Lake Crystal is in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. The city wraps around a large portion of Crystal Lake and Lily Lake, while Loon Lake and Mills Lake are nearby. Minnesota Highway 60 is the chief route through the city. Nearby communities include Butternut, Garden City, and Perth. Mankato is about 13 miles northeast of Lake Crystal. The origins of Crystal Lake include two communities that were established in the 1800s: Crystal Lake and Nunda. A man named Ziba S. Beardsley came to the lake in 1835, describing the lake’s water as being clear as crystal, giving the body of water its name. He moved south to Naperville prior to the formation of the town, however. In 1836, Beman and Polly Crandall came from New York with their six children, living in a covered wagon until a log cabin could be built. Four more children were born to them at Crystal Lake. Najah Beardsley’s family was the second to settle, although the new settlement was first called Crystal Ville. Sometime before 1840, the community’s name was changed to Crystal Lake. The area known as downtown Crystal Lake was first called Dearborn, a village that was formed in the mid-1850s after the railroad extended its tracks through the area. The first railroad depot was established in 1856 but, although it was near Dearborn, it was called the Crystal Lake Station. At that time, the main business district was on Virginia Street, about a mile southwest of the rail station. In 1868, Dearborn’s name was changed to Nunda, for an area of New York where many of its early settlers were from. Platted in 1868, the village included the area bounded by Route 176 on the north, Crystal Lake Avenue on the south, Main Street on the east, and Walkup Avenue on the west. Crystal Lake and Nunda were incorporated as villages in 1874. In 1908, the village of Nunda changed its name to North Crystal Lake. After several attempts to consolidate the two villages, North Crystal Lake was annexed to Crystal Lake in 1914, and became a city.
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Situated on the shores of Crystal Lake, the city of Crystal Lake is about twelve miles southwest of Mankato. The official city web site offers a schedule of city events, public notices, council agendas and minutes, ordinances, and municipal job openings. Other resources include survey results, RFP bids and quotes, rebate forms, and reports.
http://www.ci.lake-crystal.mn.us/
Crystal Lake Historical Society
Headquartered in the Colonel Palmer House, the non-profit organization maintains the town museum, and serves to preserve or recognize historic places and events relating to the city of Lake Crystal, Minnesota. The early history, people, structures, events, and places are highlighted, along with its hours and contacts.
http://www.cl-hs.org/
Located in the town of Lake Crystal, Minnesota, the business offers motorhome and pop-up tent camper rentals. Its selection of motorhomes and campers are displayed, with the available features in each, photographs, and weekly pricing. A selection of travel trailers and recreational vehicles may be available for sale, as well.
http://www.honstadrvrentals.com/
Lake Crystal Area Recreation Center
LCARC is a multi-functional recreation and community center serving Blue Earth County, Nicollet County, and the surrounding region, offering access to a fully-equipped cardio machine and weight fitness center, two multi-use basketball or volleyball courts, an elevated walking track, and locker rooms. Its schedules, programs, and membership policies are featured.
http://www.lcarc.com/
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial School District
Headquartered in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, Independent School District #2071 serves the communities of Lake Crystal, Butternut, Vernon Center, Rapidan, Judson, and Garden City, offering a PK-12th grade curriculum. School maps, schedules, programs and services are highlighted, and staff contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.isd2071.k12.mn.us/