Little Falls, Minnesota

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.78 square miles (20.15 km²), of which 7.24 square miles (18.75 km²) is land and 0.54 square miles (1.40 km²) is water.

U.S. Highway 10 and Minnesota State Highways 27 and 371 are three of the main routes in the city.

Little Falls is also the eastern terminus of Minnesota Highway 28, which heads to Browns Valley at its western terminus at the Minnesota–South Dakota border. Highway 28 is co-signed with Highway 27, 12 miles west of town, until it turns towards Swanville. Highway 28 is unsigned until outside of the city limits.

Minnesota Highway 238 is also nearby linking Minnesota Highway 27 at Little Falls to Interstate 94 (I-94) in Albany, Minnesota, 35 miles south of Little Falls.

Little Falls formerly featured a large ravine, which ran through the east side business district, past the Morrison County Courthouse and the original Little Falls City Hall. The ravine served as an outflow for excess water from Fletcher Creek, which flows into the Mississippi River about 6 miles north of the city. Filling of the ravine began in the 1880s, continuing until the 1950s. It was directly filled with dirt in some locations, while buildings were built over it in other places.

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 8,343 people, 3,608 households, and 2,055 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,152.3 inhabitants per square mile (444.9/km²). There were 3,867 housing units at an average density of 534.1 per square mile (206.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.1% White, 0.8% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 3,608 households of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.0% were non-families. 36.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the city was 40.9 years. 22.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.4% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 20.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 7,719 people (2008: 8,121 population), 3,197 households, and 1,899 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,232.5 people per square mile (476.1/km²). There were 3,358 housing units at an average density of 536.2 per square mile (207.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.21% White, 0.49% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population. 38.2% were of German, 16.5% Polish, 8.4% Norwegian and 7.8% Swedish ancestry.

There were 3,197 households out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the city, the population was spread out with 24.9% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,547, and the median income for a family was $40,298. Males had a median income of $30,925 versus $22,922 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,924. About 9.2% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 23.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Little Falls has several schools which include:

Attractions

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and Historical Site are located on the Mississippi River. This 436 acres (1.76 km²) park was established in 1931 in memory of Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. The historical site includes the home where the world-famous aviator spent summers next to the Mississippi River and also a visitor's center that tells the Lindbergh family story and displays a full size replica of The Spirit of St. Louis cockpit. The home, with its original family furnishings and possessions, is available for an informational tour.

Created by artist Frank Gosiak, two large colored murals, depicting the logging era and main street Little Falls in the early 1900s, grace the façade of the Hennepin Paper Co. warehouse on Broadway Avenue West across from Cass Gilbert Depot. A third Gosiak mural "Door Into the Past" depicts the history of Little Falls evolving into present day Little Falls. The mural is located at the intersection of Broadway Avenue East and Second Street. Also there are two public frescoes that make their home in Lindbergh Elementary School. Both were created by local artist Charles Kapsner. The first, "The Stewardship" was completed in 1994 and portrays the values of famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. This fresco may be seen at all times of the day from 9th Street SE as it is placed in a glass hall. The other fresco, "Beginnings", is housed in the interior of the school. It depicts the origins of Central Minnesota life and history.

The mansions of Charles A. Weyerhaeuser and Richard "Drew" Musser stand on 1st St SE alongside the Mississippi River and adjacent to Maple Island Park. These houses are furnished with antiques and original belongings of the entrepreneurial families who once occupied them. Today the estates are collectively referred to as the Linden Hill Historical Event Center and are used for education, tours, overnight stays, conferences/retreats, weddings, family reunions and assorted special events.

Pine Grove Primeval Park and Zoo is located on the west side of town and nestled amongst the towering pines of a 70-acre (280,000 m²) park features a zoo, walking trails, picnic and playground area, a granite "council circle", and a rustic log shelter. The zoo is home to a variety of exotic, native and domestic animals which include: cougars, bobcats, tigers, timber wolves, bears, pronghorn, bison, elk, white tail deer, prairie dogs, yaks and a petting stable.

On the southeast side of town there is the St. Francis Convent and Campus. St. Francis Covent was founded by the Roman Catholic order of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Little Falls, Minnesota, in 1891.

The Morrison County Historical Society owns and operates The Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum, which is located on the west side of the Mississippi River above the confluence of Pike Creek. The museum was named for Charles A. Weyerhaeuser, a prominent lumberman who managed the Pine Tree Lumber Company. The Weyerhaeuser Museum property adjoins the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site and Lindbergh State Park. The museum was built as the new home of the Morrison County Historical Society between 1974 and 1975, with the official dedication on August 24, 1975. Prior to this, the Morrison County Historical Society, which was founded in 1936, made its home in the basement of the Historic Morrison County Courthouse. The Weyerhaeuser Museum contains exhibits of three-dimensional artifacts and a full archive of documents, newspapers and photos related to county history. Museum grounds are home to natural prairie gardens, a Victorian-style fountain, and a gazebo overlooking the river.The Weyerhaeuser Museum is open year-round to visitors and researchers.

