From 1870 to the 1920s there was little growth in Prior Lake. It was primarily a farming community that attracted summer residents along its shores and at the Grainwood Hotel.

The 1920s to 1950s saw Prior Lake as a typical small American town experiencing the major events surrounding two world wars.

From World War II to 1960, Prior Lake experienced moderate growth with the lake being a major recreational pastime.

From 1960 to present, Prior Lake experienced great growth, becoming a suburban/bedroom community with the lake and Hwy. 13 development as the greatest catalyst for growth.

• History of the Prior Lake Downtown Area
• Complete History of Prior Lake and the Prior Lake area since before the last Ice Age
• Scott County's Collections: includes a lot of archived Prior Lake history