Our Communities

John Gross filed a homestead in 1866 on the land where Bowlus is now located. After several property transfers it became the property of the Soo Line Railroad Company. The village was platted in 1907 and incorporated in 1910. Bowlus grew as a community sustained by agriculture. Farm products such as wheat, oats and potatoes were shipped out on the Soo Line Railway. Farm animals and poultry were also part of the livelihood of the residents. Merchants included a meat market, blacksmith shop, saloon, implement dealer, livery and feed store. Bowlus is still well-known for its meat market and butchering. A business unique to Bowlus, due to its beautiful groves of maple trees, has been the production of maple syrup.

Bowlus was settled by many families of Polish descent. The centerpiece of the community is the stately Polish Catholic Church. It speaks of the faith, dedication and hard work of the people of Bowlus. Bowlus is still a traditional small town with an area set aside for industrial development that the City Council hopes will grow many businesses.

Bowlus Industrial Park