Backus
Gallery
Our Story
Population: 246
Median Age: 46.7
Median Income: $32,735
Area: .60 sq. miles
Most Common Industry: Construction
PAST
The city of Backus was named after lumber businessman, Edward Wellington Backus. He was a University of Minnesota student who entered into the growing lumber business. Insurance money from a burned down sawmill allowed Edward to move his business north to the tall pine stands in Cass county. Employees were brought in and lumber camps were constructed. Business was good and the camp grew, eventually being incorporated into the town of Backus in 1902.
PRESENT
Summers in Backus means fishing, swimming, bonfires and boating. With six resorts and a camp ground surrounding it, this little town is full of activity. Grabbing a burger at Rocky Dock, participating in the minnow races and heading to the local fishing landing are popular activities. The community also comes together for their Annual Cornfest celebration each August, complete with parade and corn eating competition.
Residents identified these specific assets in Backus:
Natural Assets:
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100+ Lakes |
Foothills |
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Deer |
Loons |
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Forest |
Rivers |
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Snow |
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Cultural Assets:
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Area churches |
School |
Human Assets:
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First Responders |
Firemen |
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Construction workers |
Handyman |
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Dock services |
Teachers |
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Clergy |
Mayor |
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Banker |
Veterans |
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Nurses |
|
Social Assets:
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Senior Citizen Center |
Corn Fest |
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Smelt Fry |
Area churches |
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Legion |
Boy Scouts |
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Softball Tournaments |
Awana |
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Wild game feed |
Minnow races |
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Derby car races |
|
Political Assets:
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Dedicated mayor |
Cass Co EDA |
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City Council |
PRB School Board |
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PRB EDA |
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Financial Assets:
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First National Bank |
Initiative Foundation |
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PRB Scholarships |
Legion |
|
Lions |
Backus EDA |
Built Assets:
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Senior housing |
Softball fields |
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County headquarters |
Fishing landing |
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Fire Hall |
City offices |
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Cemetery |
TDS Internet-fiber optic |
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Godfrey’s Hardware |
Airport |
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Lumberyard |
Rocky Dock |
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Paul Bunyan Trail |
Early Childhood Facility |
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Scamp manufacturer |
|
Future:
Community Goals:
- Develop Rocky Dock area-add camping, playground, bathrooms
- Hwy 371 Clean up-relocated/renovate buildings in need
- Lodging with conference center
For more information on the City of Backus and all it has to offer, visit www.backusmn.com.