Randall

Population:  650

Median Age:  33.9

Median Income:  $43,910 

Area:  2.05 square miles

Top Three Industries:  Public Administration; Construction; Manufacturing

PAST

Randall was founded in 1890 and was named after a Northern Pacific railroad official named; John H. Randall. The city of Randall is located just 11 miles north of Little Falls.  The land is primarily made up of rolling hills and wide river valleys and is located at the southwestern edge of the Brainerd Lakes area.

The first people to show up in Randall in the 1890’s were farmers, lumberjacks, railroad men and miners.  The first school opened in 1893.  St. Peter’s Lutheran Church was established in 1895 and St. James Catholic Church in 1896. 

Randall has overcome multiple tragedies first “The Great Flood of 1972” when the Little Elk River’s banks overflowed after receiving fourteen inches of rain and flooded the entire downtown area.  Along with the flood this community has had two major train derailments in town.  To clean up and rebuild the town the residents came together and made it an even more robust and energized community.  

PRESENT

There are many lakes near this community, the largest lakes being Lake Alexander, Fish Trap Lake and Lake Shamineau.  There are numerous smaller lakes just north of town in the “Enchanted Lakes” area as well as nearby Little Round Lake, Green Prairie Fish Lake and Round Lake, which provide ample recreation opportunities year-round.

Randall’s residents and business owners are very proud of their community.  They come together to help each other in times of need.  The two block business district is squeezed between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad and the Little Elk River.  There is one of just about every type of business providing for the needs of the town.  The downtown area offers a variety of businesses including Gosch’s grocery store and meat market, featuring homemade jerky and the “brat of the week” and the renowned Bermel’s Shoe store, established in 1917 and currently stocking over 10,000 pairs of shoes and boots from 23 different manufacturers.  Hair salons, restaurants, a coffee and quilt shop, auto repair, bank, lumber yard and implement/appliance dealer round out the business offerings.  As one resident said “we have everything we could ever need available right in our town.” 

The residents feel one of their most unique assets is how the community pulls together in times of tragedy.  Similar to the 1972 flood, they still work together to overcome difficult times for their own. Some examples of this include fundraising for families with medical needs and for a local hardware store that burned down.  All walks of life, young and old, students to farmers work together in times of need.  The military has a pronounced influence on the city.  Because of its proximity to Camp Ripley, Randall has a disproportionate number of residents that are veterans or are actively serving in the National Guard.  The VFW has a huge membership; they take a leadership role and participate fully in the events and activities in Randall.

There are many opportunities to be involved from structured community and business groups to the many events that bring the people of this city together. A few of these events are the 4th of July celebration and fireworks, Crazy Days, Treasure Day, Harvest Fest, Randall Holly days, community dinners and many more!

Randall identified these additional assets in their community:

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