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Backus Minnesota Community Guide

As of the census of 2000, there are 311 people, 123 households, and 83 families residing in the city. The population density is 200.1/km² (518.9/mi²). There are 194 housing units at an average density of 124.8/km² (323.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 98.07% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 0.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 123 households out of which 34.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.9% are married couples living together, 17.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% are non-families. 29.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.12.

In the city the population is spread out with 30.2% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 106.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 99.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $26,875, and the median income for a family is $32,500. Males have a median income of $26,563 versus $13,438 for females. The per capita income for the city is $12,077. 23.0% of the population and 16.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 36.4% of those under the age of 18 and 14.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Community Named for Lumber King

The community of Backus, located in central Cass County, took its name from one of the greatest lumbermen in Minnesota history.

Edward Wellington Backus was born in Jamestown, New York in 1860, and left a country school at the age of 18 to attend the University of Minnesota. His hard work eventually led to a position with the Twin Cities lumber firm of Lee and McCulloch. Wages amounted to $9 a week, but Backus had bigger plans.

As the years passed, he gained experience in the timber industry. By 1890, he had built sawmills that were the second largest in Minneapolis.

In August of 1893 a fire hit the booming city, destroying 20 blocks of homes, factories and the Backus mills. With insurance money, Backus bought another mill, only to have it, too, destroyed by fire a short time later.

Meanwhile, the timber industry moved northward. Tall pine stands in Cass and Itasca Counties attracted attention from enterprising mill owners. Edward Backus was not going to be left behind.

The E.W. Backus Lumber Company, which later became the Backus and Brooks Lumber Company, was established in Powers Township of Cass County around 1898. Lumber camps were constructed, and nearby buildings to house employees and a warehouse were added to the landscape. As more and more families made this area their home, the settlement became a town. The community was incorporated in 1902, and appropriately, the name Backus was adopted by its founders.

Edward Backus was still looking North, however. In following years, he built a dam and papermills near the Canadian border. He also added hundreds of miles of logging railroad to his new operations.

Across the United States, however, the economy was seriously strained. The Great Depression arrived, and with it thousands of businesses were bankrupted.

On March 1, 1931, the world of Edward Backus collapsed. The lumberman faced debts he could not pay. With only memories of a life of prosperity, he was nearly penniless. His innovative mind was still active, however, and. when he died — just two and a half years later in a New York hotel — he was planning yet another timber empire, this time in Alaska.

From "In Our Own Backyard" by Carol Russell
© 1979, North Central Minnesota Historical Center

Minnesota State Highway Map of the Backus Minnesota area

Black Bear Golf Course 2898 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2241 Phone: (218) 587-8800

Lake Name	Size (acres)	Location	Lake info	Lake Map	Rec Map	Topo Map
Big Portage	918	6 mi E of Backus
Bowen	176	.5 mi E of Backus
Brockway	85	3 mi E of Backus
Horseshoe	225	3 mi NE of Backus
Lind (Lindsay)	377	.5 mi E of Backus
Loon	n/a	4 mi NE of Backus
Pine Mountain	1567	W edge of Backus
Sandborn	233	3 mi E of Backus

Backus Church of the Nazarene 618 State Highway 371 NW PO Box 41 Backus, MN 65435 Phone: (218) 947-4243 Pastor:  Greg Baker Sunday Worship:  10:45 am
Bethlehem Lutheran Church 2185 State Highway 64 SW Backus, MN 56435-2407 Phone: (218) 947-3350 Pastor:  Sunday Worship:
Emmanuel Lutheran Church 603 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4182 Pastor:  Ronald Carnicom Sunday Worship:  10:00 am
Lakeside Baptist Church 125 Church Lane Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4955 Web: www.lakesidebaptistchurch-backus.org Pastor:  Jeffrey Broom Sunday Worship:  10:15 am
Mildred Bible Chapel 3466 14th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2236 Phone: (218) 587-2562 Web: www.mildredbiblechapel.com Pastor:  Dennis Gillerman Sunday Worship:  10:45 am

