What is the history of Independence, Minnesota?

Independence takes its name from Lake Independence, which was discovered on July 4, 1854, when settlers James and Frank Maxwell, Asa Kelly, and Kelsey Hinman followed an Indian trail through the woods and came upon a large silvery lake, which they named in honor of the day. The city's boundaries were established as Independence Township in 1858, became a village in 1957, and were officially incorporated as a city in 1974.

Where is Independence located?

Independence is a rural city in western Hennepin County, located approximately 25 miles west of Minneapolis. Covering over 34 square miles, the city is characterized by open countryside, rolling farmland, wetlands, wooded areas, and scenic lakes — including Lake Independence, Lake Sarah, and Lake Rebecca.

What makes Independence a desirable place to live?

Independence offers spacious lots, privacy, and natural beauty rarely found this close to Minneapolis. The city features horse farms, multiple lakes, fresh produce stands, and a genuinely rural atmosphere. Its combination of scenic landscapes, outdoor recreation, and access to top school districts makes it especially appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an up-north lifestyle within reach of the metro.

What recreational amenities are available in Independence?

Independence offers exceptional outdoor recreation. Baker Park Reserve, a 2,700-acre Three Rivers park on Lake Independence, features camping, swimming beaches, fishing piers, watercraft rentals, cross-country skiing, and Baker National Golf Course. Pioneer Creek Golf Course — a public course that crosses Pioneer Creek seven times — is one of the metro's best-value golfing destinations. Windsong Farm Golf Club is a private course ranked among Minnesota's top five by the Star Tribune. The Luce Line Trail and the Lake Independence Riding Trail — a paved path running over 15 miles between Hanover and Orono — provide biking and riding opportunities throughout the city.

What are the lakes like in Independence?

Lake Independence is the city's signature lake, covering 844 acres with a maximum depth of 58 feet and 5.8 miles of shoreline. The lake is shared with Baker Park Reserve, which offers public boat launches, fishing piers, and watercraft rentals. Note that Lake Independence currently has a no-wake restriction in effect — buyers should verify current LMCD and DNR regulations. Lake Sarah and Lake Rebecca provide additional recreational lake access within the city.

Does Independence have an equestrian presence?

Yes. Independence has one of the strongest equestrian communities in the Twin Cities metro, featuring some of the most beautiful horse farms in the Midwest. The Twin Cities Polo Club is located in Independence and is open to the public as a scenic spot for watching polo matches. The Zuhrah Shrine Horse Patrol also maintains its farm facility in the northwest section of the city.

What school districts serve Independence?

Independence is served by four public school districts — Orono (#278), Westonka (#277), Delano (#879), and Rockford (#883) — providing a variety of highly regarded educational options depending on the home's location within the city. Buyers should verify district assignment for specific properties.

Independence Homes For Sale

Independence

Independence, Minnesota, is a charming rural city with deep historical roots and a strong sense of tradition. Originally established as Independence Township in 1858, the area officially became a village in 1957 and later a city in 1974. The name "Independence" was inspired by a Fourth of July celebration, when visitor Kelsey Hinman was so moved by the area's beauty and patriotic spirit that he suggested the name in honor of the holiday. Today, Independence blends open countryside, rolling farmland, and peaceful neighborhoods, offering residents a serene lifestyle just 25 miles west of Minneapolis.

Real Estate Statistics

Average Price	$1.9M
Lowest Price	$89.9K
Highest Price	$3.2M
Total Listings	18
Avg. Days On Market	116
Avg. Price/SQFT	$401

Property Types (active listings)

Search Independence Homes for Sale

Sort by:

$2,695,000

6611 County Road 6, Independence

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,650 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7130946

Coldwell Banker Realty

$1,890,000

4704 S Lake Sarah Drive, Independence

6 Beds 5 Baths 5,758 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7130765

Edina Realty, Inc.

$2,000,000

9414 Us-12, Independence

6 Beds 5 Baths 5,777 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7129866

RE/MAX Results

Open House

$899,900

4749 S Lake Sarah Drive, Independence

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,621 SqFt Residential

Open House

Sun, Sep 13th, 2026 @ 2pm - 4pm

MLS® # 7127737

RE/MAX Advantage Plus

$1,250,000

612 Nelson Road, Independence

5 Beds 6 Baths 5,650 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7108658

eXp Realty

Open House

$2,295,000

3490 William Way, Independence

5 Beds 5 Baths 5,230 SqFt Residential

Open House

Sat, Sep 12th, 2026 @ 12pm - 6pm

MLS® # 7115101

Compass

Open House

$2,289,900

5946 Kochs Crossing, Independence

5 Beds 6 Baths 6,178 SqFt Residential

Open House

Fri, Sep 11th, 2026 @ 1pm - 5pm

MLS® # 7110044

Windsong Realty

$1,375,000

3420 County Road 90, Independence

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,921 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7108781

Compass

$410,000

↓ $10,000

35261 7th Street, Independence

3 Beds 3 Baths 3,960 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7101497

Century 21 Affiliated

$1,799,900

880 Wild Oak Trail, Independence

2 Beds 3 Baths 2,028 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7093202

RE/MAX Advantage Plus

$1,195,000

↓ $100,000

7526 Turner Road, Independence

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,733 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7086149

Coldwell Banker Realty

$3,050,000

4972 Bridgevine Way, Independence

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,980 SqFt Residential MLS® # 7038598

Compass

1 2

Independence Highlights:

Independence, Minnesota, offers a rare blend of rural charm and natural beauty, all within reach of the metro. With a population spread across over 34 square miles, residents enjoy spacious lots, rolling fields, wetlands, and scenic lakes. The city is known for its strong equestrian presence, including stunning horse farms and the Twin Cities Polo Club. Independence also features top-tier recreational amenities like the nationally recognized Windsong Farm Golf Club and the expansive 2,700-acre Baker Park Reserve. Families appreciate access to YMCA’s Camp Iduhapi on Lake Independence, while outdoor lovers enjoy three local lakes, Lake Independence, Lake Sarah, and Lake Rebecca, ideal for boating, fishing, and nature. Independence is perfect for those seeking privacy, space, and a connection to the outdoors, all while staying close to the Twin Cities.

INSIDER TIPS

SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT

Independence is served by four public school districts: Orono, Westonka, Delano, and Rockford.

Orono School District Mound Westonka School District Delano School District Rockford School District

UTILITIES

Utility Information

Browse Other Communities

Got Questions?

INDEPENDENCE HOMES FOR SALE

Independence

Real Estate Statistics

Search Independence Homes for Sale

$2,695,000

6611 County Road 6, Independence

$1,890,000

4704 S Lake Sarah Drive, Independence

$2,000,000

9414 Us-12, Independence

$899,900

4749 S Lake Sarah Drive, Independence

$1,250,000

612 Nelson Road, Independence

$2,295,000

3490 William Way, Independence

$2,289,900

5946 Kochs Crossing, Independence

$1,375,000

3420 County Road 90, Independence

$410,000

35261 7th Street, Independence

$1,799,900

880 Wild Oak Trail, Independence

$1,195,000

7526 Turner Road, Independence

$3,050,000

4972 Bridgevine Way, Independence

Independence Highlights:

INSIDER TIPS

SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT

UTILITIES

Browse Other Communities

Let's Connect