2301
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS

Regular Business Hours:
Week Days       9:00 am - 12:00 pm
                        1:00pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday           9:00 am - 10:00 am

Web  Google Map 

US Post Office, Big Falls Minnesota


Utilities:
Utility Type Utility Name Utility Phone
Electricity North Star Electric Co-op (888) 634-2202
Natural Gas n/a --
Wastewater City of Big Falls (218) 276-2282
Water City of Big Falls (218) 276-2282
Telephone Frontier Communication (800) 435-1504
Cable TV n/a --

Major Employers:
Employer Products/Services Employees
City of Big Falls Liquor Store Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) 10
Scenic Rivers Health Services Big Falls Clinic Offices of Physicians (exc. Mental Health Specialists) 7


News:
feedwidget @ Surfing Waves

Weather:

BIG FALLS WEATHER


Map:

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Big Falls Minnesota area
Minnesota State Highway Map of the Big Falls Minnesota area


Events:

none


Attractions:
Uncle Dan Campbell Statue

Have your picture taken next the wood carved statue of Uncle Dan Campbell. Who is Uncle Dan Campbell, you ask? We don't know, but he sure has a great statue! Please write us if you know a little about Uncle Dan.


Recreation:
Blue Ox ATV Trail  
The Blue Ox ATV Trail runs through Big Falls, with an access at our municipal campground.  Courteous riders are always welcome here!

Falls on the Bigfork River in Big Falls Minnesota
Falls on the Bigfork River in Big Falls Minnesota
Courtesy of the City of Big Falls


Lakes:
Lake Name Size
(acres)
Location Lake info Lake Map Rec Map Topo Map
none in the immediate area

Health Care:
Scenic Rivers Health Services
410 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2403
Web: www.bigforkvalley.org

Scenic Rivers Health Services primary care clinic in Big Falls welcomes family, friends, neighbors and visitors. The clinic is open Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1 - 5 p.m. Drs. Korstad, Rounds, Scrivner and Cabot drive from the clinic in Bigfork to provide care. A Sliding Fee Scale discount program is available for qualified persons and families.

 

Schools:
Independent School District 362
700 Main Street
Littlefork, MN 56653
Phone: (218) 278-6614
Fax: (218) 278-6615
Web: www.isd362.k12.mn.us

The Littlefork-Big Falls School District is located in north-central Minnesota, just 10 miles from the Canadian-U.S. border. Encompassing nearly 900 square miles, the district serves an estimated 350 students in grades K-12. An active preschool program adds nearly 60 students and serves youth ages 3-5.

In the fall of 1997 the district moved into a new K-12 facility in Littlefork. This $10,000,000 facility houses some of the best technology you will find in a public school.

Because the school is centrally located in the city of Littlefork, it is easily accessible for the whole community. The city provides the community with many features, including a Medical Center, an active Chamber of Commerce, several downtown stores, two banks, and two city parks.

School, Big Falls Minnesota, 1900
School, Big Falls Minnesota, 1900
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society - click image to enlarge or purchase


Churches:
Evangelical Covenant Church
502 1st Street
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 278-6216

Pastor:  Tom Winkelman
Sunday Worship:  9:00 am

 
River of God Church
301 Highway 71
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2599

Pastor:  n/a
Sunday Worship:  10:30 am

 

Media:

Ripple Newsletter
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2481

Big Falls area newsletter that is printed monthly and distrubuted locally with nationwide subscriptions. Please call for subscription and ad rates.

 

Motels:
Big Falls Motel
311 Highway 71 N
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2316

Come and enjoy the home town hospitality at Becki's Inn, Big Falls. * 2 Double rooms that sleep 4 people each * 2 Rooms that sleep 2 people * 2 single rooms Price breaks are offered on large parties and longer stays of three nights and more.

Becji's Inn - Big Falls Motel, Big Falls Minnesota

Bed & Breakfasts:
Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast
6881 County Road 31
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2488

The Red Rooster B & B is a log style home in a beautiful wilderness setting.  It is located 5 miles from Big Falls on Hwy 31 East, in the community of Treatville.  Offers a family style environment. There are two guest rooms.  One with a Western theme and a queen bed.  One with an Americana theme and a double bed. Full breakfast is served family style.  Open year round. 

Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast, Big Falls Minnesota

Resorts:

none


Campgrounds:
Big Falls City Campground
123 Whispering Pines Drive
PO Box 196
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2282

Our City Campground offers complete camping and picnicking facilities.  It is nestled between the whispering pines and the rushing Bigfork River rapids.  There are full electric and water hookups for RVs, as well as tent sites available.  Clean indoor bathroom and shower facilities on site. 

stream.jpg


Businesses:
671 Cafe
Highway 71 N
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-0011

Now reopened under new management. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Sunday.

