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Bigfork Minnesota Community Guide
Location:
|
|
 |
| Bigfork, population
446, has been experiencing a steady growth and is the population
and business center in the north eastern portion of Minnesota’s
Itasca County. The Northeast portion of Itasca County is
labeled, and is often referred to as, the "Edge of the
Wilderness area.." Located in the heart of gorgeous lake
country, tourism is a significant part of the economy. An active
logging industry, including approximately 50 jobs at the Rajala
Lumber Mill, and almost 200 jobs at the nearby Bergquist
Company, a switch manufacturer, also help support a diversified
retail and recreation business in the City. Bigfork is a center
for rural health care, combining Bigfork Valley Hospital, Scenic
Rivers Health Systems medical clinic and Northland Dental
Clinic, Bigfork Valley Communities (long term care) and Bigfork
Valley Villa (senior apartments) into one health care campus.
The city is one of five neighboring communities that have banded
together to form the "Edge of the Wilderness". This unification
to help sustain economic growth is largely attributed to the
governing oversight of the Northern Itasca Joint Powers Board.
Courtesy
City of
Bigfork |
Population:
| Bigfork (city) |
1970 |
1980 |
1990 |
2000 |
2010 |
2000-2010 Change |
| Actual |
Percent |
| Population |
399 |
457 |
384 |
469 |
446 |
-23 |
-4.90 |
| Land Area (sq. mile) |
1.60 |
1.69 |
1.57 |
1.78 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Density (persons per sq. mile) |
249.4 |
270.4 |
244.6 |
263.5 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Housing Units |
157 |
188 |
175 |
226 |
241 |
15 |
6-64 |
| Households |
-- |
160 |
152 |
208 |
195 |
-13 |
-0.63 |
| Persons Per Household |
-- |
2.86 |
2.53 |
2.25 |
2.29 |
0.04 |
-- |
Geography:
Bigfork is a city in Itasca County, Minnesota. Minnesota
State Highway 38 serves as a main route in the community. Minnesota
State Highways 1 and 6 are nearby. According to the United States Census
Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.8 mi˛ (4.7 km˛). 1.8 mi˛ (4.6
km˛) of it is land and 0.04 mi˛ (0.1 km˛) of it (1.66%) is water. The
elevation is 1,309 ft (399 m) above sea level.
From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Demographics:
As of the census of 2000, there were 469 people, 208
households, and 110 families residing in the city. The
population density was 101.7/km˛ (263.5/mi˛). There were
226 housing units at an average density of 49.0/km˛
(127.0/mi˛). The racial makeup of the city was 97.65%
White, 1.71% Native American, 0.21% from other races,
and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of
any race were 1.07% of the population.
There were 208 households out of which
21.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them,
38.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a
female householder with no husband present, and 47.1%
were non-families. 42.8% of all households were made up
of individuals and 24.0% had someone living alone who
was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.68.
In the city the population was spread
out with 16.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24,
21.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 31.6% who
were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years.
For every 100 females there were 80.4 males. For every 100
females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.
The median income for a household in
the city was $24,167, and the median income for a family
was $36,250. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus
$19,886 for females. The per capita income for the city
was $14,455. About 6.0% of families and 12.3% of the
population were below the poverty line, including 14.3%
of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.
From
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
History:
BIGFORK Township and its railway village are named from their
location on the Big Fork River. The city of Bigfork was incorporated as
a village on January 17, 1907; settlement began in 1892 when Damase Neveaux
built a log cabin on the river and laid claim to a tract of pine timber.
It had a station of the Minneapolis and Rainy River Railway, and the post
office was established in 1902.
Like a lot of towns in Northern Minnesota,
Bigfork was created by loggers, fur traders and trappers. Its largest boom
was due to the major logging done in the early 20th century. This includes
the CCC camps of the Roosevelt Era and local mills, including Rajala Mill
Co. and Potlach, just to name a few who helped develop this area. More recently,
it has been somewhat of a hub for tourism activities due to the many lakes
in the area. Fishing in the summer is the main attraction, hunting in the
fall, snowmobiling in the winter, and a breathtaking natural beauty in the
spring.
