The city of Braham is a growing community offering opportunities for businesses , residents , and visitors . Located at the crossroads of four counties ( Isanti , Kanabec , Chisago and Pine ), Braham is nestled between Highway 65 and Interstate 35 on Highway 107 . With a population of 1,866 , Braham is the northernmost of the three major cities in Isanti County .
Braham holds many annual events including a Farmer ’ s Market and Appreciation Day in the summer , a Craft and Vendor Fair in the fall , and Santa Day in December , but the event the city is best known for is Pie Day . Pie Day is held annually the first Friday in August . Braham ’ s motto is “ building a better tomorrow .”
The inspiration for Braham ’ s unique name remains unclear : some maintain the moniker is a reverent tribute to the heroic U . S . president Abraham Lincoln , while others insist it is an affectionate nod to Abraham Swenson , one-time owner of the land on which the city sits .
A five-member city council meets at 6 p . m . the first Tuesday of the month at City Hall . The mayor serves a 2-year term and each council member serves four years with two council members elected every two years . City departments include administration , police , fire , streets , building and zoning , municipal liquor , and water / wastewater .
Braham maintains an industrial park that has three shovel-ready lots available for sale . The city offers attractive , low land prices , making it easier for new businesses to cash flow building and startup costs . The city also has a recently cleared commercial lot in the downtown area , just off Highway 107 , available for a new or expanding business . Braham has an active EDA working to promote growth and development . The city has many newer housing developments for those who choose to make Braham their new home .
The Alice Studt Library , a link site with the East Central Regional Library , is located at the Braham Community Center ( 655 Eighth St . S . W .). It is open Monday to Friday from 9 a . m . to 4 p . m . Card holders can borrow adult , teen and children ’ s fiction and non-fiction books as well as books on tape or CD , videos and DVDs . The outreach librarian is available for check-outs on Mondays from noon to 4 p . m . Get more information about the outreach libraries by calling 763-689-7390 , ext . 21 , or e-mail outreach @ ecrlib . org . Two computers are available for the public to use , and the library is equipped with Wi-Fi for public use . Friends of the Library meet monthly on the first Tuesday , and book club meets on the fourth Monday .
The city ’ s municipal liquor store , Home Town Liquor , is located on Hwy . 107 on the north end of town . The store offers competitive pricing and helps control the sale of alcohol while returning profits back into the general funds . Minnesota is unique in its municipal liquor store operations - the funds generated go back into the community in ways of special projects , keeping property taxes down , and purchasing equipment for local emergency services ( fire , police ).
PIE CREATES SWEET SUCCESS , BIG CELEBRATION
Braham first tasted fame in 1939 , when cabin-bound travelers made a point of stopping for the local pie . It soon became common knowledge that anyone traveling past the city should stop for pie and coffee at the Park Café .
So common became Braham ’ s pie process , then-governor Rudy Perpich declared the City “ Minnesota ’ s Homemade Pie Capital .” A
CITY OF BRAHAM tourism grant soon followed that enabled Braham to fund a community festival celebrating pie , and before residents could say “ a la mode ,” the inaugural Pie Day was held in 1989 .
The local celebration has become an annual tradition held the first Friday of August to include many varieties of pie , craft and food vendors , a trivia contest , amateur-baking competition , and children ’ s arts and crafts . The fun includes the Sweet as Pie car show featuring vintage and collector vehicles .
Pie Day guests can see eating competitions in which contestants try to consume a chocolate pudding pie within two minutes . Children can enjoy pie-related arts and crafts at the kids-n-berries area , and the day ’ s events include a recycled pie tin art show , pie-cycle activity , and small quilt exhibit . People can also participate in the pie-making workdays . Find more information about Pie Day via the Web on Facebook and at www . pieday . com or by calling 320- 396-4956 . As locals like to say , “ You can ’ t help but smile when you say pie .”
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Braham Police Department has entered a new era and philosophy of law enforcement for its community under the leadership of Kevin Stahl as Chief of Police . He promotes a “ community-oriented ” style of policing . The police department is made up by a dedicated group of individuals who provide a wide range of law enforcement knowledge . They have implemented many new community-based programs for the residents and businesses within the city of Braham . Braham Police partner with the school district with a full-time detective that works out of an office in the school building .
The Braham Fire Department provides fire service to the cities of Braham and Grasston , and the Townships of Grass Lake , Maple Ridge , Nessel , Royalton , and Stanchfield . Fire Chief Ross Benzen has been with the department for over 25 years . Braham firefighters respond to all medical and fire emergencies in the coverage area and use several different kinds of trucks to fight fires : three grass rigs , two pumpers , two tankers , one rescue , and one slough pumper . The department welcomes new members looking for an opportunity to serve their community while building rewarding relationships inside and outside the department .
The Braham Fire Departments hosts the annual Smelt Fry & Bake Sale in April and Open House & Chili Feed in October ; and the Braham Firefighters Relief Association hosts the annual Beer Garden in conjunction with Braham Appreciation Day the first Saturday in June .
MUNICIPAL PARKS
Northwest — 2nd St . NW , includes a skateboard park , walking path , and playground .
Hidden Park — 5th St . NE , has a playground , basketball half court , ice skating rink in the winter months , and a wheel-chair accessible picnic shelter .
Memorial Rose Garden — Main Ave . S ., features raised-bed gardens , a memorial trellis , and picnic table .
Freedom — Main Ave . S ., is where the annual Pie Day Festival is held and the site of a local veterans ’ memorials ; it holds a historic band shell and picnic shelter .
High Point — Marshview Ave . offers a playground , swings and
BRAHAM see page 37
Page 36 Isanti County Community Guide • March 2025