Lake Shore

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Our Story

Population: 1014                            

Median Age: 51.5

Median Income: $56,539

Area: 18.15 square miles

Most Common Industry: Accommodation/Food Service

PAST

Mound builders were the primary inhabitants of this lakes area community until 1840, when explorers and trappers came into the area to hunt and farm. The community of Lake Shore started out as a village in 1930. They were then incorporated into a city in 1947, with their first land use ordinance in 1969.

Logging became popular in the area, as white pines were most prominent in the area. A sawmill and railroad were brought in until all the trees were removed. Part of the old railway can still be seen in western Lake Shore.

 Tourism was an instant industry for this area, starting with primitive log cabins and growing into an abundance of resorts on the 9 lakes in this community. From the 1930’s and into the 40’s, Lake Shore had 35 resorts. Over time, the majority of these resorts were converted into homes for residence and second homes for the vacationers.

PRESENT

Lake Shore is a town that thrives on tourism. They are proud to be a part of the Gull Lake chain, as well as home to 6 resorts, ranging from family friendly to luxury accommodations, Fritz Loven Park, 9 lakes and activities that span all four seasons.

As the largest city in Cass County, Lake Shore boasts a progressive city government with involved citizens. They had the largest voter turnout in the county during the 2014 elections. This bustling micropolitan community has a variety of restaurants, nightlife opportunities, a strong 4-H presence and its citizens are involved in organizations such as the Lions, Jaycees, and Gull Lake Drifters Snowmobile Club, just to name a few.

Residents identified these specific assets in Lake Shore

Natural Assets:

Fritz Loven Park	9 connected lakes (chain of lakes)
Gull Lake Chain	4 seasons of activities
Rocky Point	Topography
Native American History	Old railroad
Forests	Ag land
Home Brook trout stream	Undeveloped county land
Fall tree colors	Archeological dig-2750 year old pottery found
Fishing

Cultural Assets:

History	½ of Smiley Township
Accepting of other cultures	Nisswa Stamman Festival
Lutheran church	Native American history
Logging	Resorts
Friendly people	Charm
Farm and ranch people	Recreational boating

Human Assets:

Educated professionals	Retirees
Doctors	Lawyers
Executives	Police
EMTs	Variety of backgrounds
Artists	Tradesmen
Financially successful citizens

Social Assets:

Strong 4-H presence	Nightlife
Casual to high end restaurants	“Come by boat”
Gull Lake Chain of Lakes Association	Gull Lake Drifters Snowmobile Club
Lions	Jaycees
Golf	Skiing

Political Assets:

Largest city in Cass County	Elected officials work well together
Progressive city government	EMT Certified Police Dept
Involved citizens	Contracted with Nisswa Fire Dept
Highest voter turnout in Cass Co. (85%)	Became an organized village in 1947
Quality local government	Great city employees
Conservation Easements

Financial Assets:

Debt Free Municipal Government

Good tax base

Built Assets:

City Hall	Good roads
Trail coming soon	Playground
Fritz Loven sliding hill	Restaurants
Roads	Lake access
Fishing pier	Cemetery
Sewage treatment	Stable utilities
Conforming on site sewer systems	Good cell/cable/internet service
Gull Lake Marina	City website
Gull Lake Motel	Bar Harbor Supper Club
Zorbaz	Point Narrows Resort
Cowboy’s	Sherwood Forest Lodge
Sandy Beach Resort	Samana Point Resort
Causeway on Gull	Agate Lake Resort
Lykins Pinehurst Resort

FUTURE

Number 1 goal is Comp Plan, as it would include other goals, such as City Hall. Second goal is City Hall. Third goal is bringing jobs into the community-industrial park area perhaps.

Community Goals:

1. -New City Hall-large enough for community center and museum area.

   -Comp Plan/Industrial Park-develop City Hall into Comp Plan. All zoning districts are part of process.

2. -Bring jobs to area-industrial park, senior citizen home/affordable housing. Minors Corner area (Hwy 29 & 78).

   -City Hall/Community Center-multi functional. Grant dollars.

3. -Update Comp Plan-get younger people/millennials involved in the planning.

   -Protect large land tracts around city.-ask to put in conservation easements. Talk to county to see intentions for county owned land (if there are any)

4. -City Beach-not sure where, maybe around Sandy Beach Resort. Liability? Expense?

 

For more information on the City of Lake Shore and all it has to offer, visit www.cityoflakeshore.com.