Biohazard Cleanup Near Armstrong Independence, MN

Independence is a rural city in western Hennepin County, Minnesota, named after Lake Independence, the large lake on its eastern boundary.

The community was settled in 1854-55, and Independence Township was organized on April 11, 1858, in the years after the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux opened the area to settlement.

Lake Independence got its name from a party of Fourth of July excursionists, with Kelsey Hinman credited with choosing the name in honor of the national holiday, according to Minnesota Historical Society records.

Independence incorporated as a village on January 8, 1957, and became a city on April 9, 1974.

The 2020 census counted 3,755 people in Independence; back in 2000 the city had 3,236 residents living in 1,088 households.

Independence covers 34.56 square miles, and most of the city is still agricultural land dotted with dense woods and numerous lakes, even though it lies within the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

U.S. Highway 12 is the main route through Independence, which sits about 24 miles west of Minneapolis.

Lake Independence covers roughly 850 acres and reaches about 58 feet deep, making it one of the larger recreational lakes in western Hennepin County.

Baker Park Reserve, a roughly 2,700-acre Three Rivers Park District reserve, borders the southeast shore of Lake Independence and provides the lake's public boat access, swimming beach and recreation area.