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Our Genealogy Helper

Introduction ...

We have a couple of goals for our Gazetteer:

  • That it be a tool which helps us with planning our trips.
  • We're trying to shape our Gazetteer as a tool to help us understand the community in which our ancestors lived, the community that was part of their daily lives.
  • On our trips, we try to visit those places where our ancestors left their footprints.

By learning about Big Lake (and the surrounding area) during the time that our ancestors lived, we hope to have a better understanding of both their community and its relationship to their lifes. We hope that this tool helps to give us an insight into their world.

As we add data and organize our Gazetteer to help with our family research, we will be adding to this our Genealogical Helper for Big Lake. While we don't have information that is specific to any given person or family, we intend to expand our understanding about where and how people lived.

Name Variations for Big Lake ...

When searching records, keep in mind that names and their spelling can change over time. Our sources include documents like maps, railroad schedules, Travel, Express and Shipping Guides. Many of these documents date from the 1800's and it's common to find spelling differences.

Although we can't give a definitive list, hopefully the following will give you a feel for the variations that might have occurred.

For example, a typical abbreviation for Big Lake: Big Lk.

If you have information about these names (such as the reason for the change, date of change, the origin of the name), please Contact Us.

Neighboring Counties ...

When searching for family records, we have frequently made the mistake of not checking the neighboring counties.

For example, we have great-grandparents who lived in the northwest corner of their home county. During their lives, most doctors and hospitals were in the next county to the west. Almost all of the nearby churches and cemeteries were in the county to the north.

So when searching for records, we had our best success by looking in neighboring counties instead of the county in which they lived:  their home county contained property and probate records; the county to the west contained birth and death records; the county to the north contained their burial records. If we hadn't included the neighboring counties, we would have missed many valuable sources of information.

If you're in a similar situation, we hope that the following information helps.

Big Lake is located in Sherburne County.

To see how the shape of Minnesota's counties have changed over time, we recommend the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries.

The following counties adjoin and form the boundaries of Sherburne County: Anoka, Benton, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Stearns & Wright.

Below are the counties that are near Big Lake. For each of these counties, we show a sample of those communities that are closest to Big Lake:

