History of North Oaks

Most of the area within the present city limits was at one time known as the North Oaks Farm which was established in 1883 by James J. Hill, financier and railroad builder. In 1950, L. W. Hill, Jr. formed the North Oaks Company and began the development of the community, including a private 18 - hole golf course. The company is now owned by Mari Hill Harpur, James J. Hill's great-granddaughter.

The development plan preserves the natural beauty of the area. Wherever possible, roads and homes are built to leave the topography, drainage, woodlands, and wetlands undisturbed.  Winding roads, cul-de-sacs, and the absence of sidewalks and the limited use of street lights all contribute to the privacy and seclusion of the residents. The city presently has about 1370 homes including three developments where neighborhood associations look after the maintenance responsibilities for the owners. The 2001 population is approximately 4000.


Natural Environment

The City of North Oaks is designated as a game refuge.  This means that fish, deer and other wildlife are protected and controlled in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  The city attempts to strike a balance between preserving the environment and  satisfying the needs of tax paying residents.  Feeding the wild deer is prohibited.  Feeding of other wildlife is discouraged.  In 1999, the North Oaks Company dedicated 885 acres of permanent open space to the city and the North Oaks Home Owners’ Association.  Of this amount, 620 acres is a natural Conservation Area, a biopreserve.  One of the activities that takes place in the Conservation Area is bird banding.