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As of the
census2
of 2000, there were 264 people, 134 households, and 73
families residing in the city. The
population density was 16.9/km˛ (43.7/mi˛). There
were 191 housing units at an average density of 12.2/km˛
(31.6/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city was 98.11%
White, 0.38%
Native American, 0.38%
Asian, and 1.14% from two or more races.
There were 134 households out of which
21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them,
42.5% were
married couples living together, 8.2% had a female
householder with no husband present, and 44.8% were
non-families. 41.8% of all households were made up of
individuals and 17.9% had someone living alone who was
65 years of age or older. The average household size was
1.97 and the average family size was 2.61.
In the city the population was spread
out with 19.7% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24,
24.6% from 25 to 44, 30.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who
were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46
years. For every 100 females there were 109.5 males. For
every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.8
males.
The median income for a household in
the city was $26,458, and the median income for a family
was $28,125. Males had a median income of $24,375 versus
$17,083 for females. The
per capita income for the city was $14,528. About
12.0% of families and 14.7% of the population were below
the
poverty line, including 20.0% of those under the age
of eighteen and 7.3% of those sixty five or over.
Big Falls (1,240 alt., 509 pop.), in the fertile
valley and on the falls of the Big Fork River (see Littlefork), is
the center of an agricultural area; though its main industry is
lumbering.
Although Indians did not live in the immediate area, they paddled
through it over the Sturgeon and Big Fork rivers to Rainy Lake and
Lake of the Woods. Fur traders probably followed this route and,
from evidence found, may have built a post for the Hudson's Bay
Company on the Sturgeon River, a short distance from the site of Big
Falls. At the turn of the century came lumbermen, attracted by pine
forests and available water power. A railroad, the Big Fork and
Northern, was built from Northome to Big Falls and, in 1905, was
leased to the Minnesota and International, the Brainerd to
International Falls branch of the Northern Pacific, by which it is
still controlled.
Farming developed as the land was cleared. The deep, black, sandy
loam is adapted especially to clover, potatoes, and small grains.
Blueberries are an important summer crop. Good highways leading in
all directions make markets easily accessible. Although farming is
becoming more and more important, lumbering still leads. Quantities
of pulpwood, cedar ties and poles are shipped each year, and many
men are given employment in the logging camps in winter.
A hydroelectric power plant, owned locally by the
Croswell Power and Light Company, has been built south of the falls
of the Big Fork River, one-fourth of a mile from town.
Also along the Big Fork River is a forestry
station and a fire tower, which with several office buildings and
living quarters comprise the unit. It operates in conjunction with
CCC Camp 4701, one mile east, and Center Camp in the Pine Island
Forest, 25 miles west.
In 1939, US Highway 71 received black-top
treatment from Big Falls to the Canadian border, and the work is
being continued south to Big Falls.
The Byman Museum in Big Falls, with its Indian
relics, arrowheads, pictures, oddities, and other interesting
features, is open to the public.
East of town and on the Big Fork River is the
Mission Covenant Church District Bible Camp, which is open for ten
days each summer and offers vacation possibilities for rest,
devotion, and instruction.
Game is plentiful and duck hunting is especially
popular. There is good fishing in the three near-by streams: the
Sturgeon, Big Fork, and Little Fork. This is a potential tourist
center, for it is close to wilderness and lake regions, and there
are numerous tourist parks and campgrounds.
Have your picture taken next the wood carved statue of Uncle Dan
Campbell. Who is Uncle Dan Campbell, you ask? We don't know, but he
sure has a great statue! Please write us if you know a little about
Uncle Dan.
The Littlefork-Big
Falls School District is located in north-central Minnesota, just 10
miles from the Canadian-U.S. border. Encompassing nearly 900 square
miles, the district serves an estimated 350 students in grades K-12.
An active preschool program adds nearly 60 students and serves youth
ages 3-5.
In the fall of 1997 the district moved into a new K-12 facility
in Littlefork. This $10,000,000 facility houses some of the best
technology you will find in a public school.
Because the school is centrally located in the city of Littlefork,
it is easily accessible for the whole community. The city provides
the community with many features, including a Medical Center, an
active Chamber of Commerce, several downtown stores, two banks, and
two city parks.
Our City Campground offers complete camping and picnicing
facilities. It is nestled between the whispering pines and the
rushing Bigfork River rapids. There are full electric and water
hookups for RVs, as well as tent sites available. Clean indoor
bathroom and shower facilities on site.
We offer canoeing
and kayaking unlike anywhere in the world...
The Big Fork River offers 166 miles of tranquil waters and
picturesque forests. Although the Big Fork is often very placid,
the current can be quick and powerful when the water level is
high. There are only two stretches that are difficult enough to
require portage: Little American Falls (Class III-IV) and Big
Falls (Class IV-V).
For the fishing enthusiast, the river
offers an excellent variety of fishing opportunities. Sturgeon,
Muskie, Walleye, Small Mouth Bass, and Northern Pike populate
this river.
If you're looking for wildlife, you won't be disappointed.
White tail deer make
frequent
appearances along the shoreline, especially near dusk. The great
bald eagle will often be seen soaring overhead. Many
species of ducks may accompany you for stretches of your
journey. Beaver and otter are also a common sight on the river
banks. Countless varieties of songbirds inhabit the Big Fork
River Valley. Moose, timberwolves, and black bear have also been
spotted by some of our fortunate guests.
Willow Creek Furniture
610 2nd Street NW
Big Falls, MN 56627
Phone: (218) 276-2262
Aerial Photo: [click photo to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]
Aerial photo is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR
-
click map to zoom or enlarge
Topographic Map: [click
map to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]
Topographic map is courtesy of
the Minnesota DNR -
click map to zoom or enlarge
frequent
appearances along the shoreline, especially near dusk. The great
bald eagle will often be seen soaring overhead. Many
species of ducks may accompany you for stretches of your
journey. Beaver and otter are also a common sight on the river
banks. Countless varieties of songbirds inhabit the Big Fork
River Valley. Moose, timberwolves, and black bear have also been
spotted by some of our fortunate guests.
