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Bowlus Minnesota Community Guide


Location:

Welcome to Bowlus Minnesota Sign

Location of Bowlus, Minnesota


With a population of 276, Bowlus is a small town with a big heart. Bowlus was platted on July 1, 1907 and was incorporated into a village in 1910. A station house and numerous stores were built, prospering from the rich trade from nearby farmers. Bowlus is located in Two Rivers Township in the south central part of Morrison County, approximately 25 miles north of St. Cloud and 15 miles south of Little Falls. Our small town boasts many amenities. The only town located next to the Soo Line Trail which welcomes bikers, walkers and rollerbladers in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. We have a community center located in a park where you are able to rest, play and enjoy the center. We are located near the Mississippi River where you can get some fishing in, visit Blanchard Dam, go “cross rock” hunting and just have some good old fashioned fun. With an abundance of businesses, a community center, ball field, hockey rink and a park to welcome all ages, you will enjoy visiting our town over and over.

Courtesy City of Bowlus


Population:
Bowlus (city) 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 Change
Actual Percent
Population 268 276 260 260 290 +30 +11.53
Land Area (sq. mile) 1.30 1.29 1.25 1.25 1.25 0 0.00
Density (persons per sq. mile) 206.15 213.95 208.00 208.18 232.00 +23.82 +11.44
Housing Units 97 110 109 111 122 +11 +9.91
Households -- 104 103 105 114 +9 +8.57
Persons Per Household -- 2.65 2.52 2.48 2.54 +0.06 +2.42

Geography:

Bowlus is a city in Morrison County, Minnesota, United States. Morrison County Roads 24 and 26; State Highway 238; and Main Street are four of the main routes in the community. According to the United States Census Bureau, Bowlus has a total area of 1.25 square miles (3.24 km2), all of it land. The elevation is 1,109 ft (338 m) above sea level.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Demographics:

As of the census of 2010, there were 290 people, 114 households, and 79 families residing in Bowlus. The population density was 232.0 inhabitants per square mile (89.6/km2). There were 122 housing units at an average density of 97.6 per square mile (37.7/km2). The racial makeup was 98.3% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, and 1.0% from two or more races.

There were 114 households of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.7% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.89.

The median age in Bowlus was 33 years. 24.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.3% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The sexual makeup was 55.2% male and 44.8% female.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.


Visit The Minnesota History Shop!
Visit The Minnesota History Shop!

History:  

BOWLUS, a city in sections 11-14 of Two Rivers Township, platted in July 1907, was named by officers of the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad (Soo Line). It was incorporated as a village on September 8, 1908, and separated from the township on February 27, 1919. The Soo Line came in 1907, the same year the post office opened, and the townsite was platted by Tri-State Land Company on land originally owned by Henry Armstrong, Sr., whose son developed the post office of Stella.

Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

The original homesteader on land which is now Bowlus was John Gross who filed in 1866. After working the land for seven years he transferred the land to his son, Phillip.   Ensuing years saw the land sold to Martin Czech then to C.A. Campbell and finally to the Tri State Land Company in June 1907.  Tri-State platted the town and sold the first city lots.  The town began to grow, with numerous businesses springing up to serve the town and surrounding area.  School District #10 was organized in 1870; in 1910 a two story brick public school was built on land donated by the railroad.  A Post Office was established in 1907 and the Bank of Bowlus in 1911.

Bowlus, named after a railroad man, was platted on July 1, 1907 and incorporated into a village in 1910.  Spurring the action was news that the Soo Railroad would be built through the town.  A station house and numerous stores were built, prospering from the rich trade from nearby farmers.  

Because of the heavy stands of Oak, Maple, Elm and White Pine lumbering became an important business in Bowlus.  Many logging related businesses grew.  A saw mill, heading mill, planning mill, lumber yard and barrel factory all prospered.  Maintaining a bridge to Royalton over the Mississippi River was difficult; many of the wooden bridges constructed were swept away by ice and log jams.  One such ice jam happened in the spring of 1906.  Just above the bridge was an immense gorge of ice and logs.  A handful of Bowlus men worked for hours to free the frozen water from around the bridge.  Using 200 pounds of dynamite the men cleared about 100 acres of ice, some more than 4 feet thick, freeing 10 million feet of logs and saving the bridge. 

