Population (2010)
10,060
Introduction
Big Lake is one of the communities on the exurban fringe of the Twin Cities metro area; visitors will find a couple of reasons to pull off the highway, especially if you like craft beer.
Visitor Information
Direct your questions to the Big Lake Chamber of Commerce (763.263.7800).
History
Early settlers in the area, arriving as early as 1847 included several Vermonters and other New Englanders. Joseph Brown was among that early group; he built a home on Big Lake that he called Humboldt that served as the county seat from 1856 to 1865. The park and pavilion at Big Lake was a popular retreat for tourists in the 1920s and 1930s who wanted a quick vacation. Almost from the beginning, Big Lake residents described their town as a community of commuters, although today’s highways make the trip easier than yesterday’s trails.
Entertainment and Events
Farmers Market
Big Lake hosts a farmers market on Wednesday afternoons from early June through September at Lakeside Park (101 Lakeshore Dr.).
Festivals
Since 1972, residents of Big Lake have been coming together in late June for Spud Fest, an event that also raises money for youth recreation programs; events include a talent contest, bingo, parade, live music, fireworks, and a potato pancake breakfast.
**Looking for more? Check out Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the links above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
Where to Eat and Drink
Sample craft beer at the Lupulin Brewing tap room (570 Humboldt Dr.; 763.263.9549); at any given time they could have 10 or more beers to choose from.
Getting There
The Northstar Line commuter rail (612.373.3333) runs trains from Big Lake (198th Ave. and County Road 43 NW) to downtown Minneapolis (ending at Target Field), with stops in several river towns (Elk River, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and Fridley); riding the entire distance takes about 50 minutes.
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If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2015
