This county, established in 1858, bears the Dakota name or one or several of its lakes meaning "where the buffalo fish come." During the spawning months of May and June, these impressive specimens leave the large rivers where they live most of the year and mass migrate to the lakes at the heads of the small streams. One particular species, the ictobus cyprinella, often can weigh in at 30 to 40 pounds!
Victor E. Lawson, county historian, writes:
"The name Kandiyohi was first made known to white men by Joseph Nicholas Nicollet, who in 1836-41 explored the region now comprising Minnesota. . . . He did not personally visit this section, but secured his information about the sources of the Crow from Indians. . . . It was not until 1856 that white men acquired any definite knowledge as to the extent and character of these lakes. In that year four different parties of townsite promoters visited the region now embraced within the boundaries of our county and gave separate names to the different lakes which attracted their attention. The name Kandiyohi was appropriated by one of these companies, and two of the lakes in the southern group were by them named Big and Little Kandiyohi. When a new county was organized the historic Indian name was adopted."
At first, Kandiyohi County was divided into two counties, each encompassing 12 congressional townships. The northern half was called Monongalia County, while the southen half was called Kandiyohi. The name Monongalia was derived from the county so named in Virginia (now in West Virginia), being Latinized from the Delaware Indian word Monongahela, "river with the sliding banks," given to the stream that unites with the Allegheny at Pittsburgh, forming the Ohio River. These two counties existed until 1870 when the two counties merged to become the Kandiyohi County known today.
The Great Outdoors
Hunting, hiking, skiing, fishing, snowmobiling...the possibilities are endless. No matter what the season, you'll be able to find a way to have fun and enjoy Mother Nature's splendor all at the same time. Here are some places to get you started.
*Parks
Sibley State Park
One of Minnesota's top 20 attractions, Sibley provides access to 2,500 acres of a rich mosaic of colorful prairies, lush hardwood forests, bountiful wetlands and cool, clear lakes. Over the course of the year, park naturalists teach over 300 different nature programs including hikes, slide presentations, lectures, and demonstrations that help visitors explore natural wonder of the park and its inhabitance as it changes through the seasons.
Sibley also offers ample opportunities for relaxation and relaxation offering facilities for baseball, horse shoes, boating, horseback riding, and winter activities such as cross country skiing and snowmobiling.
* Trails
Glacial Lake Trail
Hit the trail and have fun experiencing the rolling hills, prairie, wetlands and farm land! This 22-mile trail starts at the Willmar Civic Center and ends at Kandiyohi County's northern border near Hawick. Built on the old Burlington Northern Railroad bed, 12 miles are blacktopped for biking, roller blading and hiking. An adjacent path available for horseback riding. The entire trail is open for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The trail goes through Spicer and New London.
For Lakeshoredreams.com, the counties grouped in Western MN include:
Lac Qui Parle County MN, Yellow Medicine County MN, Chippewa County MN, Swift County MN, Kandiyohi County MN, Renville County MN, Redwood County MN, Mcleod County MN, Meeker County MN, Stearns County MN