Because of poor economic conditions and suppression of their language and faith many Polish people emigrated at the close of the 19th century.  Father Pierz in letters back to Prussia extolled the virtues of Central Minnesota and encouraged Prussian citizens to come to Minnesota.   By 1880 more than 60 farms in Two Rivers Township were settled by Silesian (SW Poland) families.   Since most were Catholic, in 1909 a committee petitioned the railroad for a tract of land to build a church.  The railroad donated a full block of land for the project and Martin Czech donated two acres to the south of the proposed church to be used as a cemetery.  St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, with a seating capacity of 400, was built at a cost of $12,475.  Local farmers provided the stone for the foundation and stained-glass windows were purchased in Minneapolis for $590.  In 1913 a parish house was built next to the church.

Blanchard Dam-construction began in 1924. A typical work crew worked 10 hours per day and six to seven days a week. Their wages were $.30 per hour and length of employment was approximately 18 months.  In February of 1925 a power plant was installed consisting of a turbine of 9,000 horse-power capacity, directly attached to a generator capable of furnishing 7,500 kilowatts per hour under a full head of water.

Many unique and distinctive enterprises have called Bowlus home over the years.  For a time June grass (similar to Kentucky Blue grass) was harvested and the seed shipped to other parts of the country.  For several years people could raise cucumbers for the Gedney Pickle Factory.  Twice a week a buyer would come to town to collect the cucumbers and pay the growers.  A broom factory also had a short existence in Bowlus.

Courtesy Region Five Development Commission 

Street scene, Bowlus Minnesota, 1909
Street scene, Bowlus Minnesota, 1909
LakesnWoods.com Postcard and Postcard Image Collection - click image to enlarge

Visit The Bowlus Photo Gallery for more recent and historic area photos


Government:
Bowlus City Hall
212 Main Street
PO Box 98
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5283

Regular Business Hours:
unknown

City Council Meetings:
1st Monday of each month at 7:00 pm


Facebook  Wikipedia  Email  Google Map 

City Hall, Bowlus Minnesota

Title Term Ends Name and Address   Phone
Mayor 12/31/2022 Joseph Larson
217 N 2nd Avenue
Bowlus, MN 56314
Email (320) 733-3140
(320) 630-8294
Clerk 12/31/2022 Judith Rose Barnes
113 Fremont Street S
Bowlus, MN 56314
Email (320) 380-1106
Treasurer 12/31/2024 Molly Sobania
11755 45th Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Email (320) 293-1776
Council Member 12/31/2022 Terri Trettel
203 S 2nd Avenue
Bowlus, MN 56314
  (320) 584-7400
Council Member 12/31/2024 Kelly Larson
217 2nd Avenue N
Bowlus, MN 56314
Email (320) 260-1476
Council Member 12/31/2024 Jake Wentland
221 2nd Avenue S
Bowlus, MN 56314
Email (320) 630-5389
State        
MN House - District 9B 12/31/2022  Ron Kresha (R) 
207 State Office Building 
St. Paul, MN 55155  
Web
Email
(651) 296-4247
MN Senate - District 9 12/31/2024  Paul Gazelka (R)
Minnesota Senate Bldg. Rm 3113
St. Paul, MN 55155
Web
Email
(651) 296-4875
MN Governor  12/31/2022  Governor Tim Walz
75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
St. Paul, MN 55155  
Web
Email
(651) 201-3400
(800) 657-3717
Federal        
US House - District 8 12/31/2022  Pete Stauber (R)
461 Cannon HOB  Washington, DC 20515
Web
Email
(202) 225-6211
US Senate 12/31/2022   Amy Klobuchar (DFL)
425 Dirksen Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510  
Web
Email
(202) 224-3244
US Senate 12/31/2022   Tina Smith (DFL)  
720 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
 Washington, DC 20510
Web
Email
(202) 224-5641
US President  12/31/2024  Joe Biden (D)
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Web
not available

Post Office:
US Post Office
172 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-8226
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS

Regular Business Hours:
Week Days       7:15 am - 11:15 am
Saturday           8:00 am - 9:30 am

Web  Google Map 

US Post Office, Bowlus Minnesota


Utilities:
Utility Type Utility Name Utility Phone
Electricity Minnesota Power Company (218) 722-2641
Natural Gas n/a n/a
Wastewater City of Bowlus (320) 584-5283
Water City of Bowlus (320) 584-5283
Telephone CenturyLink Communications (877) 837-5738
Cable TV n/a n/a

Major Employers:
Employer Products/Services Employees

n/a



News:
feedwidget @ Surfing Waves

Weather:

BOWLUS WEATHER


Map:

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Bowlus Minnesota area
Minnesota State Highway Map of the Bowlus Minnesota area


Events:
Bowlus Fun Days

This fun event is always held the first Sunday in July. The event is started by a polka mass at St. Stanislaus Church, a parade, water fights by local volunteer firefighters in neighboring towns, live music all day, children’s pedal pull, bingo, games for all ages, raffle, beer garden, lots of great food followed by spectacular fireworks. This is one of the highlights of summer for many.

