About Us

The City of Backus is located in the heart of Central Minnesota lake country on the shores of Pine Mountain Lake.  Backus was a thriving hub of logging operations on  the railroad when it was founded in approximately 1870, named after E.W. Backus of the Backus and Brooks Lumber Company. 

Today, Backus is a small community with a population of around 265.  The railroad has been converted into the Paul Bunyan State Recreational Trail which connects the cities of Brainerd to the south and Bemidji to the north.  Backus area residents enjoy celebrating during "Cornfest" on the second Saturday of August.  "Old-timer's" weekend used to be celebrated each Memorial Day weekend for several decades but is now held in conjunction with Cornfest.

 

New Utility Billing Software

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The City of Backus transitioned to our new Utility Billing Software on 5/28/25, billing was done on 5/29/25. Online accounts are now able to be set up and payments can be made.  Go to the "Useful Links" tab or use the link on the bottom of the City Websites Home screen to get set up or make a onetime online payment.  **Please note your account number has changed, if you are setting up your account online to view or pay your bill you will need to enter the entire number, including the dash and the number following the dash.**

 

You do not need to set up an account online, bills will still be mailed out and payments can still be sent via mail, dropped off in the 24-hour drop box or made in person during business hours.  Fees for online payments are pictured above (click to enlarge). To avoid these fees, you can contact your bank to set up ACH payments or use their bill pay system. 

 

For new services please complete the application for water/sewer and return to the City Clerk, applications can be mailed to: PO Box 44 Backus, MN 56435, dropped off to City Hall or emailed to: clerk@uslink.net.