  • Sherburne County     (The home county of Big Lake)
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Salida
      (4 miles [6.4 km] to the northwest)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Salida
      • Salida is located in Sherburne County
    • Orrock
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Orrock
      • Orrock is located in Sherburne County
    • Becker
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Becker have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Becker
      • Becker is located in Sherburne County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 5,033 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Becker <2>
    • Elk River
      (8 miles [12.9 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Elk River have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Elk River
      • Elk River is located in Sherburne County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 25,601 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Elk River <2>
    • Zimmerman
      (10 miles [16.1 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Zimmerman
      • Zimmerman is located in Sherburne County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,135 people
      • Zimmerman has also been known as:
      • Lake Fremont
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Zimmerman <2>
    • Santiago
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Santiago
      • Santiago is located in Sherburne County
    • Clear Lake
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Clear Lake have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Clear Lake
      • Clear Lake is located in Sherburne County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 729 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Clear Lake <2>
    • Cable
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Cable have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Cable
      • Cable is located in Sherburne County
  • Anoka County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Nowthen
      (13 miles [20.9 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Nowthen have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Nowthen
      • Nowthen is located in Anoka County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 4,732 people
    • Ramsey
      (15 miles [24.1 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Ramsey have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Ramsey
      • Ramsey is located in Anoka County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 28,523 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Ramsey <2>
    • Saint Francis
      (18 miles [29 km] to the east)
    • Anoka
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the southeast)
    • Andover
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Andover have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Andover
      • Andover is located in Anoka County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 33,448 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Andover <2>
    • Oak Grove
      (20 miles [32.2 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Oak Grove have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Oak Grove
      • Oak Grove is located in Anoka County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 9,027 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Oak Grove <2>
    • Cedar
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Cedar have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Cedar
      • Cedar is located in Anoka County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Cedar <2>
    • Bethel
      (23 miles [37 km] to the east)
    • Coon Rapids
      (23 miles [37 km] to the southeast)
    • Coon Creek
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the southeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Coon Creek
      • Coon Creek is located in Anoka County
    • Coopers Corner
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the east)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Coopers Corner
      • Coopers Corner is located in Anoka County
    • East Bethel
      (26 miles [41.8 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for East Bethel have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for East Bethel
      • East Bethel is located in Anoka County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 12,102 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for East Bethel <2>
  • Benton County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Duelm
      (18 miles [29 km] to the northwest)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Duelm
      • Duelm is located in Benton County
    • Foley
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Foley have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Foley
      • Foley is located in Benton County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,653 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Foley <2>
    • Ronneby
      (24 miles [38.6 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Ronneby have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Ronneby
      • Ronneby is located in Benton County
    • Oak Park
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Oak Park
      • Oak Park is located in Benton County
    • Sauk Rapids
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the northwest)
    • Gilman
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Gilman have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Gilman
      • Gilman is located in Benton County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 216 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Gilman <2>
    • Evergreen Village
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Evergreen Village have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Evergreen Village
      • Evergreen Village is located in Benton County
  • Carver County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Watertown
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the south)
    • Hazelton
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the south)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hazelton
      • Hazelton is located in Carver County
  • Hennepin County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Rogers
      (13 miles [20.9 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rogers have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rogers
      • Rogers is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 13,623 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Rogers <2>
    • Greenfield
      (16 miles [25.7 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Greenfield have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Greenfield
      • Greenfield is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,058 people
    • Dayton
      (16 miles [25.7 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Dayton have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Dayton
      • Dayton is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 7,404 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Dayton <2>
    • Corcoran
      (18 miles [29 km] to the southeast)
    • Loretto
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Loretto have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Loretto
      • Loretto is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 658 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Loretto <2>
    • Champlin
      (19 miles [30.6 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Champlin have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Champlin
      • Champlin is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 25,049 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Champlin <2>
    • Independence
      (21 miles [33.8 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Independence have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Independence
      • Independence is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,786 people
    • Maple Grove
      (21 miles [33.8 km] to the southeast)
    • Maple Plain
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Maple Plain have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Maple Plain
      • Maple Plain is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,102 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Maple Plain <2>
    • Medina
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Medina have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Medina
      • Medina is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,749 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Medina <2>
    • Hamel
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Hamel have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hamel
      • Hamel is located in Hennepin County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Hamel <2>
    • Osseo
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Osseo have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Osseo
      • Osseo is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,703 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Osseo <2>
  • Isanti County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Crown
      (15 miles [24.1 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Crown
      • Crown is located in Isanti County
    • Bradford
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the northeast)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bradford
      • Bradford is located in Isanti County
    • Isanti
      (26 miles [41.8 km] to the northeast)
    • Dalbo
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Dalbo have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Dalbo
      • Dalbo is located in Isanti County
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Dalbo <2>
    • Cambridge
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Cambridge have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Cambridge
      • Cambridge is located in Isanti County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 9,402 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Cambridge <2>
  • McLeod County
    • Winsted
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Winsted have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Winsted
      • Winsted is located in McLeod County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,230 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Winsted <2>
  • Meeker County
    • Kingston
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Kingston have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Kingston
      • Kingston is located in Meeker County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 162 people
  • Mille Lacs County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Princeton
      (18 miles [29 km] to the northeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Princeton have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Princeton
      • Princeton is located in Mille Lacs County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 4,738 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Princeton <2>
    • Estes Brook
      (21 miles [33.8 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Estes Brook
      • Estes Brook is located in Mille Lacs County
    • Pease
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pease have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pease
      • Pease is located in Mille Lacs County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 224 people
    • Foreston
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Foreston
      • Foreston is located in Mille Lacs County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 527 people
    • Milaca
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the north)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Milaca have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Milaca
      • Milaca is located in Mille Lacs County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,899 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Milaca <2>
  • Ramsey County
    • Mounds View
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Mounds View have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Mounds View
      • Mounds View is located in Ramsey County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 13,446 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Mounds View <2>
  • Stearns County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Fairhaven
      (22 miles [35.4 km] to the west)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Fairhaven
      • Fairhaven is located in Stearns County
    • Saint Augusta
      (23 miles [37 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Augusta have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Augusta
      • Saint Augusta is located in Stearns County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,900 people
    • Saint Cloud
      (25 miles [40.2 km] to the northwest)
    • Kimball Prairie
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Kimball Prairie came from an uncertain source and they still need to be verified:<3>
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Kimball Prairie
      • Kimball Prairie is located in Stearns County
    • Kimball
      (27 miles [43.5 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Kimball have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Kimball
      • Kimball is located in Stearns County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 802 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Kimball <2>
    • Pleasant Lake
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Pleasant Lake have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Pleasant Lake
      • Pleasant Lake is located in Stearns County
    • Waite Park
      (28 miles [45.1 km] to the northwest)
    • Rockville
      (29 miles [46.7 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rockville have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rockville
      • Rockville is located in Stearns County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,599 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Rockville <2>
    • Evergreen Village
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Evergreen Village have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Evergreen Village
      • Evergreen Village is located in Stearns County
    • Sartell
      (30 miles [48.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Sartell have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Sartell
      • Sartell is located in Stearns County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 19,079 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Sartell <2>
  • Wright County
    • The following are listed by their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.
    • Monticello
      (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Monticello have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Monticello
      • Monticello is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 13,893 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Monticello <2>
    • Albertville
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Albertville have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Albertville
      • Albertville is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 7,547 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Albertville <2>
    • Otsego
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Otsego have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Otsego
      • Otsego is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 18,887 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Otsego <2>
    • Saint Michael
      (9 miles [14.5 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Saint Michael have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Saint Michael
      • Saint Michael is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 18,437 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Saint Michael <2>
    • Hasty
      (11 miles [17.7 km] to the west)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hasty
      • Hasty is located in Wright County
    • Silver Creek
      (11 miles [17.7 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Silver Creek have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Silver Creek
      • Silver Creek is located in Wright County
    • Hanover
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the south)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Hanover have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hanover
      • Hanover is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,524 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Hanover <2>
    • Buffalo
      (12 miles [19.3 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Buffalo have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Buffalo
      • Buffalo is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 16,853 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Buffalo <2>
    • Maple Lake
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Maple Lake have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Maple Lake
      • Maple Lake is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,149 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Maple Lake <2>
    • Clearwater
      (15 miles [24.1 km] to the west)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Clearwater have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Clearwater
      • Clearwater is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 1,841 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Clearwater <2>
    • Rockford
      (16 miles [25.7 km] to the south)
    • Rassat
      (17 miles [27.4 km] to the southwest)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rassat
      • Rassat is located in Wright County

