Twin Cities Metro:
Lino Lakes, Centerville MN
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 Carol Pech |
Dakotah and Sioux Indians were the first settlers of the land now known as Lino Lakes and Centerville. Rich in game and wild rice and surrounded by lakes, the area was a natural choice for settlement. Eventually, hunters and trappers from Canada travelled to and began to settle in the area.
In 1857, the first local unit of government was organized and encompassed an area of 36 square miles. The settlers were composed mostly of Germans, Swedes and French. Many descendents of these settlers still live in the Lino Lakes/Centerville area today.
The Village of Lino Lakes was incorporated in 1955 - and both Lino Lakes and Centerville became official cities in 1972. Today, Lino Lakes consists of about 21,000 acres of land and 1,800 citizens.
Currently, a new town center development is in progress, called the Village. The project, which includes a new city hall, police department and early childhood education center, also houses a new community clinic and a bank. Other businesses, such as a YMCA and possibly a theater, are being courted, as well as restaurants and small shops to locate there because of easy access to 35W.
Residents of Lino Lakes and Centerville can truly enjoy the best of both worlds: a convenient location close to the bustling Twin Cities metro areas, and a strong park system that helps preserve the natural setting of their own community. Many of the parks in the area include facilities for picnicking and various sports. The largest of these is the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park - which consists of 2,700 acres of wilderness, plus facilities for swimming and camping.
Golfers won't have to travel to enjoy their sport. Chamonix Golf Course (a county-owned course), the Shadow Ridge Golf Range, and Deer Meadows all exist within city limits.
In addition, there is also a Senior Center offering many activities for seniors including bowling, golf, ceramics, aerobics, meals and entertainment.
Lino Lakes and Centerville share the Centennial School District. This district covers approximately 27 square miles and serves students in Lino Lake, Circle Pines, Centerville, Blaine and Lexington. There are currently over 6000 students enrolled in grades K-12.
Students in the southeast corner of Lino Lakes are served by the White Bear Lake Area School District. A small part of Lino Lakes is also served by the Forest Lake School District.
Lino Lakes and Centerville are home to many smaller, local retail businesses and stores and add to the small town flavor of both cities.
Many of the area's larger businesses are located in the Apollo Business Park - located just west of I-35 W. However, with just a 20 minute drive to the Twin Cities Metro areas, many Lino Lake and Centerville residents commute daily to Minneapolis or St. Paul to work.
Because of Lino Lakes' and Centerville's beautiful setting, many of the newer housing developments offer lots with wooded settings or ponds. There is a good mix of price ranges and variety available in both the newer neighborhoods and the established ones.
For those who enjoy maintenance free living, there is also a large number of condominium and townhome developments. Some are even located on the edges of the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park for spectacular views.
