The area now known as Fifty Lakes was first platted into one square mile sections in about 1863.  The area was populated by white settlers since approximately 1870.  The Sioux lived in this area for many years until approximately the 1730's when they were replaced by the Ojibwa-Chippewa.

The City of Fifty Lakes got its name from all of the lakes in the area.  Approximately two thirds of the land within Fifty Lakes is tax forfeit County or State land.  There are approximately twenty "named" lakes within Fifty Lakes.  Recreational opportunities are extensive in the City.