Little Falls, Minnesota

Little Falls is a city in Morrison County, Minnesota, was established in 1848 and is one of the oldest cities in the state of Minnesota. Little Falls is close to the geographic center of the state. The population was 7,719 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Morrison County⁶. Little Falls is the location of the boyhood home of Charles Lindbergh. The home now serves as a museum. Just across from the home is Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, named after Lindbergh's father, prominent Minnesota lawyer and U.S. Congressman Charles August Lindbergh. Little Falls is also home to Pine Grove Park, which contains a zoo on the west side of town.

The town was named after falls that were located on the Mississippi River, which travels through the town. Several attempts to build dams over the falls took place throughout the town's history, some of which powered saw mills in the nineteenth century. [1] Today, the Little Falls Dam serves as a hydroelectric station that generates power for the surrounding area.

Geography

Location of Little Falls, Minnesota

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.5 km² (6.8 mi²). 16.2 km² (6.3 mi²) of it is land and 1.3 km² (0.5 mi²) of it (7.40%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 7,719 people, 3,197 households, and 1,899 families residing in the city. The population density was 476.1/km² (1,232.5/mi²). There were 3,358 housing units at an average density of 207.1/km² (536.2/mi²). 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.

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.

Schools

Little Falls has several schools which include:

• Lindbergh Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Mary of Lourdes Elementary (MOLES)
• Dr. S. G. Knight Elementary (a satelite school for the Little Falls district)

• Little Falls Community Middle School
• Mary of Lourdes Middle School (MOLMS)

• Little Falls Community High School

The high school is the largest between 800 and 1,000 students. [2]

Churches

• Little Falls Assembly of God (AG)
• Bethel Lutheran (ELCA)
• Calvary Apostolic Church
• Christian and Missionary Alliance Church
• Christian Life Church of God (COG-CT)
• Church of the Nazarene
• Episcopal Church of Our Savior
• Faith, Hope & Love Fellowship (Rhema)
• First Baptist (Ind)
• First Lutheran (ELCA)
• First United (UM & UCC)
• Grace Covenant (NCCC & ECCA)
• Holy Family (RC)
• Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall
• Our Lady of Lourdes (RC)
• Peace Lutheran
• Sacred Heart Chapel (RC)
• St. Mary’s Church (RC)
• Zion Lutheran (LC-MS)

[3]

Attractions

Charles A. Lindbergh State Park and Historical Site are located on the Mississippi River. This 436-acre park was established in 1931 in memory of Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr. Fishing, Canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and Cross-country skiing are popular recreation activities available.[4] 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. [5] The home with its original family furnishings and possessions — where Lindbergh dreamed of adventures to come is available for an informational tour. [6]

In mid September, the annual Little Falls Arts and Craft Fair draws over 100,000 people to the city with over 800 vendors of a variety of different products, all of which have to be handcrafted, from jewelry, clothing, decor, and food. [7]

Created by artist Frank Gosiak, two large colored murals, depicting the logging era and main street Little Falls in the early 1900's, 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. [8] Also there are two public frescoes that make their home in Lindberg 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. It may be seen by appointment. [9]

The homes of Charles A. Weyerhaeuser and Richard "Drew" Musser stand on 1st St SE along side the Mississippi River and adjacent to Maple Island Park. These houses are furnished with antiques and original belongings of the entreprenerial families who once occupied them. Today the estates are collectively referred to as "Linden Hill" and are used for for overnight stays, conferences/retreats, family reunions, special events and tours. [10] \

  Maple Island Park, along side the Mississippi River, is host to a variety of local events such as summer concerts,  [11]

The Minnesota Military Museum located seven miles north of Little Falls in the Camp Ripley Military Reservation at Highway 371. Indoor and outdoor exhibits provide refection upon Minnesotans who served in all branches of the military in times of both peace and war. Admission is free. [12] Also the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery is located at Camp Ripley. The cemetery was opened in June of 1994 and is now the final resting place for over 1500 veterans and their eligible family members. [13]

Camp Ripley also serves as a wild life refuge. The 53,000 acres that make up the camp are used to showcase the local plant and animal life. An environmental classroom and museum was established for the benefit of educating soldiers, local schools and the general public. This museum is comprised of about 130 bird, 55 mammal, 8 fish and 4 reptile and amphibian mounts. Along with the mounts are exhibits of Camp Ripley’s training, environmental research and environmental programs.[14]

Pine Grove Primeval Park and Zoo is located on the west side of town and nestled amongst the towering pines of a seventy-acre park features a the zoo, walking trails, picnic and playground area, a granite "council circle", and a rustic log shelter. [15] 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, a petting stable and much more! [16]

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. [17]

Media

The Morrison County Record is a weekly newspaper published in Little Falls. [18]

Little Falls Radio Corporation has three stations. [19]

• AM960 KLTF
• WYRQ 92.1FM
• KFML 94.1FM

Central Minnesota Access Television operates two 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 are operated out of Little Falls Community High School and some of the updates are occasionally done by students.

Famous inhabitants

• Duane Bobick, boxer
• Louise Erdrich, novelist
• Charles Lindbergh, aviator

45°58′35″N 94°21′45″W

External links

• Official city website