Lakeville MN

Lakeville, MN – A perfect mix of small-town charm and modern living, Lakeville is one of Minnesota’s fastest-growing cities. With scenic lakes, friendly neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community, it's a great place to call home. Whether you're enjoying the trails, fishing on a peaceful lake, or catching a local concert, Lakeville offers a little something for everyone year-round.

• Population: ~75,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70–85°F), snowy winters (10–30°F).
• Places To Visit: Antlers Park, Ritter Farm Park, Lakeville Area Arts Center, Historic Downtown Lakeville, Steve Michaud Park.
• Top Activities: Boating on Lake Marion, hiking and biking trails, family picnics in the parks, enjoying summer festivals, exploring local boutiques and coffee shops.
• Famous Food: Burgers at Red Cow, hearty breakfasts at The Buzz, artisan pizza at Olive’s Fresh Pizza Bar, craft beer at Angry Inch Brewing.

Lakeville, MN is a growing city located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. As part of the south metro, it offers a mix of suburban living and economic development. Lakeville’s job landscape is diverse, with strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail. As the city continues to expand, certain careers are more in-demand than others.

Top 5 Jobs in Lakeville, MN

Lakeville, MN is a great place for students looking to kick back, have some fun, and take a breather from their studies. Whether you're in the mood for outdoor adventures, coffee hangs, or a bit of retail therapy, Lakeville has a variety of spots to keep you entertained.

Casperson Park & Beach – This serene lakeside park is perfect for relaxing by the water, enjoying a picnic, or playing some beach volleyball with friends. It's a great place to unwind and take in the tranquil scenery.

Lakeville Arts Center – For students with an interest in arts and culture, the Lakeville Arts Center hosts a variety of events including art exhibitions, theater performances, and workshops. It's a creative oasis in the heart of the city.

Lakeville Brewing Company – A popular hangout for students, this community-focused brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere with a wide selection of craft beers and delicious food. It's an ideal spot to chill with friends and catch some live music.

Pioneer Plaza – If you're in the mood for shopping or dining, Pioneer Plaza is the place to be. With a variety of stores and eateries, you can enjoy some retail therapy or grab a bite to eat with friends.

Antlers Park – This spacious park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking trails, play some frisbee, or simply lounge in the sun with a good book. It's a perfect getaway for stress-free relaxation.

Allure and North Creek Parks – These two connected parks are great for students who enjoy more structured activities. With facilities like a skate park, frisbee golf course, and tennis courts, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Caribou Coffee – Sometimes all you need is a cozy place to sip on your favorite drink and catch up with friends or study solo. Caribou Coffee offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for both socializing and focusing on your studies.

Lakeville, Minnesota, is a rapidly growing suburb in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. While Lakeville itself does not have large universities, it offers close access to several high-quality colleges and universities, both public and private. Students in Lakeville can enjoy excellent educational opportunities within a short distance from home.

Top Public Colleges & Universities near Lakeville

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities – Located just 25 miles north of Lakeville, this flagship public research university offers top-ranked programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and the liberal arts. It is one of the most respected public universities in the country.

Minnesota State University, Mankato – About an hour southwest of Lakeville, this public university is known for strong programs in education, aviation, nursing, business, and engineering. It offers a diverse campus environment and hands-on learning opportunities.

Inver Hills Community College – Located in nearby Inver Grove Heights, this community college offers associate degrees and transfer programs. It is highly regarded for its nursing, liberal arts, and business programs.

Normandale Community College – Situated in Bloomington, about 20 minutes from Lakeville, Normandale is a top-rated community college offering over 50 degree and certificate programs. It’s known for affordability and university transfer success.

Dakota County Technical College – Located in Rosemount, this college focuses on career and technical programs, including automotive, health sciences, business, and information technology. It provides hands-on training aligned with local job markets.

Top Private Colleges & Universities near Lakeville

University of St. Thomas – A well-known private Catholic university in St. Paul, offering strong programs in business, engineering, education, and liberal arts. It is noted for its beautiful campus, small class sizes, and career-focused education.

Hamline University – Based in St. Paul, Hamline is Minnesota’s oldest university. It offers excellent programs in law, public administration, education, and the arts. The school promotes civic engagement and global learning.

St. Catherine University – Also in St. Paul, this private university focuses on empowering women through education. Known for its nursing, healthcare, liberal arts, and social work programs, it provides a supportive learning environment.

Macalester College – A prestigious liberal arts college in St. Paul, Macalester is recognized nationally for its global perspective and strong academic programs in international studies, political science, and environmental science.

Augsburg University – Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg offers a diverse and inclusive environment with robust programs in education, business, social work, and the sciences. It emphasizes experiential learning and community involvement.

