INDUSTRY AND GROWTH CREATED BOTH THE CITY OF LAKEVILLE AND PAN-O-PROG IN 1967
Between 1960 and 1970, the population of Lakeville grew to 7,500— more than twice the growth of the previous 100 years. Eighty percent of this new growth consisted of young families with multiple children. Many of these first- time home buyers moved into the moderatelypriced single-family homes in the new Valley Park development. Located in the isolated northeast corner of the township, Valley Park developed because the land was inexpensive and had access to the public water and sewer systems from Apple Valley as Lakeville did not yet offer these services.
The festival would center around the future of Lakeville, now the third largest incorporated area in the state … The name chosen by unanimous approval of the group was“ Lakeville Panorama of Progress.”
~ Excerpt from Dakota County Tribune, 1967
Airlake Industrial Park
In1966, Hitchcock Industries bought 1,400 acres of farmland in southern Lakeville Township. This property would become the site for Airlake Industrial Park. The location had easy access from Interstate 35, which had been completed in 1963. It would also be connected to the railroad system, and to a new airstrip. This buildable land with transportation access was destined to bring growth to the community. The industrial park opened in 1967.
Lakeville Becomes a City
The Village and Township governments recognized the impact this growth and development would have. It would affect everything from water and sewer needs to police and fire protection. The development of Airlake Industrial Park compelled the Village and Township governments to join together— and so, in 1967, the City of Lakeville was born.
First Pan-O-Prog
Spearheaded by Carleton Hitchcock, a developer of the Airlake Industrial Park, the two day celebration was held on August 19 and 20, 1967. Community and business leaders joined with civic organizations and local citizens to plan the first events which included a bus tour of Lakeville, a kiddie parade and grand parade, an air show, corn feed and appearances by WTCN— TV personalities Roundhouse Rodney and Casey Jones.
LAKEVILLE DEMOGRAPHICS
Area
38.4 sq. miles / 24,555 acres
Population 75,217( 2023) Metropolitan Council Households 25,881( 2023) Metropolitan Council County
Dakota
SOURCE
Population change since 2010 34.4 % U. S. Census Bureau Median Household Income $ 127,558 U. S. Census Bureau Median Home Value $ 467,695( 2025) Dakota County Median Age 37.3 U. S. Census Bureau
Unemployment |
2.1 % |
MN Department of Employment |
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and Economic Development |
Number of Businesses |
1,614( Q3 2024) |
MN Department of Employment |
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and Economic Development |
Number of Jobs |
21,460( Q3 2024) |
MN Department of Employment |
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and Economic Development |
Daytime Population |
59,500 |
U. S. Census Bureau |
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( last year’ s number miscalculated) |
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Today’ s Pan-O-Prog
Pan-O-Prog continues to grow in size and popularity. Now over a week long each July, some of the most popular events, of the over 60 each year, are the 500 + car cruise night, 120 + unit grand parade and Beer, Brats & BINGO – to name just a few.
Learn more about our Summer Festival
6 | Lakeville Community Guide & Business Directory