According to SMBER.COM, Big Lake, Minnesota is a small city located in Sherburne County, just northwest of the Twin Cities. It is bordered by several other cities and towns, each with its own unique character and history that makes them great places to visit or call home.
To the north of Big Lake lies the city of Otsego. This bustling city offers a variety of attractions including an expansive park system, a public library, and a historic downtown area full of shops and restaurants perfect for exploring. Otsego also has several lakes nearby including Lake Orono and Elk Lake which are great for fishing, swimming, or just enjoying the beauty of nature.
Just south of Big Lake you’ll find Monticello. This charming town is home to many beautiful parks such as Rice Creek Chain Of Lakes Regional Park Reserve which offers over 17 miles of trails for biking or hiking along with opportunities for canoeing or kayaking on Rice Creek itself. Monticello also boasts an array of local businesses such as cafes, breweries, art galleries, and boutiques that make it an enjoyable place to explore.
Heading east from Big Lake brings you to Clearwater. This small but vibrant town has plenty to offer visitors including its own lakefront beach at Clearwater Beach Park as well as opportunities for golfing at Clearwater Golf Course or bowling at Big Bowl Lanes. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from such as The Back Nine Grill & Pub which serves up classic American fare with a twist.
Finally, heading west from Big Lake takes you to Becker. This city’s main attraction is its stunning lakefront park known as Mississippi River Park which features an observation deck overlooking the river along with picnic areas and playgrounds perfect for families looking for some outdoor fun. Becker also offers several local eateries like The Bulldog Bar & Grill which specializes in burgers and craft beers while offering up live music every weekend.
Overall, Big Lake is surrounded by many wonderful cities and towns that make it a great place to call home or visit during your next trip to Minnesota. From Otsego’s bustling downtown area to Monticello’s charming local businesses there is something here for everyone.
Population of Big Lake, Minnesota
Big Lake, Minnesota is a small city located in Sherburne County. With a population of 8,845 as of 2019, it is the largest city in the county. The population has increased steadily since 2010 when it was 8,200. Big Lake has a relatively young population with a median age of 32.3 years old and more than half of its residents under the age of 35.
The racial makeup of Big Lake is predominantly white (91%), followed by Asian (2%), Hispanic or Latino (2%), African American (1%), and two or more races (4%). Native American and Pacific Islander make up less than 1% each. The majority of the population identifies as Christian (66%), followed by non-religious individuals (20%) and those who do not answer the question (14%).
The primary language spoken in Big Lake is English at 98%. Other languages spoken include Spanish at 1%, German at 0.5%, French at 0.3%, and Chinese at 0.2%.
In terms of education, about 88% of adults over 25 have a high school diploma or higher while 26% have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher. The largest employer in Big Lake is the local school district which employs around 500 people across several schools including Big Lake Primary School, Big Lake Middle School, and Big Lake High School. Other major employers include Target Distribution Center, Otsego Memorial Hospital, and Walmart Distribution Center which together employ around 800 people in total.
Big Lake has seen steady growth over recent years due to its close proximity to Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area and access to outdoor recreational activities such as fishing on nearby lakes like Orono and Elk Lakes as well as biking along the Mississippi River Park trails. This combination makes it an attractive place for families looking for affordable homes with easy access to big city amenities but also plenty of natural beauty nearby.
Schools and Education of Big Lake, Minnesota
According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES.COM, Big Lake, Minnesota is home to a variety of schools and education options. The local public school district, Big Lake Public Schools, serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district includes three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Each of these schools offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes core subjects such as language arts, math, science and social studies in addition to physical education, art and music classes. In addition to the public schools in the area, there are several private schools available for those seeking alternative educational options. These include religious-based institutions such as St. John’s Lutheran School as well as secular private academies like Big Lake Academy.
The local community college is Northland Community & Technical College (NCTC). NCTC provides students with an array of educational opportunities ranging from career training programs to associate’s degrees in various fields including business administration and healthcare technology. For those who wish to pursue higher education beyond community college, there are several universities located within an hour drive of Big Lake including the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and St. Cloud State University.
Landmarks in Big Lake, Minnesota
Big Lake, Minnesota is home to a number of unique landmarks that make it a great place to visit and explore. One of the most iconic landmarks in the area is the Big Lake Lighthouse. Located on the shores of Big Lake, this 19th century lighthouse provides a beautiful view of the lake and is open for tours during certain times of year. Another landmark in Big Lake is the historic railroad bridge that crosses over the lake. Built in 1878, this bridge was once part of an important railway line that connected Minneapolis and St. Paul. Today, it serves as a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing.
The town also features several interesting museums, including the Big Lake History Museum which houses artifacts from local history, as well as an aviation museum dedicated to preserving Minnesota’s aviation heritage. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of options in Big Lake including multiple parks with walking trails and picnic areas, as well as two golf courses and several lakes for fishing or boating activities. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at local boutiques or dining at one of many restaurants located along Main Street. With so much to see and do in Big Lake, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this charming Minnesota town each year.