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Big Lake, MN

Frequently asked questions

Big Lake City, MN

Big Lake is a city in Sherburne County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 11,686 at the 2020 census. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.92 square miles (7.56 km2); 2.11 square miles (5.46 km2) is land and 0.81 square miles (2.10 km2) is water.

A portion of the city lies along the Elk River. Located about forty-one miles northwest of the Twin Cities, Big Lake was once a popular location for escapes from the city, its lakes dotted with summer cabins. Now it is considered an exurb of the metro area, with a significant portion of residents commuting into the Cities daily. The lake for which the town is named was once an important part of the Twin Cities economy, as in the days before modern refrigerators, much of the ice for metropolitan iceboxes was harvested from Big Lake.

There is a connection to Mitchell Lake by a small channel on the north side of Big Lake. Big Lake station is currently the northernmost terminus of the Northstar Commuter Rail line connecting the northwest suburbs and downtown Minneapolis; the line will be extended to St. Cloud at some point in the future. Currently, commuters can use the Northstar Link Commuter Bus to reach St. Cloud, Minnesota.

In 2019 it was named the safest city to live in, and the second safest city in 2021 with the lowest property crime rate in the state. U.S. Highway 10 and Minnesota State Highway 25 are two of the main routes in Big Lake. Big Lake is located 41 miles northwest of Minneapolis; and 27 miles southeast of St. Cloud. It was originally called Humboldt until 1867. The average median household income is $87,129.  Has a population of 11,226, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. It houses the tallest structure in Minnesota, the KPXM Tower.

Health and wellness take center stage in Big Lake City, with a variety of resources dedicated to promoting the well-being of its residents. At the heart of the city's healthcare landscape lies the CentraCare - Big Lake Clinic, ensuring that quality medical services are readily available to those in need. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Big Lake Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness and Snap Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Big Lake, such as Bluff Park, Highline Park, and Hidden Rivers Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Big Lake, MN are Oliver Kelley Farm, Lake Maria State Park, and Big Stone Mini Golf. 

Population: 12,855 (2024). ZIP code: 55309. Area code: 763. Elevation: 938 ft (286 m). Area: 2.92 sq mi (7.55 km2).

FAQs

Is Big Lake, MN a good place to live?

Living in Big Lake offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. Many families and young professionals live in Big Lake and residents tend to be conservative. The public schools in Big Lake are above average.

What is the history of Big Lake, MN?

Big Lake was originally called Humboldt until 1867. Big Lake was originally established to harvest ice in both of its towns' lakes (Big and Mitchell Lakes). Due to the rich amount of ice Big Lake provided, it needed to be transported quickly, enabling Big Lake to be suitable for a railway station which was built in 1871.

What is the crime rate in Big Lake, MN?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 3 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Big Lake is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 85% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Big Lake is one in 318. Compared to communities within Minnesota, Big Lake‘s crime rate is lower than nearly 73% of the state's cities and towns.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Big Lake

CentraCare - Big Lake Clinic

Big Lake Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness 

Snap Fitness

Bluff Park

Highline Park 

Hidden Rivers Park

Oliver Kelley Farm

Lake Maria State Park

Big Stone Mini Golf

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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