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Prior Lake, MN

Frequently asked questions

Prior Lake, MN

Prior Lake is an exurban city 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Minneapolis seated next to Savage and Shakopee in Scott County in the state of Minnesota. Surrounding the shores of Lower and Upper Prior Lake, the city lies south of the Minnesota River in an area known as RiverSouth and establishes the urban fringe of the south-southwest portion of Minneapolis-St. Paul, the sixteenth largest metropolitan area in the United States. The population was 27,617 at the 2020 census.

Prior Lake was first incorporated as a village in 1891. Prior Lake is one of the oldest cities in the south metro area. The city's modern rapid growth is due in part to the ease of access for commuters to the rest of the region, via the upgraded State Highway 13.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.33 square miles (47.47 km2); 15.44 square miles (39.99 km2) is land and 2.89 square miles (7.49 km2) is water. Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake sit at the center of the city in an elongated shape towards the southwest of Spring Lake. Prior Lake as a whole is the largest lake in the southern metro area.

The nearby Dakota people originally called Prior Lake Bdé Mayá Thó, meaning Lake of the Blue Banks. Prior Lake (renamed after Charles Prior, of the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul railroad) is made up of two sections, Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake. The area of each is 354 and 810 acres (3.3 km2) respectively. The upper prior Lake flows Northerly, draining into the larger, Lower Prior Lake via a navigable channel that runs under Eagle Creek Avenue Scott County Highway 21. Prior Lake is a popular destination for fishing and water sports. Prior Lake is also popular with snowmobilers and can be accessed using the Scott County Snowmobile Trail and other designated trails in the winter. On April 10, 2009, zebra mussel shells were discovered on the shore of Lower Prior Lake. On April 14, the DNR confirmed that the Zebra Mussels were also in Upper Prior Lake.

Prior Lake places a strong emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. The city is home to several healthcare facilities, including Fairview Ridges Hospital, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Prior Lake Parks and Recreation Department. 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 La Bodega Fitness, Dakotah! Sport and Fitness and Prior Lake Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Prior Lake, such as the Spring Lake Regional Park and Lakefront Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Prior Lake, MN are Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino, The Meadows at Mystic Lake, and Cleary Lake Regional Park.

Population: 28,018 (2024). ZIP code: 55372. Area code: 952. Elevation: 938 feet (286 m). Area: 19.53 sq mi (50.57 km2).

FAQs

Is Prior Lake, MN a good place to live?

Prior Lake is in Scott County and is one of the best places to live in Minnesota. Living in Prior Lake offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Prior Lake, there are a lot of parks. Many families live in Prior Lake and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Prior Lake are highly rated.

What is Prior Lake, MN known for?

Fishing and water sports are popular on the lake. Popular fish include walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegills, crappies, and bullheads. It also holds invasive species such as carp, zebra mussels, Eurasian milfoil, and curly pond leaf. Popular attractions around the lake include the established Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Little Six Casino, and Cleary Lake Regional Park – known for its fun activities such as golfing, swimming, and cross-country skiing. Likewise, prominent and beloved restaurants in the area are PLate, Edelweiss Bakery, Perron’s Sul Lago, and Minnehaha Cafe.  Whether eating, gambling, boating, or swimming – you will have a fun time.

What is the crime rate in Prior Lake, MN?

Neighborhood Scout gives Prior Lake, MN, a crime index of 15. Crime rates are typically on a scale from 1 to 100, where 100 means the area is safer than 100% of U.S. cities. This means Prior Lake is safer than 15% of U.S. cities. The crime rate per 1,000 residents in Prior Lake is 25.14, with a total of 706 crimes annually. While the crime rate of Prior Lake doesn’t define your character, it could indicate that you may be more likely to be involved or accused of a crime than you would be in a safer area.
 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Prior Lake

Fairview Ridges Hospital

La Bodega Fitness

Dakotah! Sport and Fitness 

Prior Lake Fitness

Spring Lake Regional Park 

Lakefront Park

Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

Little Six Casino

The Meadows at Mystic Lake

Cleary Lake Regional Park

Niche

X Martine Law

Waterfront Restoration
 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.