Ada Pine Beach Resort 621 12th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2283 Phone: (218) 587-2494
Bayside Cabins & Bike Rental 206 Rosalind Avenue W Backus, MN 56435-2198 Phone: (218) 947-3344 North Central Minnesota's family vacation, biking and fishing resort in the heart of Lake Country. We set out to make BaySide a special place in the sun for you. A retreat based upon the slower-paced activities and leisurely days that you knew in your childhood. A place where you can get back in touch with yourself, your family and your friends. A place and a time you'll remember and want to come back to again and again. Your place in the quiet of the Minnesota northwoods.
Idle-A-While Resort 2263 E Long Lake Drive NW Backus, MN 56435-2116 Phone: (218) 682-2483
Mountain View Resort 590 Wood Street N Backus, MN 56435-2194 Phone: (218) 947-3233 Web: www.mtnviewresort.com In addition to fishing, Mountain View Resort features several outdoor activities: Basketball, Bicycles, Sandbox, Swingset, Campfires, Horseshoes, Badminton, Grills, Paddleboat and Canoe. Four RV sites on the grounds of Mountain View Resort. Each site includes water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Besides our hospitality, you and your family or friends will enjoy fishing, boating and the beautiful view of Pine Mountain Lake.
Portage Camp Resort 1122 W Big Portage Lake Dr NW Backus, MN 56435-3038 Phone: (218) 947-4400
Sandy Pines Resort 2731 Raven Lane NW Backus, MN 56435-3034 Phone: (218) 947-4467
Tuck-a-Way Resort & Campground 70 Lake Hattie Drive NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 587-4725 Web: www.tuck-a-way.net Located on beautiful Lake Hattie amidst the towering Norway pines, with wilderness trails and lakeshore for you to explore. Enjoy great fishing, hiking, a day at the beach or simply relaxing. During the winter you can do a little ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling or some cross-country skiing over the 1,800 acres surrounding the resort. Additional notes: We have 2 non-smoking cabins and 10 seasonal campsites.