For an expanded list of the communities that are closest to Big Lake, see our County-by-County Page for Big Lake.

Newspapers Published in the Vicinity of Big Lake ...

An ongoing effort between the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has resulted in the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP).

To share their results, the partnership has created the Chronicling America website. The goal of this partnership is to assemble a database about the current and historic newspapers of the United States. This includes a growing collection of scanned images from selected papers. All of it available to the public on their website.

Using information that we've taken from the Chronicling America website, we've identified 78 newspapers that have been published in the area around Big Lake.

We have organized these newspapers into two lists:

  • A Local Newspaper List - focusing on the papers published in the immediate area of Big Lake. There are actually two parts to this list - papers printed in the immediate area of Big Lake and those printed in the larger area surrounding Big Lake.
  • An Extended Newspaper List - a longer list, sorted by paper name and containing those papers published within 28 miles [45.1 km]<4> of Big Lake.

Websites to Help With Your Genealogy Research ...

When we do our genealogical research, we like to start with the websites from Cyndi's List, FamilySearch and Genealogy Trails. These professional and volunteer websites offer the information directly or else point to where you can find it. Their information is open to everyone.

To help you get started, the following links will take you to the pages that are relevant to Big Lake:

Cemeteries Near Big Lake ...

Below are cemeteries that are in the vicinity of Big Lake.

This is a new section and is likely to have errors. If you find an error, such as a missing cemetery or we have the wrong name, please let us know. If you know of them, we would also appreciate learning about previous or alternate names.

If you need information about a burial or interment, photos, transcripts, how to contact the cemetery or local authorities, please visit our selection of Genealogy Websites (see below).

If not found below, our Cemetery List for Big Lake covers a larger area, with the cemeteries listed in alphabetical order.

The following cemeteries are listed based on their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.

  • Big Lake Cemetery
    (Less than 2 miles to the north)
  • Riverside Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the west)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Riverside Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Riverside Cemetery
  • Hillside Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Hillside Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Hillside Cemetery
  • Helm Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Helm Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Helm Cemetery
  • Bailey Station Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Bailey Station Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Bailey Station Cemetery
  • Greenwood Cemetery
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Greenwood Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Greenwood Cemetery
  • St. Henrys Cemetery
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the St. Henrys Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the St. Henrys Cemetery
  • Svea Hill Cemetery
    (5 miles [8 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Svea Hill Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Svea Hill Cemetery
  • Meadowville Cemetery
    (6 miles [9.7 km] to the northeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Meadowville Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Meadowville Cemetery
  • Snake River Cemetery
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the north)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Snake River Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Snake River Cemetery
  • Ostego Cemetery
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Ostego Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Ostego Cemetery
  • Orono Cemetery
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Orono Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Orono Cemetery
  • Continue List   (262 more) ...
    • Becker Cemetery
      (7 miles [11.3 km] to the northwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the Becker Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the Becker Cemetery
    • St. Albert Cemetery
      (8 miles [12.9 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the St. Albert Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the St. Albert Cemetery
    • St. Andrews Cemetery
      (8 miles [12.9 km] to the east)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for the St. Andrews Cemetery have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for the St. Andrews Cemetery

Nearby Communities in 1895 ...