The Minnesota Fishing Museum (MFM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the heritage and history of freshwater fishing in Minnesota. The MFM features over 8,000 artifacts in two large display rooms, the O'FISH-L Gift Shop plus tourism and DNR information. The MFM and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partner in the MinnAqua education programs. The MFM is also host of the Let's Go Fishing Minnesota, Little Falls Chapter.

The Paul Larson Memorial Museum, owned by John Monahan, is a collection of boats, motors and trailers. The museum is a tribute to Paul Larson, founder of the Little Falls-based Larson Boats, as well as the Fred Larson Wildlife Animal Collection.

The Burton-Rosenmeier House was built in 1903 for Barney Burton. Barney Burton, born to Isaac and Sarah Burton, was the seventh of eight children. At the age of 18, he moved from Wisconsin to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he engaged in the clothing and men's furnishing business with his brother, Jacob, as a partner. In 1886, they moved their business to Little Falls, but in 1891, the brothers dissolved their partnership. Nevertheless, the business kept growing and the Barney Burton Clothing Store became the largest mercantile business in Morrison County. Barney Burton married Sarah Deautsch, of Minneapolis, in 1894. Sarah died after the birth of their daughter. In 1898, Barney married Josephine, a sister of Sarah, and had three children. At the turn of the century, they were becoming increasingly prosperous in the Little Falls community and began their process of planning and building a home. In 1903, they started to build their house in the Classical Revival Style. Barney died of a heart attack in 1942 and Josephine died in 1953. Christian and Linda Rosenmeier moved to Little Falls in 1914 and resided in a flat over the Barney Burton Clothing Store. In 1921, they purchased the home with their three children, Gordon, Margaret and Donald from the Burton family. Christian had a long career as an attorney, a president of the American National Bank and American Savings and Trust Company, and as a Minnesota State Senator from 1922 to 1932. As a State Senator, he was the author of the legislation, and helped in establishing Camp Ripley and Lindbergh State Park. Gordon Rosenmeier, the oldest son of Christian, followed in his father's footsteps. In 1940, he was elected to the unexpired term of the late senator Fred Miller of Little Falls, and he served in the Minnesota State Senate under eight successive governors. During his three decades of service, he authored a succession of major bills that left a lasting impression on the affairs of all Minnesotans. On a wider scale, these men were respected "movers" and "shakers in the development of policies and laws that made the state of Minnesota a better place to live. Gordon was also a corporate attorney for the local lumber barons, R.D. Musser and C.A. Weyerheauser, whose mansions are on the adjacent property to the Rosenmeier estate. The story of Gordon would not be complete without mentioning his dearest friend and companion, Margaret Hastings. After her divorce, she resettled in Brainerd where she had accepted a teaching position. Gordon provided advice and counsel in her relocation process. Margaret served as a sounding board for Gordon's pursuit of better government. She became an active participant in documenting Gordon's political life through a series of scrapbooks she had kept, which provided an orderly collection of media commentary. The Burton-Rosenmeier House serves as the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Little Falls Dam Festival

Beginning in 2005, the Dam Festival is an annual event that takes place in Maple Island Park, LeBourget Park and surrounding areas near the town's dam in late June. Activities include street dances, simple games, face painting, food, a petting zoo, pony rides, bingo, karaoke, a parade, and specialty shows. The event usually culminates with a fireworks show over the Mississippi River.

In June 2013, The Voice USA season 3 contestant Nicholas David performed a concert at the festival.

Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair

The Arts and Craft Fair is an annual fair held the weekend after Labor Day. It is sponsored by the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce since 1972.

It is, by far, the busiest time of year for the scenic town.

Little Falls Antiques and Collectibles Fair

This event held the weekend after Labor Day as well. It is held at Le Bourget Park on the West Side of town. Sponsored by the West Side Improvement Association.

Lone Eagle Auto Club Car Show

Held the Sunday after Labor Day at the Morrison County Fairgrounds. Antique Car Show and swap meet.

Morrison County Fair

An annual fair held at the Morrison County Fairgrounds northeast of town.

Greater Minnesota Two-Cylinder Club Annual Field Days

The club hosts this show the First Weekend in May Annually out at the Morrison County Fairgrounds. It features plowing, a swap meet, consignment auction, flea market, antique tractor pull, and more!

Media

The Morrison County Record is a weekly newspaper published in Little Falls.

Little Falls Radio Corporation has three stations:

Central Minnesota Access Television operates two Public-access television cable TV channels, (Channel 6 and Channel 12), that serve as a medium for community updates, as well as events like school sports, concerts, and fitness programs. The channels were originally broadcast out of Little Falls Community High School, but were moved to the Great River Arts Center in downtown Little Falls.

Sister cities