Lake City Historical Society
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lake city, Minnesota historical society

Lake city is THE homeland of dakota people and the birthplace of waterskiing

Lake City is homeland of the Dakhóta (Dakota) people. For thousands of years, they have known and treasured this region for its beauty and sustenance. Exploration of the area by Europeans is believed to date to 1654, when French explorers Radisson and Grosseilliers came to the area. The French and British—and later Americans—followed, engaging in exploration, missionary work, and trade. Once settlement began, Lake City grew rapidly, thanks to the area’s lush soil, the natural beauty of Lake Pepin, and its location on the Mississippi River-the great transportation corridor of the Upper Midwest. The booming city was incorporated in 1872.​
Learn More About the History of Lake City

Current Projects

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Click the button below to see information about our Oral History Project for the Minnesota Digital Library

Oral History Project
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100 YEARS OF WATERSKIING

In 2022, Lake City celebrated 150 years as a city, 100 years of waterskiing and 50 years of Water Ski Days​
Learn More
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historic district walking tour

Lake City has some beautiful homes with great history and construction dating back into the 19th century
Check Out The Tour

historic images of lake city

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Visit the Photo Gallery

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contact

PO Box 246
Lake City, MN 55041
info@lakecityhistoricalsociety.org

resources

Research Tips
Newsletter
​Meeting Schedule
​FAQs

© Lake City Historical Society 2022.  All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Lake City History
    • Oral History Project
    • History Overview
    • Business History
    • Half Breed Tract
    • Lake Pepin Clamming
    • Waterskiing
    • Lake City Cemeteries
    • Historic Walking Tour
    • Historical Artifacts
    • Historic Phone Books
    • Videos
  • Photo Gallery
  • Support the LCHS
    • Membership
    • Donate
    • Gift Shop
  • Resources
    • Newsletter
    • Research Tips
    • Meeting Schedule
    • FAQs
  • Contact Us