Ham Lake, MN
- About Ham Lake
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Points of Interest
- Transport
- Hospitals and Healthcare
- Museums and Art
- Universities and Higher Education
- Sports and Recreation
Ham Lake is a suburban city in Anoka County, Minnesota, part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, known for its lakes, parks, and "convenient country living."
About Ham Lake
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The official name of the city is Ham Lake. It is located in Anoka County in the state of Minnesota, USA . Ham Lake is a suburban community and part of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area (also known as the Twin Cities), which is the main economic and cultural hub of the Upper Midwest . The city motto is "Convenient Country Living," reflecting its blend of residential development with open spaces and a rural heritage .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Glen Cary: Before it was Ham Lake, a town named "Glen Carey" (sometimes spelled Glen Cary) was established in 1856 by settlers. The name is Scottish, meaning "Beautiful Valley." The settlement was destroyed by a prairie fire in 1857, and the residents left the area .
- Ham Lake Township: When Scandinavian settlers returned to the area in the late 1860s, they found the Scottish name "Glen Carey" difficult to pronounce. Since no official name had been chosen by the residents, the county commissioners named the organized township in 1871 after the lake, which was shaped like a ham .
Date of Foundation and Age
The earliest recorded settlement in the area dates back to 1855 . The town of Glen Cary was established in 1856 . After being abandoned, permanent settlement resumed in 1866 with the arrival of Mads Gilbertson, a Norwegian immigrant . The Township of Ham Lake was officially organized by the Anoka County Commissioners on February 21, 1871 . Ham Lake officially became a city on January 8, 1974 , making it just over 50 years old as a city, though its history as a community spans over 150 years.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Ham Lake is situated at the geographic coordinates 45°15′16″N 93°12′57″W (45.2545, -93.2039) . It is located in central Anoka County, on a flat to gently rolling glacial plain. The city is approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) north of Minneapolis . The elevation in the city is around 274 meters (899 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Ham Lake is primarily a residential suburb and an exurban community within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area . Historically, it was a farming community known for potato farming and, for a time, as the largest producer of landscape sod in Minnesota . Today, its economy is integrated with the broader Twin Cities region, with many residents commuting to jobs in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding suburbs. The city retains a semi-rural character with parks, lakes, and agricultural remnants like sod farms .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Ham Lake is 16,464 . This makes it a medium-sized suburb. The city experienced significant growth in the late 20th century, with its population increasing nearly fivefold between 1970 and 2000, transforming from a rural township to a suburban city .
"City's Business Card" (Briefly)
Ham Lake is a quintessential Twin Cities suburb, offering "convenient country living" with its parks, numerous lakes, and spacious residential areas, all within commuting distance of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It's a community where a pioneer-era church on the National Register of Historic Places stands as a reminder of its Scandinavian farming roots amidst modern subdivisions .
Geography
Water Bodies (Lakes)
The city is named after its most prominent geographic feature, Ham Lake, located in the center of the city. The lake is notable for its unique shape, which resembles a slice of ham with an island representing the ham bone . Other significant lakes within the city include Lake Netta and the southern portion of Coon Lake . These lakes are central to the community's identity and are used for recreation. The city's major winter celebration is even held on a city lake in February .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Ham Lake has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) . This type of climate is characterized by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm, sometimes humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
Average Temperatures
The area experiences four distinct seasons.
- Winter (December-February): Winters are cold, with average highs in January, the coldest month, typically below freezing (around -5°C or 23°F) and lows often dropping to -12°C (10°F) or lower .
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm. July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and lows near 16°C (61°F), though temperatures can occasionally climb into the 90s°F (above 32°C) .
Precipitation and Snowfall
Precipitation is moderate and distributed throughout the year, with the wettest period being late spring and summer.
- Rainfall: The area receives an average of about 30 inches (760 mm) of precipitation annually .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with the region typically receiving significant snowfall from November through March.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ham Lake for outdoor activities is during the summer and early autumn, from June to September, when the weather is warmest and most favorable for enjoying the city's parks and lakes. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and beautiful changing foliage but can be unpredictable.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
[Glen Cary Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church]
- Full Name: Glen Cary Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is now part of Our Saviours Lutheran Church .
- Year of Construction: 1872.
- Significance: Founded by early Swedish immigrants, this church is the oldest existing church building in the area and is a direct link to Ham Lake's pioneer heritage. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The building stands as a testament to the community's deep Scandinavian roots.
