Population (2010)
4,538
Introduction
Becker is one of the communities on the exurban fringe of the Twin Cities metro area; visitors will find a couple of reasons to pull off the highway.
Visitor Information
Direct your questions to the Becker Chamber of Commerce (763.262.2420).
History
Peter Vadnies arrived in 1855 and settled on the Mississippi River, calling the area Marsailles. His trading post was near the site of the current power plant. The area was known as a center of hay production at one time, but by 1900 potatoes had become a bigger crop. The village was platted in 1870 by JE Herman and Henry Fridley and incorporated in 1904. The nearby Northern States Power plant opened in 1974.
Exploring the Area
The Sherburne History Center in Becker (10775 27th Ave SE; 763.261.4433) is a new facility surrounded by native prairie grasses and hiking trails, with indoor exhibits on local history and a research library.
Mississippi River at Snuffy’s Landing
Snuffy’s Landing, a few miles northwest of Becker on the north bank of the river (12812 115th Ave SE) has picnic tables and short hiking trails along to the river, plus an overlook atop the hill.
The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (Zimmerman: 17076 293rd Ave.; 763.389.3323) is about 15 miles northeast of Becker; its 30,000 acres include a range of habitat from thick woods to grasslands to wetlands and offer shelter for migratory birds, including sandhill cranes.
Entertainment and Events
Farmers Market
Becker hosts a farmers market in the parking lot at the Community Center (11500 Sherburne Ave.; 763.200.4271) on Friday afternoons from May through October.
Festivals
Becker Freedom Days (763.261.5900) celebrates the arrival of summer with a parade, classic cars, fried food, arts and crafts, and live music; look for it in mid-June.
**Looking for more? Check out Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the links above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
Where to Go Next
Heading downriver? Check out Big Lake.
Heading upriver? Check out Clear Lake.
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If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2024, 2021, 2018,2013,2011
