Little Falls, Minnesota
Encyclopedia
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,719 people (2008: 8,121 population), 3,197 households, and 1,899 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
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
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 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
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 16.5% Polish
Poles
thumb|right|180px|The state flag of [[Poland]] as used by Polish government and diplomatic authoritiesThe Polish people, or Poles , are a nation indigenous to Poland. They are united by the Polish language, which belongs to the historical Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages of Central Europe...
, 8.4% Norwegian
Norwegians
Norwegians constitute both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway. They share a common culture and speak the Norwegian language. Norwegian people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in United States, Canada and Brazil.-History:Towards the end of the 3rd...
and 7.8% Swedish ancestry according to Census 2000.
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
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
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
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
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
- Lindbergh Elementary
- Lincoln Elementary
- Mary of Lourdes Elementary
- Dr. S. G. Knight Elementary, a satellite school for the Little Falls district
- Little Falls Community Middle School
- Mary of Lourdes Middle School
- Little Falls Community High School
- Little Falls Continuing Education School
- Morrison County Learning Center School
- North Star Christian Academy
Attractions
Charles A. Lindbergh State ParkCharles A. Lindbergh State Park
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park is a 569 acre Minnesota state park on the outskirts of Little Falls. The park was once the farm of Congressman Charles August Lindbergh and his son Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator. Their restored 1906 house and two other farm buildings are within the park...
and Historical Site are located on the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
. This 436 acres (1.8 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.
Northern Pacific Railway Depot (Little Falls, Minnesota)
The Northern Pacific Railway Depot in Little Falls, Minnesota is a depot designed by notable architect Cass Gilbert in 1899. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985....
. 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
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Augustus Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S...
. 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
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
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 acres (283,280.2 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, tiger, timberwolves, bear, 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 Franciscans of Little Falls, Minnesota, in 1891.
Located above the confluence of Pike Creek and the Mississippi River is the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Memorial Museum. The museum is owned and operated by the Morrison County Historical Society. The museum contains exhibits, documents, and artifacts about the area. The museum was named for Charles A. Weyerhaeuser, a prominent lumberman in the area. Museum grounds are home to natural prairie gardens, a Victorian-style fountain, and a gazebo overlooking the river.
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. Burton owned dry goods stores throughout central and northern Minnesota. The home was sold to Christian Rosenmeier in 1921. Rosenmeier was an attorney for the Pine Tree Lumber Company, president of the American National Bank and American Savings and Trust Company and a Minnesota State Senator from 1922 to 1934. Rosenmeier's son, Gordon, was the next owner from 1932 to 1989. He was an attorney and a Minnesota State Senator, as well, serving from 1940 to 1971.
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 damLittle Falls Dam
Little Falls Dam is a hydroelectric dam across the Mississippi River in the city of Little Falls, Minnesota, United States.-History:The Little Falls Mill and Land Company was formed in 1849 to build a dam and a sawmill to supply lumber for buildings at Fort Ripley; but when settlers showed up in...
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.
Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair
An annual fair held the weekend after Labor DayLabor Day
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.-History:...
. Sponsored by the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce since 1972.
It is, by far, the busiest time of year for the scenic town.
Morrison County Fair
An annual fair held at the Morrison County Fairgrounds just northeast of town. The fairground also hosts many races and demolition derbies.Media
The Morrison County Record is a weekly newspaper published in Little Falls.Little Falls Radio Corporation has three stations:
- KLTFKLTFKLTF is a radio station broadcasting a News Talk Information format. Licensed to Little Falls, Minnesota, USA. It serves the entire Morrision County area...
AM 960 - WYRQWYRQ-FMWYRQ-FM is a radio station broadcasting a New Country format. Licensed to Little Falls, Minnesota, USA, the station serves the Morrison County, Minnesota, area. WYRQ-FM is located in a modern facility at 16405 Haven Road, with its two sister stations....
FM 92.1 - KFMLKFML (FM)KFML is a radio station licensed to Little Falls, Minnesota, USA. The station is currently owned by Little Falls Radio Corporation. It features the "Best of Yesterday and Today"....
FM 94.1
Central Minnesota Access Television operates two Public-access television
Public-access television
Public-access television is a form of non-commercial mass media where ordinary people can create content television programming which is cablecast through cable TV specialty channels...
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.
Notable people
- Paul Larson, founder, Larson Boats; Crestliner Boats; Larson Industries
- Fred ZollnerFred ZollnerFred Zollner was called "Mr. Pro Basketball" as the founder and longtime owner along with his sister Janet of the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons and a key figure in the merger of National Basketball League and Basketball Association of America into the National Basketball Association in 1949.Zollner,...
, founder of Fort Wayne Pistons (now Detroit) - Jim LangerJim LangerJames John Langer is a former American football center who played for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings. He is considered one of the greatest NFL centers of all time and a hard working and quick blocker...
, Pro Football Hall of Fame - Charles D. Martin, Notable resident of Little Falls (Charles D. Martin auditorium dedicated to him)
- Gale GillinghamGale GillinghamGale Herbert Gillingham , was an American guard who spent his entire ten-year professional football career in the National Football League with the Green Bay Packers ....
, Five time NFL All Pro Guard, 2 time Superbowl Champ, Green Bay Packers - Melvin J. Grams, World War II Veteran. Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
& Purple HeartPurple HeartThe Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
Recipient - Duane BobickDuane BobickDuane Bobick was a boxer from the United States, who became world amateur heavyweight champion in 1971, and also won the gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games...
, World Champion amateur heavyweight boxer; contender for Pro World heavyweight Championship - Louise ErdrichLouise ErdrichKaren Louise Erdrich, known as Louise Erdrich, is an author of novels, poetry, and children's books featuring Native American heritage. She is widely acclaimed as one of the most significant writers of the second wave of what critic Kenneth Lincoln has called the Native American Renaissance...
, National Book Award novelist - Meagan Nouis, World Record Holder in jogglingJogglingJoggling is a competitive sport that combines juggling and jogging. People who joggle are called jogglers.The most common objects used in joggling are juggling balls, or sometimes juggling clubs, but any set of three or more objects can be used. The juggling is usually done in a three-ball cascade...
- Charles A. Lindbergh, First person to non-stop solo fly Atlantic Ocean
- Joe BrinkmanJoe BrinkmanJoseph Norbert Brinkman is a former umpire in Major League Baseball who worked in the American League from 1973 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues from 2000 until his retirement during the 2006 season....
, American League baseball umpire - Miles, Grant and Vincent Dunne, the leaders of the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934The Minneapolis General Strike of 1934 grew out of a strike by Teamsters against most of the trucking companies operating in Minneapolis, a major distribution center for the Upper Midwest. The strike began on May 16, 1934 in the Market District and ensuing violence lasted periodically throughout...
. - William StobbWilliam Stobb-Life:He was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, graduated from the University of North Dakota and the University of Nevada. He teaches at Viterbo University....
, poet - Paul Krebs, catcher for Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...