Lakeville, Minnesota offers high-quality education through both its public and private high schools. Students benefit from excellent teachers, strong academic programs, and a wide range of extracurricular activities that prepare them for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools In Lakeville

• Lakeville North High School – Known for academic rigor, top-tier athletics, and a supportive community. It consistently ranks among the best public schools in Minnesota.
• Lakeville South High School – Offers strong college-preparatory courses, including AP and honors classes. The school also excels in sports and fine arts programs.
• Rosemount High School – Located nearby, it serves many Lakeville area students. The school provides advanced coursework and a wide selection of extracurricular clubs.
• Farmington High School – A neighboring school that welcomes Lakeville residents, known for technology integration and dynamic student support services.
• Apple Valley High School – While just outside the city, some Lakeville students attend this school, which is celebrated for its STEM and arts magnet programs.

Top Private High Schools In Lakeville

• Christian Life Academy – A private K-12 school with a high school focused on faith-based education, small class sizes, and personalized attention.
• Holy Angels Academy (Academy of Holy Angels) – Located nearby in Richfield, it is a top-rated Catholic high school offering college prep, arts, and athletic programs.
• Trinity School at River Ridge – A classical Christian school in nearby Eagan, known for rigorous academics, moral teaching, and strong teacher-student relationships.
• First Baptist School – Rosemount – A faith-based private school offering a structured academic environment for families in the Lakeville area.
• Minnehaha Academy – Although a bit farther, many Lakeville families choose this Christian prep school for its academic excellence and inclusive learning environment.

Lakeville, Minnesota is a growing city in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, known for its community spirit, excellent schools, and outdoor recreation. While Lakeville itself does not have major professional sports teams, residents cheer for Minnesota's professional teams based in nearby Minneapolis and Saint Paul. These teams bring top-tier sports action in basketball, baseball, football, hockey, and soccer.

🏀 Basketball – Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

• Minnesota Timberwolves – Founded in 1989, the Timberwolves are the state's NBA team. While they haven’t won an NBA championship, they have had standout players like Kevin Garnett, who led them to the Western Conference Finals in 2004. Today, the team features rising stars such as Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.

⚾ Baseball – Minnesota Twins (MLB)

• Minnesota Twins – A beloved team in the state, the Twins have won three World Series titles, the most recent being in 1991, a series remembered for its epic Game 7. Over the years, the Twins have showcased legends like Kirby Puckett, Joe Mauer, and Harmon Killebrew.

🏈 Football – Minnesota Vikings (NFL)

• Minnesota Vikings – Known for their passionate fan base and the iconic “Skol” chant, the Vikings have played in four Super Bowls but have yet to capture a championship. Notable players in their history include Randy Moss, Fran Tarkenton, and Adrian Peterson.

🏒 Hockey – Minnesota Wild (NHL)

• Minnesota Wild – Representing the “State of Hockey,” the Wild joined the NHL in 2000 and play their home games in Saint Paul. Though they haven't won a Stanley Cup, they remain a strong contender each season and have produced stars like Mikko Koivu and Kirill Kaprizov.

⚽ Soccer – Minnesota United FC (MLS)

• Minnesota United FC – Known as the "Loons," Minnesota United joined Major League Soccer in 2017. Playing at Allianz Field, they’ve quickly established a strong presence with an exciting fan base and players like Emanuel Reynoso.

Though Lakeville doesn't host these teams directly, its location offers easy access for residents to enjoy Minnesota's professional sports scene just a short drive away.

Lakeville, MN is more than just a charming suburb of the Twin Cities — it's packed with nature, community spirit, and a bit of history that might just surprise you. Here are some fun facts about Lakeville that show what makes this city in Minnesota so unique:

1. Born from the Railroad – Lakeville was founded in the 1800s as a railroad village, and the original train depot is still part of its downtown charm.
2. A City of Lakes – True to its name, Lakeville has over 100 ponds and 5 major lakes, including the beloved Lake Marion and Orchard Lake.
3. Pan-O-Prog Festival – The annual Panorama of Progress is Lakeville’s largest community celebration, packed with parades, car shows, music, and fireworks!
4. Fastest Growing Suburb – Lakeville is one of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota, with a population that’s more than doubled since the year 2000.
5. Lakeville Isn’t Just Lakes – Despite the name, Lakeville also has over 100 miles of trails and 70 parks for hiking, biking, and nature walks.
6. Hot Air Balloon Capital – Each summer, skies over Lakeville fill with color during the Hot Air Affair Balloon Festival, a favorite local event.
7. Historic Downtown – Lakeville’s downtown still holds its old-time charm with shops and buildings dating back to the late 1800s.
8. An Apple a Day – The city is home to Applewood Orchard, where families gather each fall for apple picking, hayrides, and cider donuts.
9. Ice Fishing Haven – Lake Marion and other area lakes become popular spots for ice fishing villages during Minnesota's chilly winters.
10. Top-Rated Schools – Lakeville is known for its excellent public schools, often ranking among the best in the state.