The Swedish Immigrant Trail in Center City
The Swedish Immigrant Trail connects Center City to Lindström, with a new trailhead planned near downtown Center City in 2026. The future trailhead will feature restrooms, a drinking fountain, bike tools, and a bike rack. Visitors are encouraged to explore the shops and dining options in downtown Center City. The trail offers scenic access to the broader Chisago Lakes region.
Location & Overview
Center City is a small city and the county seat of Chisago County in eastern Minnesota, located approximately 35 miles northeast of the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. Positioned between North and South Center Lakes, it lies at the heart of the Chisago Lakes region, with Lindström to the west and Chisago City nearby along U.S. Highway 8.
The city spans just 0.58 to 0.59 square miles (about 1.5 km²), nearly all land with a small portion of water, and sits at an elevation of approximately 932 feet (284 meters).
History & Heritage
Founded in 1851, Center City is recognized as the first permanent Swedish settlement in Minnesota. A post office was established in 1858 under the name “Centre City,” and the current spelling was adopted in 1893. The name reflects its location midway between Chisago City and Taylors Falls along early settler routes.
In 1875, Center City became the county seat of Chisago County, centralizing local government and civic functions.
Demographics & Population
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Center City had a population of 629. By 2025, estimates suggest a modest increase to around 641 residents, reflecting an annual growth rate of approximately 0.5%. The population density is about 1,075 people per square mile.
Median household income ranges from $92,000 to $112,000, and the median age is around 50 to 51 years—significantly higher than the statewide average.
Geography & Climate
Center City’s compact footprint is nestled between North and South Center Lakes, contributing to its lakeside charm and recreational appeal. The city experiences a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers ideal for lake activities and cold winters typical of inland Minnesota, including regular snowfall.
Culture & Recreation
Despite its small size, Center City plays a vital cultural role in the Chisago Lakes community, collaborating with neighboring towns like Lindström, Chisago City, Shafer, Taylors Falls, and Almelund to promote heritage tourism and local events.
The Center City Historic District spans 9.4 acres and includes 19 homes and one church built between 1888 and 1910, showcasing Queen Anne and Romanesque architectural styles. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Chisago Lakes Lutheran Church, organized in 1854 and rebuilt in 1889, was the first Swedish Lutheran parish in the region. Its heritage room offers insights into pioneer-era faith and community life.
Outdoor recreation—fishing, boating, hiking—is popular on Center Lake and nearby Lindström lakes. Seasonal festivals and community gatherings further enrich the town’s cultural identity.
Infrastructure & Government
U.S. Highway 8 runs through Center City, connecting it with neighboring towns and the Twin Cities region. As the county seat, Center City hosts government offices, civic events, and public services. Municipal planning covers land use, historic preservation, and community development.
Economy & Community Life
Center City’s economy is anchored by government services, small businesses, tourism, and service industries that support both residents and visitors. The Chisago Lakes Visitor Bureau promotes Center City alongside neighboring municipalities, branding the region as a destination rooted in Scandinavian heritage and natural beauty.
Sister City: Hassela, Sweden
Center City shares a sister-city relationship with Hassela, a small community in the Hälsingland region of Sweden. Many of Center City’s early settlers came from Hassela and surrounding areas, bringing with them language, traditions, and Lutheran faith.
This connection is part of a broader network of Swedish sister cities in the region, including Chisago City (Algutsboda), Lindström (Tingsryd), Shafer (Nöbbele), and Scandia (Mellerud). These relationships are commemorated through signage and cultural partnerships along Highway 8.
Visitors entering Center City may notice signs acknowledging its bond with Hassela, serving as both a welcome and a tribute to its heritage. While formal exchanges are modest, the relationship supports genealogical tours, heritage travel, and community education. Church congregations, history groups, and cultural festivals help maintain ties to Hassela and reinforce Center City’s Swedish identity.
Summary
Center City, Minnesota, is a picturesque and historically significant town with deep roots in Swedish immigration. As the first permanent Swedish settlement in the state and the county seat of Chisago County, it preserves its heritage through historic architecture, the region’s first Swedish Lutheran church, and cultural partnerships with Sweden. Its role in the Chisago Lakes network makes it a quiet civic center and a meaningful destination for heritage tourism.