671 Cafe, Big Falls Minnesota
American Recycling and Salvage
303 Popple Avenue S
Big Falls,  MN  56627

Phone: (
218) 276-2515

Offering metal recycling - with roll-off dumpsters that can be delivered to your site, or materials can be brought directly to us

 
Big Falls Apartments
510 2nd Street NW
Big Falls,  MN  56627
Phone: (218) 751-4265

Low income government subsidized housing.  Rent is based on just 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income.

 
Big Falls Motel
311 Highway 71 N
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2025

Come and enjoy the home town hospitality at Becki's Inn, Big Falls. * 2 Double rooms that sleep 4 people each * 2 Rooms that sleep 2 people * 2 single rooms Price breaks are offered on large parties and longer stays of three nights and more.
Becji's Inn - Big Falls Motel, Big Falls Minnesota
Big Falls Municipal Liquor
302 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2451

On and Off Sale Municipal Liquor Store.  Serving Pizza, Hot Sandwiches, Appetizers and more!  Offering pool tables, darts, large screen TV and Nintendo Wii.

Big Falls Municipal Liquors, Big Falls Minnesota
Ferguson Sealcoating
6838 County Road 31
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2436
 
Gorden's Hardware Hank
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2481
Toll Free: (877) 481-2569

Providing a full line of hardware, general store items, and propane exchange and fill station.

Gorden's Hardware Hank, Big Falls Minnesota
Hair For You
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2355
 
J & J Corner Bar
301 NW 2nd Street
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2019
J & J Corner Bar, Big Falls Minnesota
Killmer Bros Inc
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2233
 
Knaeble Timber
7542 County Road 31
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2001
 
LB Foods
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2462

L.B. Foods is a grocery store that offers fresh meat and produce.  WIC and Food Stamps are accepted.  They also offer DVD rentals.

LB Foods, Big Falls Minnesota
Maggert Machine Inc
212 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2331
 
Pinewood Stables
6829 County Road 31
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2340
Web:
www.pinewoodstablesusa.com

Year-round guided trail rides through north woods trails near the Bigfork River. Carriage or sleigh rides, group hay rides and parties. Lessons or horse training - consultations, kids horse camps, cabin rental, camping and/or horse lodging. Specialized wedding carriage service anywhere in the 4 state area year round. Moriesian (Morgan-Friesian) breeding and sales.

Pinewood Stables, Big Falls Minnesota
Promersberger's Corner
201 Highway 71 N
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2311
Promersberger's Corner, Big Falls Minnesota
Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast
6881 County Road 31
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2488
 
Ripple Newsletter
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2481

Big Falls area newsletter that is printed monthly and distrubuted locally with nationwide subscriptions. Please call for subscription and ad rates.

 
Rivers North Outfitters
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls,  MN  56627
Phone: (218) 276-2481
Toll Free: (877) 481-2569
Web:
www.riversnorthoutfittersmn.com

Provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttling service, guide service and custom trip planning on the Bigfork and Littlefork Rivers.  Camping gear and supplies are available as well as vacation lodging with daily and weekly rates

stream.jpg
Scenic Rivers Health Services
410 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2403

Scenic Rivers Health Services primary care clinic in Big Falls welcomes family, friends, neighbors and visitors. The clinic is open Monday and Thursday afternoons from 1 - 5 p.m. Drs. Korstad, Rounds, Scrivner and Cabot drive from the clinic in Bigfork to provide care. A Sliding Fee Scale discount program is available for qualified persons and families.

 
Taylor Peter DDS
410 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2400
 
Trustar Federal Credit Union
410 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2700
Web: www.trustarfcu.org

TruStar provides quality banking products and services, including savings and checking accounts, money market accounts, IRAs, share certificates, car and recreation loans, mortgages, construction and land loans and on-line banking.

US Post Office
305 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627-9725
Phone: (218) 276-2301
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS
Web: www.usps.com

US Post Office, Big Falls Minnesota

Wild River Gifts
312 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN  56627
Phone: (218) 276-2481

Northwoods gift shop with souvenirs and local artwork.

 

Aerial Photo:   



Topographic Map:   [click map to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]

Topographic map of the Big Falls Minnesota area
Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge

 

 

 
LakesnWoods.com    Home Page    Contact Us    Privacy

 

 

 

© 2004-2024 Lakeweb1 Internet Services
All Rights Reserved