[Historic One-Room Schoolhouses]
Ham Lake's agricultural and educational history is preserved in the memory of its one-room schoolhouses. While no longer functioning as schools, several buildings from districts like Soderville (District 42), Glen Cary (District 37), Lake Netta (District 24), and the Red Brick School (District 54) remained standing for many years, often repurposed as private homes or community buildings . The site of the original Glen Cary School is now the location of the Ham Lake City Hall .
[City Parks]
The city has dedicated over 352 acres to public parks . These green spaces offer residents and visitors opportunities for sports, walking, and enjoying the natural environment, reflecting the city's commitment to its motto of "convenient country living."
Transport
Main Highways
The primary transportation route through Ham Lake is Minnesota State Highway 65. It serves as the main arterial road, connecting the city to Minneapolis to the south and to the northern suburbs and rural areas .
Nearest Airports
The closest and most convenient major airport is Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). It is located approximately 41 kilometers (26 miles) south of Ham Lake . The drive typically takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes . Other more distant airports include:
- Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD): ~146 km (91 miles) north .
- Rochester International Airport (RST): ~161 km (100 miles) southeast .
- Duluth International Airport (DLH): ~195 km (121 miles) north .
Public Transportation
Public transit options are typical for a suburban community, primarily consisting of bus services that connect to the larger Metro Transit network in the Twin Cities. Detailed local routes can be found on the Metro Transit website.
Hospitals and Healthcare
Mercy Hospital
Residents of Ham Lake have access to medical care at Mercy Hospital, located in nearby Coon Rapids. The hospital is situated at 4050 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 and can be reached at 763-236-6000 .
Mercy Hospital, Unity Campus
Another nearby healthcare option is the Mercy Hospital, Unity Campus in Fridley. This campus is located at 550 Osborne Road NE, Fridley, MN 55432 and its phone number is 763-236-5000 .
Museums and Art
Museums in the Greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul Area
While Ham Lake itself is a smaller community, its location within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area provides access to a wealth of world-class museums. For those interested in art and culture, several major institutions are a short drive away .
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is a must-visit, housing over 80,000 works spanning 4,000 years of world history, including sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings, and prints . On the campus of the University of Minnesota, the Weisman Art Museum features fine arts from the contemporary period . For those interested in a specific cultural niche, The Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis is the only North American museum dedicated to the preservation and presentation of all forms of Russian art and artifacts .
In nearby Saint Paul, the Landmark Center serves as a cultural venue for a variety of events. Housed in a former Federal Court House and Post Office building circa 1902, it is designated as a National Historic Monument . The Minnesota Museum of American Art is another key institution, showcasing art of the past and present . Other notable venues include the Goldstein Museum of Design and the American Museum-Asmat Art at the University of St. Thomas .
Universities and Higher Education
Colleges and Universities Near Ham Lake
Ham Lake is situated within a vibrant educational region, with nearly 50 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius, enrolling over 210,000 students . The closest higher education institution is the Minnesota School of Business in Blaine, just 7 miles away .
For those seeking a two-year degree, Anoka Ramsey Community College is located 9 miles from Ham Lake and offers an open admission policy . Anoka Technical College is another nearby option for specialized technical training .
The area is also home to several highly regarded four-year institutions. Bethel University, located 14 miles away in Arden Hills, is ranked as one of the best private colleges in Minnesota . Hamline University in Saint Paul and Augsburg College in Minneapolis are also within a 20-mile radius and are consistently highly ranked .
The largest and most prominent university in the immediate area is the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, located about 19 miles from Ham Lake. It is ranked as the #1 best public university in Minnesota and enrolls nearly 55,000 students . The university is a major research institution and its campus is home to the Weisman Art Museum . Macalester College in Saint Paul, ranked #104 in the nation, is another top-tier liberal arts college in the vicinity . The Macalester College Art Gallery is open to the public and contributes to the region's vibrant arts scene .
Sports and Recreation
Local Sports and Community Organizations
Ham Lake has an active community with several local organizations dedicated to sports and recreation.
The Ham Lake Sportsmans Club, organized in 1951, promotes conservation and sponsors youth activities like a Boy Scout troop and hunter safety classes. The club also runs a shotgun trap league that meets during the summer on Wednesday and Thursday nights and offers open shooting to nonmembers .
Local Athletes
Wrestling is represented in Ham Lake by Luke Braddy, who was named to the 2023 Men's National Team by USA Wrestling. Braddy resides in Ham Lake .
Nearby Professional Sports
As part of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, Ham Lake residents are fans of the region's major professional sports teams, including MLB's Minnesota Twins, the NFL's Minnesota Vikings, the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, and the NHL's Minnesota Wild. These teams play at various venues in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.