We've built the following list with information that came from an Atlas published by Rand McNally in 1895. The Atlas had details such as the population of the community (which appears to have come from the 1890 Census) and whether there was a post office and/or railroad service available. We also indicate if the community no longer exists and is now historic.<6>

The Rand McNally Atlas shows that Big Lake had a population of 150 people in 1895 with a post office and railroad service. In 2020, Big Lake had a population of 11,565 people.

These communities are listed based on their distance from Big Lake, with the one closest to Big Lake listed first.

  • Monticello
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Monticello have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Monticello
    • Monticello is located in Wright County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 13,893 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Monticello <2>
  • Bailey
    (3 miles [4.8 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Bailey have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Bailey
    • Bailey is located in Sherburne County
  • Salida
    (4 miles [6.4 km] to the northwest)
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Salida
    • Salida is located in Sherburne County
  • Otsego
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the southeast)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Otsego have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Otsego
    • Otsego is located in Wright County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 18,887 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Otsego <2>
  • Orrock
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the north)
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Orrock
    • Orrock is located in Sherburne County
  • Becker
    (7 miles [11.3 km] to the northwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Becker have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Becker
    • Becker is located in Sherburne County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 5,033 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Becker <2>
  • Elk River
    (8 miles [12.9 km] to the east)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Elk River have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Elk River
    • Elk River is located in Sherburne County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 25,601 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Elk River <2>
  • Zimmerman
    (10 miles [16.1 km] to the northeast)
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Zimmerman
    • Zimmerman is located in Sherburne County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 6,135 people
    • Zimmerman has also been known as:
    • Lake Fremont
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Zimmerman <2>
  • Hasty
    (11 miles [17.7 km] to the west)
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hasty
    • Hasty is located in Wright County
  • Silver Creek
    (11 miles [17.7 km] to the west)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Silver Creek have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Silver Creek
    • Silver Creek is located in Wright County
  • Buffalo
    (12 miles [19.3 km] to the southwest)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Buffalo have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Buffalo
    • Buffalo is located in Wright County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 16,853 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Buffalo <2>
  • Hanover
    (12 miles [19.3 km] to the south)
    • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Hanover have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
    • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Hanover
    • Hanover is located in Wright County
    • Population from the 2020 Census: 3,524 people
    • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Hanover <2>
  • Continue List   (14 more) ...
    • Rogers
      (13 miles [20.9 km] to the southeast)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Rogers have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Rogers
      • Rogers is located in Hennepin County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 13,623 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Rogers <2>
    • Maple Lake
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the southwest)
      • Note: The GPS coordinates that we are using for Maple Lake have been provided by the GNIS.<1> The coordinates still need to be verified.
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Maple Lake
      • Maple Lake is located in Wright County
      • Population from the 2020 Census: 2,149 people
      • Jump to TripAdvisor's Tourism page for Maple Lake <2>
    • Santiago
      (14 miles [22.5 km] to the north)
      • Jump to our Gazetteer entry for Santiago
      • Santiago is located in Sherburne County

We've also created an expanded list of communities that existed in the 1890's and were located in the area around Big Lake. See our List of 1890's Communities around Big Lake.

The official website for Big Lake: www.biglakemn.org/

The official website for Sherburne County: www.co.sherburne.mn.us/

The official website for State of Minnesota: https://mn.gov/

Footnotes ...

<1>The location has been supplied by the Geographic Names Information System - which is maintained by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While these values should be definitive, we found that accuracy can vary and you should double-check the location if accuracy is required.
<2>While we're fans and frequent users of TripAdvisor, you should know that we're also members of the TripAdvisor affiliate program.
<3>If we found a location and have questions about the accuracy of our information, we will simply say that the marker is 'in the vicinity'. We are not confident about the location and the position of our marker is only a rough guide. If we have too many doubts about the location, we will not include it in our database.
<4>Our distances are not driving distances, but are calculated as a 'point-to-point' distance. A straight line distance ignores things like rivers, canyons, lakes, et cetera - it's truly a line drawn from Point A (ie- Big Lake) to Point B.Our distance measurements begin at a specific point in Big Lake. The point we use is located at these GPS coordinates - Latitude: 45.3325, Longitude: -93.7419    
<5>The Find-a-Grave website is an excellent research tool with information about a cemetery's location and interments. They also offer a forum for their members which can provide additional help. More information about Find-a-Grave can be found on their website: findagrave.com.
<6>We use the term 'Historic' broadly and it generally means that the community no longer exists. However, it can also mean that the community might still exist, but was significantly larger or had a more 'official' existence in the past than it does now. Unfortunately our sources of data have proven to be unreliable. If you can provide us with more specific information about Big Lake, please let us know so that we can improve our accuracy.




 

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This page was last modified/updated: 07 Apr 2024