Courtesy Minnesota
Historical Society
Government:
|
Bigfork City Hall
PO Box 196
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3782
Web:
www.cityofbigfork.com
City Hall
Hours: Tues - Thur, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
City Council Meetings:
Second Tuesday of the month at 6:00
pm at City Hall
|
 |
|
Title |
Term Ends |
Name and Address |
Phone |
| Mayor |
12/31/2012 |
Roger Logdahl
1205 E Ottum Avenue
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218)
743-6828 |
| Clerk/Treasurer |
appointed |
Wayne Cruse
PO Box 196
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218)
743-3782 |
| Council Member |
12/31/2014 |
Dan Heinecke
105 Rosy Street
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218) 743-4276 |
| Council Member |
12/31/2014 |
Krista Lane
202 Maple Street
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218) 410-2258 |
| Council Member |
12/31/2012 |
Amy Pifher
205 Ottum Avenue
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218) 743-2415 |
| Council Member |
12/31/2012 |
Robert Zimmer
7 Woodland Terrace
Bigfork, MN 56628 |
(218) 743-6177 |
Post
Office:
US Post Office
305 Main Street
Bigfork, MN 56628-2001
Phone: (218) 743-3561
Toll Free: (800) ASK-USPS
Web:
www.usps.com |
 |
Regular Business Hours:
Week Days
9:00 am - 12:30
pm
1:30
pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday
Closed |
Latest Collection at Post
Office:
Week Days
4:00 pm
Saturday
4:00 pm |
|
Utilities:
Major
Employers:
|
Bigfork Veterans Memorial, 2004
LakesnWoods.com Photo
|
|
For many more historic and recent Bigfork photos,
click to visit the
Bigfork Photo
Gallery
|
News:
Weather:
Map:
Minnesota State
Highway Map of the Bigfork Minnesota area
Events:
Attractions:
Edge Center for the
Arts
101 2nd Avenue
PO Box 303
Phone: (218) 743-6670
Web:
www.the-edge-center.orgDuring the first
full year in operation, the Edge Center for the Arts was in use
209 days. Besides the three local plays, seven exhibits, and the
school’s use of the building, the space hosted professional
touring shows and classes, a quilt exhibit, a hospital annual
meeting, community education classes, and even a wedding. August
of 2006 found thirty-six, young and old, men and women, and boys
and girls painting 15’ x 30’ scenic drop for the Bigfork
Centennial Celebration show that will be presented in August of
2007. The goal of building community through the arts is being
fulfilled at the Edge Center in Bigfork. |
 |
Edge
of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Highway 38 between Effie
and Grand RapidsThe adventurous
voyageurs of nearly 300 years ago discovered it and now you can,
too -- The Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway. Welcome
to Highway 38, one of the first 20 designated National Scenic Byways.
Travel this spectacular, winding byway by many pristine lakes,
forests, swamps, rolling hills, and other unique features.
Outdoor recreation, interpretive sites, and other exciting
opportunities await the traveler. During fall, the northwoods is
adorned with the brilliant colors of red sugar maples, bronze
oak trees and glowing gold aspen and birch. |
|
Recreation:
Chippewa National Forest
Phone: (218) 832-3161
Web:
www.fs.fed.us/r9/chippewa
Traveling to the Chippewa National Forest means
traveling "up north". The Forest, located in the heart of
northern Minnesota, is a celebration of seasons, culture, and
environment. This northern hardwood forest mixes between the
western prairies and the northern boreal forest to the north and
east. It is a Forest with shared boundaries-red oak to white
pine, wild ginger to wild rice and Canada lynx to sandhill
crane. The border is also shared between governments as well,
with the Chippewa National Forest working across shared borders
with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. If you would like to learn
more about what to see on the Chippewa NF, look at our
informational flyers. ENJOY the Chippewa National Forest! |
 |
Golf On The Edge
59851 County Road 261
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3626
Web:
www.golfontheedge.com
The course is 9 holes complete with a putting
green, chipping & pitching green and a 350 yard driving range.
