The earliest records available for the Ham Lake area date from 1855, when the first settlers, who were primarily hunters, came to live in the southern area. By 1856, a group of settlers started a small town just west of what became known as Ham Lake. The town was originally named "Glen Carey," which was the Scottish term for "beautiful valley."
The original town was modest indeed, with only around seven homes, but it was advertised as a city of the future. Unfortunately, the settlement was destroyed by a prairie fire that swept the area in 1857, and all of the homes were destroyed. After another settlement attempt in the southern region, Josiah Hart staked a claim in 1857 and became the settler who remained the longest in the area, until 1876.
As more settlers began to make the area their permanent home, residents who found it difficult to say the city name persuaded commissioners to rename the area "Ham Lake Township." The name "Ham Lake" itself came from the unique shape of the lake. After its name change, the city saw its first election in 1871.
Because of the rich soil in the area, it was well-suited for farming, which made agriculture the primary industry, with 677 acres being farmed by 1880. Popular crops grown included wheat, corn, beans. oats, apples, sugar cane, hay, and tobacco. Ham Lake was also known for its large production of wool and butter. The population swelled to 400 people just before 1900, and a creamery was added to streamline the production of milk and butter, creating another industry for the area.
Now the Ham Lake area is known as a popular stop on the way to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Many vacationers also visit the area to enjoy fishing, camping, boating, and other recreational activities that the lake provides. The town is also home to Majestic Oaks, a championship golf course.
When is the best time to visit Ham Lake, MN?
There is quite a fluctuation in temperatures in the Ham Lake area throughout the year. Summers are typically warm and humid, and winters can reach bitter-cold temperatures. The area sees a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year.
The most popular season for visitors is from mid-May through the end of September, with the hottest months being July and August, when highs reach the mid-80s. Even though most tourists visit during the warmer weather, availability of accommodations is not greatly affected during this time.
The months of October and November, when the weather is dry and the temperature is still moderate, are also a great time to visit Ham Lake. Autumn visitors get to enjoy a spectacular display of the changing colors of the foliage.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ham Lake, MN:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average rate patterns by star rating class in Ham Lake, MN. Analyze these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective time to book in Ham Lake for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels near Ham Lake, MN?
4 Star Average Prices: $110.21
While there are really no luxury accommodations in the city of Ham Lake proper, there are some more upscale accommodation options just a short distance away. One hotel with luxury amenities, just 12 miles away in Brooklyn Center, is the Embassy Suites. This 3 1/2-star hotel offers studio and multi-room suites that include refrigerators, microwaves, flat-screen televisions with cable programming, safes, desks, and daily housekeeping services.
The hotel also boasts a number of other amenities for guests to enjoy, such as free area shuttle service, an on-site restaurant, an indoor pool with a spa tub, a picnic area, a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center, complimentary daily breakfast, and on-site shopping. You will love the hotel's location, which puts it close to stops in Ham Lake as well as Minneapolis. You will be just a short distance from U.S. Bank Stadium, Orpheum Theater, and The Basilica of Saint Mary.
Another hotel in nearby Brooklyn Park that boasts upscale accommodations is the Marriott. Here you can sleep in luxury in one of the uniquely decorated rooms that include LCD televisions with cable programming, iPod docking stations, refrigerators, a double sofa bed, down comforters, premium bedding, and complimentary designer toiletries.
The Marriott offers such amenities as an indoor pool, free area shuttle service, a 24-hour fitness center, concierge services, a lounge, porter service, and on-site banking. The hotel is located near many popular stops and attractions, such as Cedar Lake, Walker Art Center, Skyway Theater, and Loring Park. The comfortable rooms include LCD televisions with cable programming, iPod docking stations, premium bedding, hair dryers, and designer toiletries.
What are the budget hotels in Ham Lake, MN?
3 Star Average Prices: $126.90
If you have a more conservative budget for your accommodations, don't despair. The Ham Lake area offers plenty of hotel options that have comfortable rooms and all the amenities you need for an affordable.
One hotel in the area that offers amazing rates is Americinn by Wyndham, located on Highway 65. Rooms at the hotel come equipped with microwaves, refrigerators, safes, and desks. They also offer amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary daily breakfast, an arcade room, a spa tub, a sauna, and laundry facilities. The hotel is located just a 10-minute drive from the National Sports Center and Bunker Beach Water Park.
Another great budget hotel option is Comfort Suites on US 10 West in nearby Ramsey. The hotel is located just a short distance away from the Albertville Premium Outlets, Theodore Wirth Park, and Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. Amenities at this hotel include fitness facilities, free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, and an on-site gift shop. Rooms at the hotel feature all of the comforts of home, such as refrigerators, microwaves, 32-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite programming, and sofa beds.
