Deerwood

Population:  532              

Median Age:  39.7

Median Income:  $32,249

Area:  2.05 square miles

Top Three Industries: Hospitality, Manufacturing, Construction

PAST

Located on the eastern shore of Serpent Lake, Deerwood takes its name from the many Whitetail deer that populate the area.  Deerwood was first platted in 1882 and petitioned to be recognized as an incorporated city in 1909. First known as Withington from 1871-1881, the name was changed after being confused with Worthington in southern Minnesota. 

 The fur trade first lured activity to the area, followed by logging the extensive pine forests and then with help from the Railroad Aid bill of 1857 and the Homestead Act of 1862, this area became enticing for farmers and accessible to those who wished to receive their 160 acres in return for living on and farming the land for five years. The area boomed as the Northern Pacific Railroad forged through the area expanding from Duluth through Brainerd, ever westward, on its way to Pugent Sound, Washington.  The first depot in Deerwood was built in 1871. As more settlers arrived, the Village grew and gave birth to the Cuyuna Range, named after the combined names of Surveyor, Cuyler Adams and his dog Una.   Adams was struck by an unnatural deviation of the compass needle in certain areas and soon discovered the iron ore that started the mining boom. The first active iron mine on what was to become the Cuyuna Range,  was the Kennedy mine, located on the south shore of Rabbit Lake.

 The area boomed and by 1913 there were over 100 businesses accommodating all the needs of the growing population.   At one time there was a ferry from Deerwood to Crosby.  By wagon, Joe Ruttger would meet the train and deliver visitors from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska to his farm on Bay Lake.  Josephine Ruttger provided meals and was reputedly a wonderful cook. There wasn’t much to do but fish, but visitors from warmer climates would stay the summer at the lake, avoiding the heat from which they came.  Each year Joe would add another building and in this manner Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort was born.

 In 1934, Beriah MaGoffin Jr. donated all of the material to construct the Deerwood Auditorium.  The estimated amount of field stones needed was 800 tons which came from the grounds of what is now known as the Cuyuna Country Club.  In 1936, work was completed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and local talent and featured a multi-purpose hall with balconies to seat 500.  It housed the village council chambers, kitchen, locker rooms, library and the village fire apparatus.  In 2010 renovations were completed; these repairs allowed the building to retain its exceptional, historic appearance.  The auditorium is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently being used by the police and City of Deerwood.

 For years, mining supported and improved the lives of the people, communities and counties on the Cuyuna Range.  In the 1950’s Taconite taxes kept property taxes low, along with the cost-of-living, making this an ideal place to relocate and/or retire.

PRESENT

The community works well together to get things done.  Life is easy going and friendly.  Deerwood is primarily a working-class town with traditional values; they are independent, self-sufficient, hardworking and willing to help their neighbors.  Economic times have been tough the past few years.   But, when there is a need or in times of disaster, this is when Deerwood shines.  Chainsaws or food or an army of help will arrive, sometimes unorganized, exhibiting the strength and quality of the people that are proud to call Deerwood home. 

 The Salem West Church maintains a support network to assist people in need in the community.  Initially only for people in Deerwood, it has now expanded to encompass all Crow Wing County.  

 Larson Lake trails, located south of Deerwood, holds snow later in the season than any other groomed course in the area. These trails are perfect for skiers of all skill sets.

 Deerwood identified these additional assets in their community:

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