It is not unusual to see deer, bear, timber wolves
or Canadian Geese on the course. The statuesque bear situated near
the clubhouse was donated to the course by the Baileys.
|
 |
Scenic State Park
56956 Scenic Highway 7
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3362
Web:
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/scenic
With its pristine lakes, virgin pines,
swimming beach, and nesting osprey, Scenic State Park is well deserving
of its name. Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic
views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle
through the the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include
campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a guest house. The
historic lodge houses interpretive displays. |
|
Lakes:
|
Lake Name |
Location |
Size
(acres) |
Lake info |
Lake Map |
Rec Map |
Topo Map |
| Anderson |
10
mi SE |
274 |
 |
|
|
|
| Antler |
9
mi SE |
306 |
|
|
|
|
| Aspen |
1
mi S |
96 |
|
|
|
|
| Bello |
7
mi SW |
493 |
|
|
|
|
| Bustic |
1/2
mi SW |
82 |
|
|
|
|
| Cedar |
3
mi SE |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
|
| Cemetery |
in
town |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
|
| Connors |
1
mi N |
135 |
|
|
|
|
| Coon |
6
mi SE |
627 |
|
|
|
|
| Gunderson |
5
mi SW |
146 |
|
|
|
|
| Hatch |
7
mi SW |
243 |
|
|
|
|
| Jingo |
4
mi SW |
77 |
|
|
|
|
| Johnson |
5
mi S |
305 |
|
|
|
|
| Lundeen |
4
mi S |
76 |
|
|
|
|
| Maple |
6
mi SW |
228 |
|
|
|
|
| Mike |
6
mi SW |
101 |
|
|
|
|
| Turtle |
8
mi SW |
2052 |
|
|
|
|
Health Care:
Bigfork Valley Hospital
258 Pine Tree Drive
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3177
Web:
www.bigforkvalley.org
Bigfork Valley is a diversified health care campus
in the heart of the northern Minnesota lakes and pines country.
On the shores of the Big Fork River, our facility offers state of
the art medical services and a variety of senior living options
– all under one roof.
|
 |
Taylor, Peter L DDS
303 Main Avenue
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3600 |
 |
Bigfork Merchandise:
Schools:
|
|
Bigfork Elementary
and High School
100 Husky Blvd
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3444
Web:
www.isd318.org/schools/Bigfork
Our school was established in 1925. In 1993, the
old school building was demolished and a new addition of our high
school was completed for the 1998-99 school year. This addition
compliments our elementary school built in 1988. We have a student
population of approximately 270, taking in a radius of 40 square
miles for student enrollment. Early Childhood Family Education and
Kindergarten through 12th grade are housed under one roof.
|
|
Churches:
Bigfork Assembly
of God Church
101 Golf Course Lane
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3500 |
|
Grace Community Church
- WELCA
Highway 38
PO Box 195
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3368
Web:
www.bigforklutheran.org
Pastor: Rev. Ryan Aarestad,
Sunday Worship: see website
|
|
Kingdom
Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Highway 38
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3275 |
|
Old Scenic Community
Church
25747 County Rd 340
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3953 |
 |
Our Lady
of Snows Catholic Church
302 Golf Course Lane
PO Box 11
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3255 |
|
Presbyterian Church
PO Box 1
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3783 |
 |
Riverside Church
63382 State Highway 6
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3219 |
|
Media:
|
|
TV Guide Listings:
-
Broadcast
-
Cable
-
DirecTV
-
Dish
Network |
|
Woodnews
Local news, weather and area information and Links
to the northern Minnesota communities of Marcell, Bigfork, Effie,Grand
Rapids and other areas of Itasca County Minnesota. Located in the
Chippewa National Forest, it also is home to The Edge of The Wilderness
Scenic Byway. We are located in Itasca County in Northern Minnesota.
