Picture this a lake shaped like a ham. That’s Ham Lake Minnesota. Nestled in Anoka County it’s a charming suburb just north of the bustling Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
In 1856 settlers arrived hoping to build a town called Glen Carey. They envisioned a beautiful valley a thriving community. A prairie fire swept through in 1857. It destroyed everything. The dream died with the flames. The settlers left heartbroken.
Years later in 1866 a Norwegian man arrived. Scandinavians followed. They struggled with the name Glen Carey. So the commissioners chose Ham Lake. The name stuck perfectly describing the lake’s unique shape.
The soil here proved surprisingly fertile. Unlike the rocky terrain of Scandinavia farming flourished. Dairying became a cornerstone of the economy. Potatoes were a major crop. Farmers traded and sold their bounty. Ham Lake Township separated from Grow Township in 1871 marking a new chapter.
In 1872 immigrants built the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. It stands as a testament to the faith and resilience of the early settlers. By 1894 the population surpassed 400. Farmers established a cooperative creamery. General stores opened their doors. Soderquist’s became the town’s main store. Many families connected through marriage creating a strong sense of community.
Potato farming boomed in the early 1900s. Some southeastern farms still reflect this legacy. The rich black soil remains ideal for potatoes corn and other crops. The old families though many have moved due to taxes and growth remain connected. Their stories continue to shape Ham Lake’s identity.
A service garage opened in 1922. A fire department was established in 1969 with Eldon Hentges as the first chief. Ham Lake officially became a city in 1974. Hentges served as the first mayor.
Today Ham Lake is a thriving community. It blends convenient country living with proximity to a major metropolitan area. The legacy of the early settlers the shape of the lake the fertile soil and the strong community bonds continue to shape this special place. Remember the ham shaped lake and the story of Ham Lake. It’s a story of resilience growth and community.