Lime Lake Township is a civil township located in Murray County in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It is one of the sixteen townships that comprise Murray County and functions as a basic unit of local government within the county.
Geography
- The township lies in the southwestern portion of Minnesota, approximately 15 mi southeast of the county seat, Slayton.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, Lime Lake Township has a total area of about 35.8 square miles (92.7 km²), of which roughly 35.6 square miles (92.2 km²) is land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 km²) (approximately 0.5 %) is water.
- The terrain is characterized by gently rolling prairie, agricultural fields, and a few small lakes and ponds, the largest of which gave the township its name.
History
- Lime Lake Township was organized in the early 1870s, during a period of rapid settlement in southwest Minnesota driven by homesteading and railway expansion.
- The township’s name derives from Lime Lake, a local body of water noted for its limestone‑rich shoreline, which early settlers used as a reference point.
Demographics
- As reported by the United States Census Bureau, the township’s population was 81 at the time of the 2020 census.
- The population density is low, reflecting the rural character of the area, with roughly 2.3 persons per square mile (0.9 persons per km²).
- The racial composition is predominantly White, with small representations of other racial and ethnic groups. Household and family structures are largely traditional, with a median age that reflects an older, stable resident base.
Economy and Land Use
- The economy of Lime Lake Township is primarily agricultural, focusing on corn, soybeans, and livestock production.
- A modest portion of the land is devoted to residential use, community facilities, and small‑scale commercial enterprises that serve local needs.
Government and Services
- The township is governed by an elected board of supervisors, a clerk, and a treasurer, in accordance with Minnesota state statutes governing townships.
- Public services, such as road maintenance and land‑use planning, are administered by the township board in cooperation with Murray County authorities.
- Emergency services, including fire protection and law enforcement, are provided by neighboring municipal districts and the Murray County Sheriff’s Office.
Transportation
- County State‑Aid Highway 1 (CSAH 1) and several county roads traverse the township, providing connections to nearby towns such as Slayton and Currie.
- The nearest major highway is Minnesota State Highway 30, located a few miles to the north.
Education
- Residents of Lime Lake Township are served by the Slayton Public School District, which operates elementary, middle, and high schools in the county seat.
- School transportation routes extend into the township to accommodate the dispersed student population.
Community and Culture
- The township’s rural setting fosters community activities centered on agricultural fairs, local churches, and volunteer organizations.
- While there are no incorporated municipalities within the township, informal gatherings and events are often held at community halls or churches.
References
- United States Census Bureau, “2020 Census Summary File 1.”
- Minnesota Geospatial Information Office, “Township Boundaries and Names.”
- Murray County Historical Society, archival records on township organization and settlement.
