CITY OF RUSH CITY
325 S . Eliot Avenue P . O . Box 556 , Rush City , MN 55069 320-358-4743 Email : cityhall @ ci . rush-city . mn . us Web : www . rushcitymn . us Hours : 8 a . m . to 4:30 p . m . Monday through Friday
Some in Rush City like to say : “ Up north starts here .” The Chisago County city has a population of about 3,300 residents who can enjoy the best of many worlds – small-town life , access to major amenities and many options for interacting with nature .
Rush City hosts or is home to several big events and annual activities throughout the year , including the Airport Fly-In , the Big Splash Aquatic Center fundraiser , the Chisago County Fair , Community Appreciation Night , Santa Day , Rockin ’ Rush City Music Fest , snowmobile races and more .
Dakota and Chippewa American Indians first inhabited the area now known as Rush City , attracted to its bountiful hunting and fishing opportunities . Later , pioneers came for the logging , fur trapping , and farming opportunities .
Settlers first incorporated as a village in 1883 , choosing the name Rush because of the abundance of bulrushes , cattails and other aquatic plants found in the area . The railroad spurred Rush City ’ s growth , carrying folks back and forth across the St . Croix River to and from Grantsburg , Wis . That railroad trip developed a reputation as the ‘ blueberry special ’ because passengers on it would stop at a famous blueberry patch and picnic near the river .
A combination of efforts from Rush City ’ s municipal staff , Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce work to build business and economic strength , while helping residents enjoy a good quality of life .
Outdoor-recreation options abound with easy access to such stunning natural features as the St . Croix and Snake rivers , municipal and county parks , as well as community fun at the aquatic center , golf course , bowling alley and nearby wineries . Airport : The city ’ s airport features a 4,400-foot paved and lighted runway with a full-length taxiway ; services such as 24-hour fuel , flight planning , maintenance and repair ; courtesy car for pilots ; and the Hawk Aviation flight school , charter and supply company . Businesses in the industrial park and other parts of town help create jobs and strengthen the local economy , including agri-business , health care , education , manufacturing , retail , corrections and tourism .
CITY COUNCIL :
A five-member city council includes the mayor and meets every second and fourth Monday at city hall . Rush City departments include administration , parks and recreation , fire ,
Page 26 police , public works , zoning and utilities ; commissions include airport advisory , economic development and planning .
The council members and their term-expiration dates : Mayor Alan Johnson , 2026 , 320-358-3933 ; Dan Meyer , 2026 , 651- 249-9041 ; Frank Storm , 2026 , 320-566-1109 ; Tom Schneider , 2028 , 320-358-4085 ; and Linda Fraley , 2028 , 320-358-3138 . The mayor serves a two-year term , and the councilors serve four-year terms .
COMMUNITY CENTER :
Rush City has a community center that is available for rent by reservation . It comes equipped with a kitchen , tables , chairs , tableware and utensils . Adjacent to the community center is Rushseba Landing and the new Rushseba Station assisted living facility .
REFUSE / COMPOSTING :
Residents can get curbside trash-hauling and recycling service , and the city maintains a compost site near the public works garage , open for city residents to drop off leaves and grass and take free compost .
FIRE DEPARTMENT :
Rush City ’ s 26-person volunteer fire department provides fire protection from a local station . Fire Chief Bob Carlson says the members are very dedicated and do a great job . The department welcomes new , qualified applicants who are at least 18 years old , live within 10 minutes of the station , and are physically able to respond to the job ’ s demands . A new recruit must complete Firefighter I and II during the first year . Funding for firefighter training is provided by MBFTE .
Training sessions keep firefighters up to date on the latest firefighting techniques , and they share a lot of what they know with the community at different times of the year , especially during National Fire Safety Week in October . Rush City ’ s Fire Department also goes to local schools and senior-housing apartments to teach about fire prevention and safety .
Carlson says all the firefighters are also trained in CPR and other first-aid , so the department can conduct training classes within the community . People can explore the station and meet firefighters each year at the annual open house in October .
SHERIFF ’ S OFFICE :
The Chisago County Sheriff ’ s Office provides police protection and law-enforcement services through a contract with Rush City . Sergeant Scott Berg has been in law enforcement for 32 years and our local Rush City contract sergeant for three years . He is in Rush City each day , working at times from the office and squad room adjacent to city hall .
The Sheriff ’ s Office is proactive in maintaining a consistent presence in the communities it serves 24 hours daily . Having the same officer serve this community also leads to better overall communication and protection . Residents can get to know and trust Berg , helping them feel comfortable talking to him or
CITY OF RUSH CITY see page 27 North Branch / Rush City Community Guide • February 2025