It was named for a nearby meander on the Des Moines River.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 326 people, 125 households, and 98 families residing in the township.

20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Great Bend Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Jim Hagedorn, a Republican.

At the state level, Great Bend Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22B, represented by Republican Rod Hamilton.