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One of the most memorable scenic views of
Lake Pepin is from the Great
River Road
(Highway 61) drive through Lake City. The
highway follows close to the shoreline providing
an unbroken spectacular 180 degree view of
Lake Pepin framed by the rising bluffs at
the Lake's edge. |
Lake City was well named since it is located at
the heart of the Minnesota shoreline on one of
the most photogenic spots on Lake Pepin. A River
walk has been constructed in the City passing
along more than 2.5 miles of open shoreline. On
the River walk one can stroll, jog or roller blade
uninterrupted while viewing the magnificent scenery
and activities on the Lake.
Lake Pepin is one of the finest sail boating lakes
in all of Minnesota. The Lake City marina is the
largest small boat marina on the Mississippi and
is located two blocks to the east of the downtown
business district. Many other water activities
are easily accessible from three public boat launch
facilities and a private marina in Lake City.
Fishermen have access to the lake from either
shore fishing piers or boats. A public fish cleaning
house in Roschen Park facilitates preparation
of the day's catch. Numerous fishing tournaments
are held. Walleye and striped Bass fishing are
the most popular but Lake Pepin has over 85 species
of fish as reported by the DNR. As a boundary
water, fishing is open all year long.
The Lake attracts many species of birds. Spring
and fall migrations of waterfowl can be seen from
the shores, parks and even homes along the river.
When the Lake freezes, dozens of eagles can be
seen on the edge of the ice looking for an easy
catch of fish. The same is repeated each spring
as the lake ice goes out. Located in a Major Migratory
Corridor, Lake City offers year round wildlife
viewing. In Spring, Birders can view one of the
largest concentrations of warblers at Hok-Si-La
Park, rafts of Common Merganzers can be viewed
from the shoreline, as well as, a number of other
shore birds. A Lake City Area Birding Brochure
and Map is available upon request.
Water Ski Days are held the last
weekend in June drawing more than 20,000 visitors.
The festival features music, crafts, carnival
rides, a classic car show, parades and of course
water ski shows. Ralph W. Samuelson was only 18
years old when he invented the sport of water
skiing just off the shore from Lake City in 1922.
Johnny Appleseed Days, held the first
weekend in October, features the abundance of
apples grown in the area. It is held near the
peak of the spectacular fall foliage. The orchards
in the Lake City area produce about one-fourth
of the 700,000 bushels of apples grown in Minnesota
each year. The Lake City area is the nation's
largest producer of the Haralson variety of apple.
Winter activities include down hill and cross-country
skiing, snowmobile races, Taste Fest, an ice fishing
contest, golf classic on the ice, a horse drawn
parade and a fantastic fireworks display over
the lake.
There are a variety of lodging establishments
in Lake City including campgrounds, motels, and
several bed and breakfasts. Local restaurants,
gift shops, and grocery and convenience stores
provide your travel needs. Enjoy your stay in
one of the most scenic cities on the entire Mississippi
River. Lake City, Minnesota.
For additional information contact the Lake City
Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-369-4123 or
visit the Lake City web site.
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City History: |
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Lake City was settled in
1853 by Jacob and Philip Boody. Because
of its position on Lake Pepin, provisions
were transported by steamers, and it is
said that as many as 9 steamboats had been
seen on Lake Pepin at one time. By 1865
the town was platted and many businesses
were thriving. Lake City was best known
as a grain port and had a reputation for
treating grain producers so fairly that
they would bypass closer and more convenient
markets to take their grain to Lake City.
Because Lake City had sustained several
damaging fires, a fire department was created
in 1875. At 2 a.m. on April 22, 1882, the
great fire of Lake City was discovered.
This fire would burn 6 blocks of the community's
best businesses and cause more than $370,000.00
before it would be brought under control.
Upon finding that the clams in Lake Pepin
often contained pearls, a large claming
industry developed. At first the shells
were thought to be worthless and were discarded,
but it was soon discovered that they could
be used to make buttons, sleeve links, barrettes
and other similar items, while the meat
could be sold to farmers for use as hog
and chicken feed. Pearl buyers would visit
the clamers daily to purchase pearls which
they would later resell on the East Coat
or abroad. A pearl from Lake Pepin has sold
for as much as $3,500.00.
One of the darkest days in Lake City history
was July 13, 1890. On that day the citizens
of Lake City were called upon to help rescue
and recover the people who had been on the
excursion ship Sea Wing, which had overturned
and sunk during a storm on Lake Pepin. Ninety-eight
people lost their lives in that distaster
with 116 being rescued. Should you visit
Lake City in the summer you will likely
see many sailboats skimming across Lake
Pepin, while a visit in the summer through
early winter may bring you sights of bald
eagles fishing in the lake.
Lake City tidbits
- Ralph W. Samuelson was
only 18 years old when he discovered the
sport of water skiing just off the shore
from Lake City in 1922.
- The Lake City Marina
is the largest small craft harbor on the
Mississippi River.
At one time, Lake City's clamming industry
provided pearls to two button factories.
At times, up to 400 pounds of shells per
day were harvested.
- The orchards in the
Lake City area produce about one-fourth
of the 700,000 bushels of apples grown
in Minnesota each year. The Lake City
area is the nation's largest producer
of the Haralson variety of apple.
- The River walk in Lake
City is a 2.5-mile pedestrian walkway
offering a beautiful view of Lake Pepin
and the bluffs.
- Lake City has been noted by MN Historical
Society as having the largest variety
of 19 Century residential architecture
concentrated in a town of this size.
The Lake City City Hall is on the National
Register or Historic Places.
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