History:

Sauk Rapids is located in Central Minnesota, one mile from Saint Cloud. We are a thriving and prosperous community with over 10,000 residents. The history of our City has formed the community we are now proud of. We look forward to the future for opportunities for growth and development.

The reputation of Central Minnesota as a good place to live, with a strong economy and an excellent work force, is embodied in Sauk Rapids. This is a community where people want to raise families, educate their children, and serve their neighbors as good citizens and caring friends.

In 1850 Sauk Rapids consisted of oak, maple and basswood trees. In 1851, the first home was built by W.H. Wood, it was a large mansion named Lynden Terrace. Soon other settlers followed and the town was named Sauk Rapids after the rapids just below the mouth of the Sauk River. Soon a general store was built, then a hotel, and a large jail.

In 1856 the county seat moved to Watab, then returned to Sauk Rapids in 1859. A new courthouse was built, but then finally in 1897 the seat moved to Foley where it currently resides. In 1917 the courthouse burned. The first settlers organized a Congergational church that was soon followed by a Methodist, and Episcopalian and a Lutheran church.