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Bowlus Fun Days, Bowlus Minnesota, 2007
Bowlus Fun Days, Bowlus Minnesota, 2007
LakesnWoods.com Photo


Check Out The Minnesota History Shop! Good Goods and Great Gifts!
Minnesota History Shop

Attractions:
none

Recreation:

Soo Line Trail

Grease your chains, secure your helmets and hit what might soon be the longest stretch of paved highway available for free-spirited individuals looking to throw their inhibitions to the wind for an afternoon, a day or even a weekend of bicycling. This is truly one of the most beautiful bike trails around. The Soo Line Trail connects to the Lake Wobegon Trail in Stearns County where you will cross the river on a scenic covered bridge, one of the longest covered bridges in Minnesota! When you go through our town, stop by for some refreshments, lunch or dinner, check out our new community center, or just stop to shoot the breeze with the locals.

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Soo Line Trail near Bowlus Minnesota

Lakes:
Lake Name Size
(acres)
Lake info Lake Map Rec Map Topo Map

none


Health Care:

none - see Little Falls, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud


Schools:
Royalton Public Schools
Independent School District #485

120 S Hawthorn Street
PO Box 5
Royalton, MN 56373 
Phone: (320) 584-5532 

Grades:  PK-12
Students:  952

Web  Facebook  Twitter  You Tube  Instagram  Google Map 
Royalton Public Schools, Royalton Minnesota
Royalton High School
120 S Hawthorn Street
Royalton, MN 56373 
Phone: (320) 584-4200

Grades:  6-12
Students:  536

Web  Google Map 
Royalton High School
Royalton Elementary School
119 N Driftwood Street
Royalton, MN 56373 
Phone: (320) 584-4160

Grades:  PK-5
Students:  412

Web  Google Map 
Royalton Elementary School

Churches:
St. Edward's Catholic Church
8550 State Highway 238
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-2975

Pastor:  Fr. David Grundman
Saturday Mass:  none
Sunday Worship:  8:00 am

Web  Email  Google Map 

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church
428 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-2132

History of St. Stanislaus Kostka's Catholic Church from 1984

Pastor:  Father Gregory Sauer
Saturday Mass: none
Sunday Mass:  10:00 am

Web  Email  Google Map 

St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, Bowlus Minnesota

Media:
KFML-FM - "94 Rocks"
16405 Haven Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-2992

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Listen  Google Map  .
KFML-FM - "94 Rocks"
KLTF-AM -News, Talk, Sports and Farm Information
16405 Haven Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-2992

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Listen  Google Map  .
KLTF AM960 logo.jpg
WYRQ-FM - "Your Country"
16405 Haven Road
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-2992

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Listen  Google Map  .
WYRQ Q92 logo.jpg
Morrison County Record
216 1st Street SE
Little Falls, MN 56345
Phone: (320) 632-2345
Fax: (320) 632-2348

Weekly newspaper published on Sundays with a circulation of 20,210.

Web  Facebook  Twitter  Email  Google Map 

Morrison County Record, Little Falls Minnesota
 
Motels:
none - see Little Falls

Resorts:
none

Campgrounds:
none

View of Bowlus Minnesota, 2007
View of Bowlus Minnesota, 2007
LakesnWoods.com Photo


Businesses:
American Legion
201 2nd Avenue N
PO Box 73
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5869

Facebook  Google Map 
American Legion Post, Bowlus Minnesota
Bieniek Tree Service
102 1st Avenue N
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 333-8810

Google Map 
Bieniek Tree Service, Bowlus Minnesota
Bowlus Auto Center
125 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5457

Bowlus Auto Center has been in business since 2011, but the experts here have over 40 years of experience in auto repair. If you are tired of the high pressure do-it-right-now sales approach when bringing your car in for maintenance, give Bowlus Auto Center a try. 

Web  Facebook  Better Business Bureau  Email  Google Map 
Bowlus Auto Center, Bowlus Minnesota
Bowlus Fire Department
212 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 290-9464

Google Map 
Fire Department, Bowlus Minnesota
Bowlus Gas and Grocery
292 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5603

Sinclair gas station and convenience store featuring fresh, hot coffee in Bowlus, MN. Cold Spring Bakery items delivered fresh three times per week, Peps Pork meat, Outlaw Pizzas, bagged ice, softener salt, Hot Stuff pizza, and made-to-order deli items all available for you to enjoy. Friendly staff for an enjoyable shopping experience at Bowlus Gas & Grocery!

