Round Lake is a city in Nobles County, Minnesota, United States. As of the 2020 census, Round Lake had a population of 377.

Geography

thumb|left|Topographic map of Round Lake

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. A lake, also called Round Lake, is just outside the city to the northeast. The town of Round Lake is located in the extreme southeast corner of Nobles County. It lies one-half miles west of the Jackson County line, and two miles (3 km) north of Iowa.

Main highways include:

  • 20px Minnesota State Highway 264
  • 20px Nobles County Road 1
  • 20px Nobles County Road 3

History

thumb|right|Round Lake street scene

thumb|left|Round Lake School, constructed in 1898

Founding of Round Lake: Round Lake was established in 1882 when the Burlington Railroad built a line connecting Lake Park, Iowa, to Worthington, Minnesota. A site for a railroad station was chosen in fall of 1882, and the initial choice of name was Indian Lake, after the township in which it was located. However, a wealthy Chicago Board of Trade operator named Mr. O. H. Roche donated of land for a townsite, and it was his wish that it be called Round Lake. Mr. Roche owned nearly of land on nearby Round Lake in Jackson County, and he was apparently fond of the name Round Lake. A town was platted in December 1882 and the site was divided into 100 lots, not one of which were sold. Only two buildings were built in that first year, and both were constructed by the railroad. The railroad section foreman and his crew were the only residents of the new town, until October 1883 when E. A. Tripp came to town to assume duties as station agent. A post office named Indian Lake was established in March 1884, and Mr. Tripp became the postmaster. When another post office with the name Round Lake (located on Round Lake in Jackson County) was closed, the post office in the town of Round Lake assumed the name of that town. A few businesses moved to town, but by 1887, the town had a mere 34 residents. In 1889, the town was re-platted, correcting some legal issues with the original plat, and real growth began. Nine years later, Round Lake boasted numerous businesses, a bank, a newspaper, and 179 residents. Residents voted to incorporate the town, and on October 11, 1898, the first election was held, and town government began under President A. F. Diehn. A new $2,000 school was erected at this time.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 376 people, 184 households, and 110 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 210 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 99.5% White, 0.3% African American, and 0.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 184 households, of which 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.2% were non-families. 39.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.63.

The median age in the city was 46 years. 18.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 33.3% were from 45 to 64; and 18.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, Round Lake is located in Indian Lake Township and is represented by Nobles County Commissioner Marvin Zylstra.

References

  • City of Round Lake