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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:

100+ Lakes

Foothills

Deer

Loons

Forest

Rivers

Snow

 

 

Cultural Assets:

Area churches

School

 

Human Assets:

First Responders

Firemen

Construction workers

Handyman

Dock services

Teachers

Clergy

Mayor

Banker

Veterans

Nurses

 

 

Social Assets:

Senior Citizen Center

Corn Fest

Smelt Fry

Area churches

Legion

Boy Scouts

Softball Tournaments

Awana

Wild game feed

Minnow races

Derby car races

 

 

Political Assets:

Dedicated mayor

Cass Co EDA

City Council

PRB School Board

PRB EDA

 

 

Financial Assets:

First National Bank

Initiative Foundation

PRB Scholarships

Legion

Lions

Backus EDA

 

Built Assets:

Senior housing

Softball fields

County headquarters

Fishing landing

Fire Hall

City offices

Cemetery

TDS Internet-fiber optic

Godfrey’s Hardware

Airport

Lumberyard

Rocky Dock

Paul Bunyan Trail

Early Childhood Facility

Scamp manufacturer

 

 

Future:

 Community Goals:

  1. Develop Rocky Dock area-add camping, playground, bathrooms
  2. Hwy 371 Clean up-relocated/renovate buildings in need
  3. Lodging with conference center

For more information on the City of Backus and all it has to offer, visit www.backusmn.com.

 

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