The history of Long Lake is one of resilience, stewardship, and generations of families who have cared deeply about this place. Understanding our history helps guide how we protect and preserve the lake today.
According to the Long Lake map first printed in the early 1930s, “Long Lake was formed by the drip from Paul Bunyan’s water barrel.”
The same map also records some of the lake’s early history. Long Lake originally consisted of five principal parts connected by a narrow neck of water. In 1885, Joseph Delaney built a mill dam 100 rods south of the southern outlet, giving the lake its present shape. The dam washed out after one day of operation and was rebuilt that winter. The flooded land was appraised at three cents per acre.
Timber was logged from the lakeshore in 1882–1883. In 1885, a tornado struck the Pine Haven area and carried three feet of water over the ridge into the slough beyond. A fire burned the area in the late 1880s.
Read more about Long Lake’s history and the families and communities that grew around it below.
Historical Documents & Community Memories
Help Preserve Long Lake’s History
Have a Long Lake story, old photograph, document, or family memory to share? We’d love to help preserve it.
EARLY LONG LAKE
Origins & Early History
General histories, early accounts, and documents that provide background on the formation of Long Lake and the early resort and lake community.
- A History of Pine Haven Booklet (written in 1989)
- Goin’ Fishing Pamphlet 1925 or 1926
- Gerry Budgett’s complete “100 Year History of Long Lake” (67 pages)
- East Long Lake History, by Joy Reese Derr
- Ren Holland’s website about the early resorts in Hubbard County
1920s - 1940s
A Lake Community Takes Shape
Stories and memories from the early decades, when resorts, cabins, and seasonal traditions began to define life on Long Lake.
- First Trip to Park Rapids 1893 by Almeda Thompson
- History of the Bridge by Nancy Stover Tague
- Early memories of Pine Haven Beach on Burris Road
- Capital Hill News – “Where the North Begins” (1925)
- 1928 Trip to Long Lake by Barbara Curtis
- Where the North Begins: 9/18/1934
- Once upon a time there was a laundromat at the south access
- 1938 Fish Story as told by Nancy Oldham of Beach Haven Drive
- 1938 Letter about maintaining cabins
- A slide show of pictures of Hamilton Island from Jim Cashman.
- An interview with Mr. Hedstrom by Dr. Scott.
- Afternoon Tea on Pine Haven Beach ~ 1935
- Letter from Ralph Livers: 1947
- Section on Resorts from Gerry Budgett’s History
- Long Lake Resorts as list in Fuller’s Tackle Shop
- History of Long Lake by Mary Freeman
- Wooters’ Long Lake History
- Tom Rice’s blog featuring lake brochures from 1930s to 1970s
1950s - 1960s
The Pine Haven Association Years
The following are links to the minutes for the Pine Haven Lake Shore Property Owners Association (PHA). They owned lots on the west side of the lake, and the group was active in the 1950s through the 1960s.
- PHA minutes, 1957 (minutes from meeting in Des Moines, IA)
- PHA minutes, 1959 (minutes talking about poor fishing)
- PHA minutes, 1960 (South Access Stocking Aug. 1960)
- PHA minutes, 1962
1950s - 1970s
Resort Life, Families & the Growing Lake Community
More stories and documents from a time of expanding resorts, family traditions, and a vibrant lake community.
- Lake Winnie Fishing Excursions From Pine Haven Beach By Lovern Nauss
- Timberlane Lodge 70 Years Ago by Lucille M. Peterson
- Cabin Legacy by Steve Kinney
- Document of Lot Purchase Prices
- Beginning of Long Lake Association
- History of Sam Erickson’s Family on Long Lake
Continuing the Legacy
For more than a century, families, neighbors, and local leaders have shaped the story of Long Lake. Preserving its water quality, natural shoreline, and strong community spirit depends on continued stewardship and shared responsibility. By staying involved and supporting the Long Lake Area Association, today’s residents help ensure that future generations will have their own stories to tell.
Be part of the next chapter. Learn how to get involved with the Long Lake Area Association.