A gorgeous red barn in Lakeville, Minnesota

Lakeville, Minnesota

Lakeville is a big city and an exurb of Minneapolis-Saint Paul situated in Dakota County in the US State of Minnesota. Lakeville began as a thriving milling hub; currently, its agriculture industry and other significant sectors are still active. With a population of 69,490 inhabitants, Lakeville is Minnesota's 10th most populous city. Lakeville is considered one of the Twin Cities area's fastest-growing cities. 

Geography Of Lakeville

Aerial view of the Twin Cities Suburb of Lakeville, Minnesota
Aerial view of the Twin Cities Suburb of Lakeville, Minnesota. 

Lakeville covers a total area of 99.33 sq. km, of which 94.78 sq. km is occupied by land, and 4.55 sq. km is covered by water. The Dakota County's largest city, Lakeville, is a exurb of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Lakeville is located about 32 km south of the centers of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Farmington, the closest city, is 8.5 km distant from Lakeville. Elko New Market, the closest town, is 15.3 km away. 

As its name suggests, Lakeville is surrounded by several lakes, as well as smaller ponds and marshes. Lake Marion and Orchard Lake are the two biggest lakes. Kingsley Lake and Lee Lake are two smaller named natural lakes. A small artificial lake called Valley Lake is located in the city's northern region. Lakeville contributes significantly to the Vermillion River watershed. A significant tributary of the Vermillion, North Creek, rises in northern Lakeville and runs eastward before joining the Vermillion just east of Lakeville, close to Farmington's central business district.

Climate Of Lakeville

According to the Köppen Climate Classification, Lakeville has a warm-summer humid continental climate with characteristics of a hot-summer humid continental. The climate in Lakeville is long, hot, and rainy in the summers; chilly, windy, and snowy in the winters; and partly cloudy all year. The average annual temperature ranges from 7°F to 82°F; it is infrequently below -14°F or above 90°F. Having an average high temperature of more than 70°F, July is the year's hottest month. Having an average temperature of less than 35°F, January is the year's coldest month. On average, Lakeville receives 32 inches of rain and 45 inches of snow each year.

Brief History Of Lakeville

City Hall in Lakeville, Minnesota
City Hall in Lakeville, Minnesota. Image Credit: William Wesen via Wikimedia Commons

In 1851, the Sioux people gave over most of southern Minnesota as per the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. The town of Lakeville got its start in 1853 when Captain William B. Dodd planned and oversaw the construction of a road connecting the military forts at St. Paul and Faribault. Lakeville Township, the village's original name, was created in 1858. To create a depot, railroad officials attempted to purchase land in Lakeville when the Hastings and Dakota Railroad line was constructed in 1869. The railroad built a platform, named the place Fairfield, and purchased 20 acres of land that were half a mile to the east after the owner refused to sell. It took nine years for locals and business owners to successfully alter Fairfield's name to Lakeville. They decided in 1878 to apply for incorporation as the Village of Lakeville because they wanted a distinct government from Lakeville Township, which included the rural region.

The Population And Economy Of Lakeville

Lakeville has a population of 69,490 residents, as per the latest US Census. The population of Lakeville is currently rising at a pace of 1.91% annually. White (non-Hispanic) (83.6%), Asian (non-Hispanic) (5.28%), Two+ (non-Hispanic) (3.38%), Black or African American (non-Hispanic) (2.96%), and White (Hispanic) (2.07%) are the five most prominent ethnic groups in Lakeville. With a 4.13% poverty rate, Lakeville's average household income is $128,390. The median property price during the past few years has been $325,400, while the median monthly rent has been $1,464. In Lakeville, the median age is 36.6 years, 35.5 years for men, and 37.6 years for women.

Attractions In And Around Lakeville

Stores in Lakeville, Minnesota
Stores in Lakeville, Minnesota. Image Credit: William Wesen via Wikimedia Commons

Gray Line Minneapolis Tour

One way to explore Minneapolis and the surrounding area in comfort is to take the Gray Line motorcoach and tour. This tour will take you around Minneapolis and St. Paul and introduce you to everything the cities have to offer, thanks to local tour guides who know the area by heart. It also includes dining establishments, retail stores, neighborhoods, and other neighborhood attractions.

Applewood Orchard

Buy caramel apples, mini doughnuts, local honey, apple cider, and other baked items. Family hayrides are entertaining, and the kids will like the playground, pedal tractors, and maze. You may buy pumpkins, jams, jellies, spreadable fruit, maple syrup, and 20 different kinds of apples. You can pick out your own apples as well.

Lakeville Area Arts Center

The Lakeville Area Arts Center offers excellent workshops where you can learn anything from making terrariums and jewelry to ceramics and painting if you want to pick up a new talent or refine an existing one. One can also see live plays, concerts, and dance performances. Therefore, these classes are for you whether you are an excellent potter or just seeking to brush up on some old techniques, a novice painter, or working on your next masterpiece.

Crystal Lake Golf Club

The Crystal Lake Golf Club is a top-notch establishment that is kept up to country club standards. Elegant woods, unspoiled wetlands, and seven exquisite ponds that present challenging water dangers are all present. This 18-hole, par 71 course includes four sets of tees that range in yardage from 4805 to 6303. It also features gently undulating hills and natural wetlands.

Antlers Park

Spending time on the beach is the best way to enjoy a summer day. A small beach, sand volleyball courts, picnic spots, a playground, a barbecue, and a covered area for shade can all be found in Antlers Park. One can swim in the lake, hire a paddleboard, or go canoeing.

As you can see, Lakeville offers a lot to its citizens as well as the casual traveler. It is close enough to Minneapolis and St. Paul to see a Twins or Wilds game, respectively. Lakeville is a wealthy neighborhood with a wide variety of upmarket eateries, sports bars, pizza shops, and more. Your every desire can be responded to.

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