 Web  Facebook  Google Map 

Bowlus Oil Service and Convenience Store, Bowlus Minnesota
Bowlus Liquor
114 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-8263

Facebook  Google Map 
Bowlus Liquors, Bowlus Minnesota
Bowlus Seed and Green
30 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5050

Google Map 
Bowlus Elevator, Bowlus Minnesota
Elmdale's Watering Hole
8384 State Highway 238
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-9240

Mon thru Fri Happy Hour 4pm to 7pm. Thur bucket beer 6/$12. Fri 8pm to 9pm $1.00 beers. Sat 8pm to 9pm $1.50 beers music at 9pm. Sun keys for cash 3pm.

Facebook  Google Map 
Elmdale Liquors, Bowlus Minnesota
Elmdale Community Center
8197 State Highway 238
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-4378

Google Map 
Elmdale Community Center, Bowlus Minnesota
Elmdale Creamery Association & Locker
8287 State Highway 238
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-2607

Google Map 
Elmdale Creamery & Locker, Bowlus Minnesota
Elmdale Town Hall
6016 30th Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-4144

Web  Facebook  Wikipedia  Google Map 
Elmdale Town Hall
Frieler Tree Farms
4037 Dove Road
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-8733

We are a start up family owned and ran tree farm growing shades trees and evergreens.

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Frieler Tree Farms, Bowlus Minnesota
Great River Heating & Cooling
1398 Great River Road
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 247-2010

Great River Heating and Cooling installs commercial and residential Energy Star Equipment by Amana and Goodman. We also work with in floor heating, Bosch Geothermal heat pump systems, Boiler systems, Air source heat pumps, HRV systems and much more. Call us for your heating and cooling needs and ask about our green products that can cut your energy cost. 

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Great River Heating & Cooling, Bowlus Minnesota
Jim's Body Shop and Used Cars
8094 State Highway 238
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-2034

Google Map 
Jim's Body Shop and Used Cars, Bowlus Minnesota
Jordie's Trailside Cafe
105 1st Avenue S
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-8193

Nestled along side the Soo Line Trail , the mother-daughter duo Jordie and Sonya Stay established Jordie's Trailside Cafe. With our "just like Grandma's" ambiance, unique and funky treasures, we hope your visit is memorable. Take a look around at our many items for sale and don't forget to save room for Sonya's delicious home-made pies!

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Jordie's Trailside Cafe, Bowlus Minnesota 
Molus Transportation Inc.
3748 Dairy Road
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-3748

Google Map 
 
Petersen's Modern Blacksmith
6145 90th Avenue
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 573-2092

Even though the forge has been gone for two decades, Daniel, Dennis and Melvin Petersen continue a metal-working tradition at Petersen’s Modern Blacksmith begun by their father’s uncle, Mark Petersen.

Google Map 
Petersen's Modern Blacksmith, Bowlus Minnesota
Potter Investment
17511 Marina Court
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-7454

Google Map 
 
Psyck's Market
153 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5136

• Groceries, Meats, Vegetables
• Complete custom processing of venison, beef and pork
• Ham, bacon and sausage smoking
• Amstar 24 hours gas

 Facebook  Google Map 

Psyck's Market, Bowlus Minnesota
Rahn's Oil and Propane
292 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5603

Rahn’s Oil and Propane is an independent company, and locally family owned. That’s important! The people who work here live in your communities, share your values, and wake up to the same Minnesota winter-weather you do. We understand the importance of dependable service, and affordable prices.

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Rahn's Oil & Propane
Reis' Lumber & Construction
52 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-5479

Google Map 
Reis' Lumber & Construction, Bowlus Minnesota
Terri's Hair Salon
223 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-7400

Google Map 
 
The Syrup Ranch LLC
1242 150th Avenue
Bowlus, MN 56314   
Phone: (320) 293-1097

In 2009, The Syrup Ranch LLC tapped into our first maple trees and started making our very own maple syrup. We started winning awards at local events immediately. As we grew, we became known for our high-quality maple syrup and we started bottling and storing it. Now, our syrup can be found in a multitude of shops. Don't let us just tell you about our award-winning taste. Let it speak for itself when you stop by for locally sourced maple syrup today.

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The Syrup Ranch, Bowlus Minnesota
US Post Office
172 Main Street
Bowlus, MN 56314
Phone: (320) 584-8226
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS

Regular Business Hours:
Week Days       7:15 am - 11:15 am
Saturday           8:00 am - 9:30 am

Web  Google Map 
Bowlus Minnesota US Post Office

Aerial Photo:    


Topographic Map:   [click map to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]
Topographic map of the Bowlus Minnesota area
Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge

 

 
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