Pelican Rapids, Minnesota facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pelican Rapids
City
Pelican Pete, world's largest pelican, is located downtown Pelican Rapids
Location of Pelican Rapids within Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Country	United States
State	Minnesota
County	Otter Tail
Founded	1872
Incorporated	December 10, 1883
Area
• Total	2.69 sq mi (6.96 km2)
• Land	2.56 sq mi (6.64 km2)
• Water	0.13 sq mi (0.32 km2)
Elevation	1,296 ft (395 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	2,577
• Estimate  (2022)	2,602
• Density	1,005.46/sq mi (388.21/km2)
Time zone	UTC−6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP code	56572
Area code(s)	218
FIPS code	27-50164
GNIS feature ID	2396173

Pelican Rapids is a friendly city located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,577 people lived there. The city gets its name from the fast-moving water, called "rapids," on the Pelican River.

History of Pelican Rapids

Pelican Rapids was first planned out in 1872. This means its streets and lots were officially mapped. A post office opened in the same year, helping people send and receive mail. The town officially became a city in 1882.

Geography and Location

Pelican Rapids covers a total area of about 2.63 square miles (6.81 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Main Roads in Pelican Rapids

Two important roads pass through the city. These are U.S. Highway 59 and Minnesota State Highway 108. They help people travel in and out of Pelican Rapids.

Culture and Landmarks

Pelican Rapids is known for its unique landmarks and community projects. These attractions make the city special.

Pelican Pete: The Giant Pelican Statue

One of the most famous sights is "Pelican Pete." This huge statue was built in 1957. Many people say it is the world's largest pelican statue. Pelican Pete stands about 15.4 feet (4.7 meters) tall. It is made from concrete and plaster. This big bird helps attract visitors to the town.

Painted Pelican Art Project

In 2007, Pelican Rapids celebrated Pelican Pete's 50th birthday. The town started a fun art project. They placed about three dozen smaller pelican sculptures around the city. Each of these 4-foot (1.2-meter) tall pelicans was decorated by local artists. It created a colorful outdoor art display for everyone to enjoy.

Historic Buildings in the City

The O.A.E. Blyberg House is another important landmark. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a place with special historical importance.

Population and People

The population of Pelican Rapids has grown over the years. This section shows how many people have lived in the city at different times.

In 2010, there were 2,464 people living in Pelican Rapids. There were 904 households, which are groups of people living together. The city had a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. About 31.5% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

The average age of people in the city was about 35.4 years old. Many families with children lived there. About 28.6% of residents were under 18 years old.

Notable People from Pelican Rapids

Many interesting people have connections to Pelican Rapids. Here are a few:

• Roy Emery Dunn - An American businessman and politician.
• Dave Goltz - A retired professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball.
• Roger L. Hanson - An American businessman and politician.
• Tucker Hibbert - A professional snowmobile racer known for his skills.
• Buck Paulson - An American painter who had his own show on PBS.

Images for kids

• 

  A beautiful rainbow over Faith Lutheran Church in Pelican Rapids.

See also

In Spanish: Pelican Rapids (Minnesota) para niños