Lake City offers peaceful, small-town living by Lake Pepin
Lake City is a riverside community by Lake Pepin, which sits on the Mississippi River and is the birthplace of water skiing. The small city is also home to many waterfront parks and beaches for water sports like boating and fishing, while sports tournaments and riverfront festivities make the community an ideal location for water living. Golf also has a prominent presence in the city, and the community is surrounded by golf courses and country clubs. In addition, the city’s historic district has a large selection of 19th-century buildings, while many contemporary shops and eateries dot the city’s waterfront
From historic homes to new developments in Lake City
Homebuyers can find a large collection of 19th-century homes in the city. Many historic properties have Queen Anne, colonial and Folk Victorian influences or feature an eclectic mix of workers cottages. Other housing styles include 1950s to 1970s ranch-styles, Cape Cods and split-levels. New developments from the 21st century are often designed with contemporary ranch and New Traditional elements. The median sale price is approximately $300,000, which is below the national median of around $400,000. Single-family properties start around $150,000 and can go up to $350,000. Newer houses tend to be priced slightly higher and can go between $440,000 and $650,000, and custom-built waterfront properties can list over $1 million. Mobile homes are typically around $20,000 to $135,000. Townhouses are between $240,000 and $400,000, and waterfront condominiums can sell from $260,000 to over $450,000.
Water recreation in Lake City is within arm's reach
Considered the gateway to Lake Pepin, which is the largest lake on the Mississippi River, water recreation at Lake City is a staple way of life. Residents can go boating, fishing, swimming, paddling, sailing, kayaking and water skiing, and then dock their boats at Lake City Marina. Overlooking Lake Pepin, the waterfront Hok-Si-La Park is over 250 acres and offers campgrounds, cabins and a public swimming beach. Home to many summer festivals like the Lake City Market by the Lake and Water Ski Days, Ohuta Park has the Riverwalk Trail, a modern playground and a beach. Those into golfing can play a round at one of the many courses in the city, including The Jewel Golf Club and Lake City Golf, both of which are open to the public. Residents can also explore over 14 miles of hiking trails, go bird watching or wildflower hunting at Frontenac State Park.
Shopping and dining options along the waterfront
The city’s waterfront is dotted with shops, restaurants and local establishments. Kelly’s Lake House Bar & Grill offers waterfront dining with classic American fare, and Lake City Family Restaurant is a staple breakfast spot. Port 104 has tavern eats, a bowling alley and events like different themed parties and live music nights. Popular boutiques include Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company and Treats & Treasures, which has a selection of clothing, sweets, gifts and souvenirs. People can get groceries at Lake City Fresh Market, and Walmart is about 15 miles away in Red Wing.
Schools in Lake City's public school system
Lake City Public Schools serves the city. Bluff View Elementary serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade and gets a B-minus score from Niche. Lincoln High School teaches grades seven to 12 and has a B-minus. Lincoln High has partnered with Rochester Community and Technical College, Winona State University and Luther College to provide students with college credit courses. For private schooling, families may also consider the K-8 St. John's Lutheran School.
Waterfront festivals and sports races in the city
A wide variety of events take place in Lake City. The city’s chamber of commerce sponsors an annual golf tournament in the summer, and there’s a grand fireworks show over the city’s riverfront on Independence Day. Lake City Fall Fest has five weeks of fall activities like cider and spirit tastings, haunted trails and a family zone with fun games and activities. Float a Palooza, one of the city’s biggest beach parties, takes place at Ohuta Beach Park with a floating and paddleboarding race, food trucks and kids' entertainment. Other events include fishing, sailing and ice fishing contests,
Distance to Red Wing and Rochester
U.S. Highways 61 and 63 pass through the city. Residents can call Hiawathaland Transit to schedule a bus ride within Goodhue and Wabasha counties. The closest Amtrak station is in Red Wing, which is about 15 miles northwest and has connections to Minneapolis. Rochester International Airport is approximately 45 miles away, and Mayo Clinic Health System - Lake City is located right in the city center.