A E Web Design 511 Wood Street N Backus, MN 56435-2194 Phone: (218) 947-3297
Advantage Heating and Cooling 2648 State Highway 87 NW Backus, MN 56435-3033 Phone: (218) 947-4480
Air D 397 Airport Road Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3100 Web: www.flyaird.com Quality personalized flight instruction to fit your needs. I do not over book my planes. Never a dissatisfied customer.
Alcoholics Anonymous 2305 State Highway 64 SW Backus, MN 56435-2400 Phone: (218) 947-3241
All Occasions Yard Design 4231 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2224 Phone: (218) 851-6854
All-Star Fitness & Tan 4193 6th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2097 Phone: (218) 947-3191
American Legion 426 Wren Trail NW Backus, MN 56435-2002 Phone: (218) 947-3156
B & L Automotive Service 107 Washburn Avenue E Backus, MN 56435-4500 Phone: (218) 947-4911 Web: www.tireone.com/Dealers/bandlautomotive
Backus Area Head Start Center 320 1st Avenue E Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4813
Backus Distributing 5108 State Highway 87 SW Backus, MN 56435-2208 Phone: (218) 947-3617
Backus Locker 111 Front Street N Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4220 Web: www.backuslocker.com An old fashioned meat market where "Our customers are our Top Priority". Fish & Poultry Smoking, BBQ Hog, Big Game Registation Station, Gift Certificates, Locker Rental, Quick and Easy Gift Ideas
Backus Lumber & Supply 4169 4th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2511 Phone: (218) 947-3456
Backus Municipal Airport 397 Airport Road Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4877
Backus Trading Post 489 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435-2487 Phone: (218) 947-4225
Beautiful World Photography 405 Pine Mountain Lake Road NW Backus, MN 56435-2081 Phone: (218) 947-3071
Black Bear Golf Course 2898 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2241 Phone: (218) 587-8800
Brad Travis Construction 1547 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435-2100 Phone: (218) 947-3024
Bristow's Photography 1385 28th Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2330 Phone: (218) 587-4642
Bruce's Contracting Inc 2050 County Road 41 NW Backus, MN 56435-2031 Phone: (218) 947-3353
Bud's Refrigeration Service 1027 28th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2168 Phone: (218) 947-4077
Burns Brothers Masonry 823 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435-2098 Phone: (218) 947-3633
Cass County Housing Authority 218 Washburn Avenue E Backus, MN 56435-2548 Phone: (218) 947-3993
Cass County Transfer Station & Recycling Center 1705 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2434 Phone: (218) 587-3500
Chitwood Oil Company 4165 4th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2511 Phone: (218) 947-4433
Connie's Salon 215 Carpenter Street Backus, MN 56435-2209 Phone: (218) 947-3789
Contrac Inc 1635 E Ponto Lake Road NW Backus, MN 56435-2453 Phone: (218) 682-3100
Corner Store 402 Wren Trail NW Backus, MN 56435-2002 Phone: (218) 947-4115
Country Garden Center 691 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4545
D C Motor Sports & Small Engine 285 Hickory Trail NW Backus, MN 56435-2440 Phone: (218) 947-4747
D J's Liquor Outlet 406 Wren Trail NW Backus, MN 56435-2002 Phone: (218) 947-3705
Dave's Stoneworks 4130 4th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2511 Phone: (218) 947-3375
Day Excavating 290 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2401 Phone: (218) 947-3311
Discount Stump Grinding 129 King Street N Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3345
Doug's Gunsmith Shop 3929 8th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2514 Phone: (218) 947-3600
Eveland's Welding Shop 4161 4th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2511 Phone: (218) 947-4114
F & S Transmission 4187 16th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2101 Phone: (218) 947-3363
First National Bank of Walker 620 Washburn Avenue E Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3111
Foothills Ceramic Tile 875 72nd Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2486 Phone: (218) 947-4560
Godfrey's Backus Hardware 964 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435-2441 Phone: (218) 947-4131
Godfrey's Just Ask Rental 964 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435-2441 Phone: (218) 947-4131
Gormley Insurance 1762 State Highway 84 NW Backus, MN 56435-3010 Phone: (218) 682-2822
Hagerty Masonry 3509 4th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2351 Phone: (218) 947-4901
Heartland Real Estate 206 Front Street S Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 587-4424
Henry's Woodworking 944 24th Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2271 Phone: (218) 587-4899 Web: www.henryswoodworking.com Since 1980, Henry's Woodworking has been producing outstanding, reasonably priced wood items, ranging from furniture to custom cabinets. We have more than 35 years of woodworking experience and are dedicated to creating gorgeous long-lasting wood furniture.
Hopkins Strip Shop 4219 18th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2103 Phone: (218) 947-4962 Toll Free: (888) 403-5868
Jim's Off Sale 695 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3290
Keefe Heating Air & Appliance 559 Nuthatch Loop NW Backus, MN 56435-2095 Phone: (218) 947-3210
Kenly Law Offices 1843 W Ox Yoke Road NW Backus, MN 56435-2024 Phone: (218) 947-3000
