Bowlus (/ˈboʊləs/ BOH-ləss) is a city in Morrison County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 279 at the 2020 census.
Geography
Bowlus is located in southwestern Morrison County, approximately 25 miles north of St. Cloud and 15 miles south of Little Falls (the county seat). It lies about 2 miles west of the Mississippi River and 5 miles east of Elmdale, with which it shares the ZIP code 56314. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.28 square miles (3.31 km²), all of it land. The Two River, a direct tributary of the Mississippi, flows northeasterly across the southeast corner of the city. Major routes include Morrison County Roads 24 and 26, State Highway 238, and Main Street.
History
Bowlus was platted in 1907 and named by officers of the Minneapolis, St. Paul and Sault Ste. Marie Railroad. A post office has been in operation since 1907. The city was incorporated as a village in September 1908 and separated from Two Rivers Township in February 1919. Many of the early settlers in the area came from Silesia in Poland.
In its early history, heavy stands of oak, maple, elm, and white pine trees made lumbering a significant economic force, supporting a sawmill, lumberyard, and barrel factory. The Bowlus Brick & Tile Co. was organized to extract laminated clay deposited by the Two River in the area.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population was 279. The racial makeup was predominantly White. At the 2010 census, there were 290 people, 114 households, and 79 families residing in the city. The median age was 33 years, and the median household income was $32,222 (as of the 2000 census).
Annual Event
Bowlus Fun Day (also known as Bowlus Days) is a townwide event held on the first Sunday of July, sponsored by the local fire department. The event has attracted up to 1,000 visitors and has been held for over 30 years.
Community Features
Bowlus has a fire department, a medical squad, two cafes, a bar, a church, and two gasoline stations. The city is located adjacent to the Soo Line Trail, which accommodates biking, walking, rollerblading, and snowmobiling.
