Construction on the Spring Lake Township Hall, 2007. From the SCHS Collections.
On June 10th, 1857, the Shakopee Valley Herald printed a small article under the headline “Another Town”. The article noted that “Thomas Holmes, A Holmes and Company have purchased property on Spring Lake and will immediately have the same surveyed off into lots,” It continued “We predict that, in a very short time, this will be a flourishing town, being 7 miles from Shakopee over a good road, will, we have no doubt, induce many of our citizens who want to spend the day fishing, gunning or having a sail on the lakes, to visit this pretty place”.
Ten years later, the area had become well known for its natural beauty. In 1867 the Shakopee Spectator ran an article outlining the attractions of the area. “It is not generally known that Scott County can boast some of the most desirable summer resorts, in point of scenery, surroundings, healthfulness and grandeur, that adorns any locality in the country”. It mentioned the village of Spring Lake, then goes on to describe the excellent fishing in the lakes themselves in detail, declaring that Spring Lake is “nearly round but with an occasional bay jutting out from the main body of water with a beautiful gravel beach the whole way around it”, and Long lake is ““quite appropriately named, being some four or five miles long, with several beautifully wooded islands rising from its bosom. Its shores are uneven, rendered indescribably romantic by numerous bays and coves”
As more European American settlers came to the area, the farmland became more important. On Sept 17, 1877, the Shakopee Courier described farming conditions in Spring Lake: “This section is composed of heavily timbered land, so as a result farms are not as large as is the case in open or brushland towns. The farmers, however, raise good crops, particularly as far as wheat is concerned…the corn is not as good, there being so little rainfall”
The village of Spring Lake was expanding as well. An early store was owned by Patrick Thorton, who is described as “an old resident with 22 years standing”. Thornton’s store also served meals. Another store was owned by postmaster Cates. The article notes Notes “The exact population of Spring Lake town we do not know, but votes cast at last fall’s election reached the round number of 300”.
Spring Lake Today
The emphasis on farming in the area continued for almost a hundred years, into the 1960s. At that point, the need for housing began to expand, and almost 40% of the housing stock in the area was built during the ‘60s and ‘70s. The village of Spring Lake never grew to the size of surrounding towns, and although there are many amenities nearby, Spring Lake Township continues to be an overwhelmingly rural area. Today the township boasts a few bars, and many recreation opportunities, including Fish Lake Park, South Shore Park, and Raymond Park, camping, fishing and hiking. The Fish Lake shoreline is also undergoing a prairie restoration project.