Battle Lake is a city in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 875 in 2010 census.
History
Battle Lake was platted in 1881, and named for a nearby lake which commemorates an 18th-century battle between the Ojibwe and Sioux Indians.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.47 square miles (3.81Â km2), all of it land.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 875 people, 386 households, and 215 families residing in the city. The population density was 595.2 inhabitants per square mile (229.8/km2). There were 486 housing units at an average density of 330.6 per square mile (127.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.7% White, 0.3% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.2% of the population.
There were 386 households of which 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.8% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.3% were non-families. 40.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 26.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.13 and the average family size was 2.91.
The median age in the city was 49.5 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 33.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.0% male and 55.0% female.
2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 686 people, 327 households, and 192 families residing in the city. The population density was 571.3 people per square mile (220.7/km²). There were 407 housing units at an average density of 338.9/sq mi (131.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.54% White, 0.29% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.44% Asian, and 0.58% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.
There were 327 households out of which 23.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.0% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 26.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.79.
In the city, the population was spread out with 21.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 32.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48 years. For every 100 females there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $25,000, and the median income for a family was $36,250. Males had a median income of $27,333 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,269. About 8.6% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Battle Lake is a bustling little community wrapped snugly around the western edge of West Battle Lake in central Minnesota's "lakes country". The City has a population of 875 however with increasing development adjacent to the City and on nearby lakes, it appears to be much larger.
Arts and culture
Museums and other points of interest
The Prospect House and Civil War Museum was founded to share the story of “Cap†Colehour, Civil War Veteran and entrepreneur, who settled in the community of Battle Lake after the Civil War. The Prospect House was built in 1882 by Colehour, and the home's furnishings and decor have not been changed since its last remodel in 1929 by Colehour's daughter.
Fiction
The Murder-by-Month Mysteries, written by Jess Lourey, are set in Battle Lake.
Parks and recreation
Glendalough State Park is located three miles from Battle Lake. The 1,924-acre area was designated as a State Park in 1991. At the heart of the park is Annie Battle Lake, a 335-acre "Heritage Fishery" that provides a tranquil fishing experience. There are hiking trails, lakes, and woods in the state park. The property was a game farm during much of the 20th Century. It was long owned by the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, and featured a large enclosure of exotic birds - including peacocks and Chukar Partridges.
Education
Battle Lake Public Schools are part of the Battle Lake Public School District. The district has an elementary school and secondary school.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Minnesota Highway 210 and Minnesota Highway 78 are two of the main routes in the community.
References
External links
- Ask Dr. Dig: Battle Lake, Minnesota
- City of Battle Lake Minnesota
- irst Baptist Church
- ePodunk: Profile for Battle Lake, Minnesota
- City-Data.com
- Battle Lake Public School District