We have Northern Minnesota news,Grand Rapids, Marcell and Bigfork
news as well as Itasca County news. We have links and information
on lodging, real estate, Vacations, The Edge Of the Wilderness,
canoeing, hunting, fishing, retirement, tourism and campgrounds.The
Chippewa National Forest is our home.
|
Motels:
Resorts:
Antler Lake Store & Lodge
51761 Scenic Highway 7
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 245-2369
Web: www.antlerlodge.com Antler Resort provides
wilderness beauty and recreation on 40 spacious acres surrounded
by the George Washington State Forest. We are easily accessible
off scenic Hwy 7, just south of the Scenic State Park.
|
 |
Arcadia Lodge
52001 County Rd 284
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 832-3852
Web:
www.arcadialodge.com
Located on the shores of Big Turtle Lake, Arcadia
Lodge is located in northeastern Minnesota, 30 miles north of Grand
Rapids, just off the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway.
It is completely surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest. Sparkling
clear blue waters, the call of the loon, a soaring eagle and the
tranquility of a new born fawn are all part of the true northwoods
getaway that our guests experience.
|
 |
Loon Point Resort
51898 County Road 310
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 245-1470
Toll Free: (800) 542-1470
Web:
www.loonpointresortmn.com
Loon Point Resort has a variety of offerings.
Clean, comfortable cabins, including 2 brand new log cabins, that
become your special vacation spot are awaiting your arrival. Each
cabin provides that special Minnesota Northwoods vacation, yet offers
the amenities you want to make your stay comfortable and easy-going.
All cabins are non-smoking.
|
 |
Maple Ridge Resort
42388 Turtle Lake Road
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 832-3837
Toll Free: (877) 261-3837
Web:
www.mapleridgeresort.comOn the shores
of Hatch Lake, nestled under huge Maple trees, you will find the
perfect Northwoods resort setting. We welcome you to vacation at
Maple Ridge Resort where you will find new and remodeled, spotless,
modern housekeeping cabins. Here at the "Edge of the Wilderness",
in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest, you will find a pleasant
blend of rustic charm and modern accommodations. We promise to provide
you with a quality vacation that will entice you to return year
after year. |
|
Sure Game Wilderness Resort
52385 County Road 31
Wirt, MN 56688
Phone: (218) 659-2740
Web:
www.suregameresort.comSureGame is a unique
resort nestled on the south shore of sparkling Clear Lake in the
Chippewa National Forest. We are open year around for vacations
and fishing. Trail riding or hiking, fall hunting, winter
fishing and snowmobiling are activities to experience while
staying at SureGame Wilderness Resort. We have nine modern
cabins with 5 that are on the lake and the Pine Lodge with a
huge deck that overlooks the sandy swimming beach. Come and
enjoy it! |
 |
Wilderness Lodge
51760 Becker Road
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3458
Web:
www.thewildernesslodge.comWilderness Lodge
is located deep in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest,
nestled in the pines along the shore of beautiful Turtle Lake.
Lost in time, this grand log estate once served as a booming
resort for fishermen, hunters, and families from across the
United States and Canada. Today, Wilderness Lodge is a secluded
Northwoods Bed and Breakfast Inn where guests can escape the
hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in the rustic
elegance of our luxury log cabins. |
 |
Campgrounds:
|
Lost Lake Campground
Bigfork, MN 56628
Phone: (218) 743-3362
Located in George Washington
State Forest on Lost Lake, managed by Scenic State Park. The
campground is considered "primitive," designed to furnish only
the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a
cleared area, fire ring, and table. In addition, vault toilets,
one dumpster, and drinking water are available. All sites are on
a first come, first served basis for a fee. The campground
features 15 campsites, and a boat ramp down the road along Lost
Lake. Lost Lake features panfish. |
 |
Businesses:
Aerial Photo:
Topographic Map:
[click image to enlarge, zoom in or zoom out]
Topographic map is courtesy of the Minnesota DNR
-
click map to zoom or enlarge
|
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