Schmidt Lake

Gazing across the tranquil waters of Schmidt Lake, can you imagine a time when horse-drawn buggies traversed the dusty road now known as Schmidt Lake Road? This 45-acre lake, nestled in Plymouth, Minnesota, just a short jaunt from the bustling heart of Minneapolis, holds a fascinating history. Schmidt Lake derives its name from Frederick Henry Benjamin “FHB” Schmidt, a Prussian immigrant who, with his German wife, Marie, claimed 160 acres here under the Homestead Act of 1862. This land included the lake itself, and the once humble dirt track that led to their farmhouse eventually became the present-day Schmidt Lake Road. FHB’s original home, a testament to the family’s pioneering spirit, still stands today, having charmed even a California transplant who, upon purchasing it, claimed to have found heaven. Schmidt Lake isn’t just a picturesque spot. It’s a vibrant hub for recreation, offering boating, tubing, kayaking, and swimming. For those who prefer a more leisurely pastime, fishing is popular, with largemouth bass, northern pike, black bullhead, and panfish awaiting the patient angler. A public boat launch on the southwestern edge welcomes all who wish to explore its waters. The Schmidt family’s legacy extends beyond the lake’s name. They were renowned for their maple syrup operation, tapping hundreds of trees in the surrounding woods, a tradition that continued for generations. And just a stone’s throw from Schmidt Lake, in a pasture once owned by the family, sat a simple yellow house that was moved from its original location on Hamel Road. Imagine it making its slow journey down the road, eventually settling near the intersection of Peony Lane and County Road 9. It still stands there, a quiet witness to the area’s transformation. So, as you enjoy the serenity of Schmidt Lake, remember the Schmidts. Their story is interwoven with the fabric of this place, a reminder of the pioneering spirit and enduring legacy that shaped this peaceful oasis just outside the urban sprawl.