Featured Businesses
Frazee, MN
Frazee, Minnesota, located in Becker County, is a small city with a rich history tied to its early settlement and industrial roots. Originally named Detroit, the community was later called Third Crossing before being renamed Frazee after Randolph Lafayette Frazee, a key figure in the town’s development. Born in Ohio in 1841, R.L. Frazee moved to Minnesota in 1866, establishing sawmills in St. Cloud and Otter Tail City before purchasing a mill in Frazee in 1872. This mill, built by Absalom Campbell and others, became the economic backbone of the town, leading to its incorporation on January 6, 1891.
As the earliest settlement in Becker County, which was not formally organized until 1871, Frazee grew around its sawmill and the Northern Pacific Railway, now part of the BNSF Northern Transcon. The railroad’s depot was relocated to Frazee’s townsite in 1874, spurring growth. By 1898, the village council installed streetlights, reflecting early civic development. Frazee’s mills, including a flour mill, thrived until a fire in 1889, after which R.L. Frazee sold his properties.
Frazee’s economy diversified with Daggett Truck Line, operating since the 1940s, and turkey farming, which earned the town fame. In 1986, the city unveiled “Big Tom,” a 22-foot turkey statue, celebrating its poultry industry. The original statue, plagued by repairs, was replaced in 1998 after a fire during dismantling. The new Big Tom remains a beloved landmark, drawing visitors during the annual Turkey Days festival.
Today, Frazee, with a population of about 1,301 (2024 estimate), offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a notable community in the region. Nestled in Minnesota’s lake country along U.S. Route 10, Frazee blends its historical roots with a vibrant community spirit.
