Lake City tourist information
In one of Colorado’s most isolated areas, dwarfed by the San Juans and resting at the confluence of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison and Henson Creek, Lake City has a particularly interesting history. This silver mining camp-turned-healthy-prospector’s-hub boomed and busted for years before the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad stabilized the town’s economy. One gruesome tale of how local prospector Alferd Packer turned cannibal in the mountains nearby haunts the town to this day. Each September, jeep tours, locals crafts, and, of course, a big barbecue celebrate Packer’s legend, and the cannibal’s famous trial is also depicted in town each summer.
Modern Lake City, however, remains a charming mountain village full of gingerbread-perfect houses and one of the largest National Historic Districts in the state; stores and cafes dot the main avenue. The Hinsdale County Museum, inside an 1877 stone building, features rotating exhibits on area history.
Four-wheel-driving on old mining roads is a favorite activity here, and Rocky Mountain Jeep Rental can help get you started. The Alpine Loop, leaving from Lake City, is a particular favorite. For horseback riding to alpine lakes and a backcountry dinner, contact the Lakeview Resort. And the rustic, Western-themed log Old Carson Inn, with a large deck, hot tub, and hearty breakfast is perfect for a quiet overnight stay.
Columbia County is a rapidly-growing region of Florida with a population that has doubled in the past twenty-five years. Located near the intersections of Interstate 75 and 10, and US Highways 90, 441 and 41, its strategic location on major routes are part of the reason the city is often referred to as the "Gateway to Florida."
Lake City is the economic and governmental center of this county, and has grown into a town that combines the warmth of a small community with the conveniences of life in a larger city. Shoppers from surrounding areas, as well as nearby Fort White, enjoy Lake City's numerous dining establishments and shopping options. A variety of businesses thrive here, and employ thousands of workers in everything from manufacturing to mining.
Visitors are attracted to the natural beauty of the adjacent waters, outdoor activities and historical events such as the Olustee Battle Festival and Reenactment. Quite a number of individuals are discovering that having friendly people, a seasonal climate, good roads and a quality lifestyle are much preferred to the bustle of other areas of Florida.
Snuggled against the east shore of Lake Missaukee, this year-around village is an ideal spot for a quiet getaway for boaters and summer cottagers. But, it's got a wild side too. Every Saturday night during the season you can watch street stock, pro-truck, Michigan modified and late-model racing on a quarter-mile dirt track.
Lake City was well named since it is located at the heart of the Minnesota shoreline on one of the most photogenic spots on Lake Pepin. A River walk has been constructed in the City passing along more than 2.5 miles of open shoreline. On the River walk one can stroll, jog or roller blade uninterrupted while viewing the magnificent scenery and activities on the Lake.
Lake Pepin is one of the finest sail boating lakes in all of Minnesota. The Lake City marina is the largest small boat marina on the Mississippi and is located two blocks to the east of the downtown business district. Many other water activities are easily accessible from three public boat launch facilities and a private marina in Lake City.
Fishermen have access to the lake from either shore fishing piers or boats. A public fish cleaning house in Roschen Park facilitates preparation of the day's catch. Numerous fishing tournaments are held. Walleye and striped Bass fishing are the most popular but Lake Pepin has over 85 species of fish as reported by the DNR. As a boundary water, fishing is open all year long.
The Lake attracts many species of birds. Spring and fall migrations of waterfowl can be seen from the shores, parks and even homes along the river. When the Lake freezes, dozens of eagles can be seen on the edge of the ice looking for an easy catch of fish. The same is repeated each spring as the lake ice goes out. Located in a Major Migratory Corridor, Lake City offers year round wildlife viewing. In Spring, Birders can view one of the largest concentrations of warblers at Hok-Si-La Park, rafts of Common Merganzers can be viewed from the shoreline, as well as, a number of other shore birds. A Lake City Area Birding Brochure and Map is available upon request.
Water Ski Days are held the last weekend in June drawing more than 20,000 visitors. The festival features music, crafts, carnival rides, a classic car show, parades and of course water ski shows. Ralph W. Samuelson was only 18 years old when he invented the sport of water skiing just off the shore from Lake City in 1922.
Johnny Appleseed Days, held the first weekend in October, features the abundance of apples grown in the area. It is held near the peak of the spectacular fall foliage. The orchards in the Lake City area produce about one-fourth of the 700,000 bushels of apples grown in Minnesota each year. The Lake City area is the nation's largest producer of the Haralson variety of apple.
Winter activities include down hill and cross-country skiing, snowmobile races, Taste Fest, an ice fishing contest, golf classic on the ice, a horse drawn parade and a fantastic fireworks display over the lake.
There are a variety of lodging establishments in Lake City including campgrounds, motels, and several bed and breakfasts. Local restaurants, gift shops, and grocery and convenience stores provide your travel needs. Enjoy your stay in one of the most scenic cities on the entire Mississippi River. Lake City, Minnesota.
Lake City aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Lake City aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Lake City.
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