L & M Upholstery 2245 38th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2028 Phone: (218) 947-4086
Lake Region Heating & Cooling 2402 Rice Portage Trail NW Backus, MN 56435-2160 Phone: (218) 947-3575
Lakes Area Dock Service 1030 40th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2005 Phone: (218) 947-3275
Losgauchos Ranch 722 76th Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2051 Phone: (218) 947-3777
M A G Computers 109 Front Street N Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4424
Mark Beckler Masonry 730 30th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2305 Phone: (218) 947-3192
Midwest Real Estate 580 44th Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2347 Phone: (218) 947-4473
Mold Designs & Plastics 1153 State Highway 84 NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3984
Mountain View Resort 590 Wood Street N Backus, MN 56435-2194 Phone: (218) 947-3233 Web: www.mtnviewresort.com In addition to fishing, Mountain View Resort features several outdoor activities: Basketball, Bicycles, Sandbox, Swingset, Campfires, Horseshoes, Badminton, Grills, Paddleboat and Canoe. Four RV sites on the grounds of Mountain View Resort. Each site includes water, sewer, and electrical hookups. Besides our hospitality, you and your family or friends will enjoy fishing, boating and the beautiful view of Pine Mountain Lake.
Nadeau's Rods and Restoration 3067 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2240 Phone: (218) 587-5559
Nature's Bounty Basket Boutique 4219 18th Street NW Backus, MN 56435-2103 Phone: (218) 851-6775
North Pine River Tire Service 1702 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2434 Phone: (218) 587-2405
Northland Septic Maintenance 1275 Pine Mountain Lake Rd NW Backus, MN 56435-2085 Phone: (218) 947-4999 Web: www.northlandseptic.com
Patchwork Quilt Studio 1174 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2395 Phone: (218) 587-2250
Pete Trapp Structures 1024 Taylor Road NW Backus, MN 56435-2173 Phone: (218) 947-4505
Pine Arts 720 28th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2360 Phone: (218) 947-3585
Pine Mountain Daycare 541 43rd Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2094 Phone: (218) 947-3571
Pine Mountain Inn Bed & Breakfast 205 King Street Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3050
Pine Mountaineer Seniors Club 131 Front Street N Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3844
Red Pine Log Homes Inc 147 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2402 Phone: (218) 947-3666
Rudy's Taxidermy 5509 State 87 Highway SW Backus, MN 56435-2074 Phone: (218) 947-4821
Saint Croix Valley Hardwoods 2097 15th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2141 Phone: (218) 947-3579
Salty Dog Saloon & Eatery 3380 State Highway 87 NW Backus, MN 56435-3042 Phone: (218) 947-4446
Sandoz Crafts 1283 Island Lake Drive NW Backus, MN 56435-2088 Phone: (218) 947-3371
Sawyer Timber Company 137 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2402 Phone: (218) 947-4032
Scamp Trailer Sales 507 State Highway 371 Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-4932
Soukup Brothers Construction 838 20th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2149 Phone: (218) 947-3004
Southfork Rice Company PO Box 187 Backus MN 56435 Web: www.lakerice.com Our wild rice is 100% lake rice. Not paddy rice or cultivated rice.
Thaler Electric 3332 State Highway 87 NW Backus, MN 56435-3042 Phone: (218) 947-3858
33 Ranch & Saddlery 9365 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435-2057 Phone: (218) 947-3711
Timberwolf Lumber Inc 137 State Highway 371 SW Backus, MN 56435-2402 Phone: (218) 947-3662
Tom's House Painting 785 28th Avenue SW Backus, MN 56435-2327 Phone: (218) 587-3237
Tuck-a-Way Resort & Campground 70 Lake Hattie Drive NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 587-4725 Web: www.tuck-a-way.net Located on beautiful Lake Hattie amidst the towering Norway pines, with wilderness trails and lakeshore for you to explore. Enjoy great fishing, hiking, a day at the beach or simply relaxing. During the winter you can do a little ice fishing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling or some cross-country skiing over the 1,800 acres surrounding the resort. Additional notes: We have 2 non-smoking cabins and 10 seasonal campsites.
Universal Cabin Care 715 State Highway 371 NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3748
Universal Shoreline 715 State 371 Frontage NW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3726 Web: www.universalshoreline.com Universal Shoreline dock service and sales from Whitefish Chain to Leech Lake Walker MN. Our dedicated staff is here to insure that your new Boat or Dock Lift goes smoothly. From Coordinationg delivery times with your marina to winterizing and storing your watercraft, we will be with you year, after fun filled year.
Wageman's Rabbit Choker Ranch 8342 12th Street SW Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3382 Web: www.rabbitchoker.com Wagemans Rabbit Choker Ranch. Standing AQHAs, Edge of Greatness and Chip of Amos. Horses for sale, foals available. stop by and say howdy.
Westphal Small Engine Repair 2295 38th Avenue NW Backus, MN 56435-2028 Phone: (218) 947-3301
Willard's Saloon & Eatery 121 Front Street N Backus, MN 56435 Phone: (218) 947-3832

Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR - click map to zoom or enlarge

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