Savage is a growing suburb located in Scott County, the eighth fastest growing county in the nation. Savage is named after the owner of the world famous racehorse "Dan Patch" from the early 20th Century. Savage is a growing suburb distinguished by its convenient location to the Twin Cities, varied history, and lush surroundings. The community's oldest district sits on the banks of the Minnesota River. As the city has grown, development has spread southward to settle on the bluffs overlooking the scenic Minnesota River Valley. Residents seldom list Savage's rich history and riverfront activity as reasons they moved into town though they appreciate those things. Most residents say it was the community's beauty, schools and central services that first caught their attention and persuaded them to stay. 

History

The area around Savage was originally inhabited by the Dakota tribe in Black Dog Indian Village located just outside the city. The Credit River that flows into the Minnesota River made an ideal location for a trading post and in 1852 became the location of the town known as Hamilton. As more people came up the river the village grew and soon the railroad came into the area in 1865. In 1892, the town of Hamilton incorporated. In 1905 Dan Patch topped the world record for running a mile in one minute 55 seconds and became an overnight celebrity. Owner M.W. Savage housed Dan Patch in a stable located in Hamilton. Dan Patch was just as adored by the rest of the world as by the locals. During World War II, Savage was the home of a Japanese language camp for translators critical to the Pacific war effort. It was also home of Cargill and the location where numerous war ships were built. Cargill is still in Savage today but only is in the agricultural business. 

Natural Wonders

Tucked in the northwest corner of Savage is a stream that has two unique qualities that distinguish it from other Minnesota River tributaries. Eagle Creek is home to one of the last remaining self-producing brown trout populations in the metropolitan area and also features Boiling Springs, an environmental phenomenon in which pools of water bubble up - sometimes with great vigor. This is caused by the escape of groundwater through a thin layer of clay at the creek's bottom. The site is considered sacred by the Mdewakanton Dakota; with legend saying the springs produced a guiding spirit for the tribe. In order to preserve Eagle Creek and Boiling Springs amid development, the City of Savage has worked with the Department of Natural Resources on protective measures. Another unique natural resource in the area is the 440-acre Savage Fen Wetland Complex, which contains one of Minnesota's largest known calcareous fens. Calcareous fens form where the discharges of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate-rich groundwater occur. 

Parks and Recreation 

There are thirteen parks in and around Savage to satisfy the diverse recreational activities of its residents. These activities include trips, youth and adult athletics, special events, camps and playground activities. Savage is fortunate to be the home of two regional parks: Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve, located in the southeast corner of the city, and the James Wilkie Sector of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, located in the northwest corner of the city. 

Schools

The Savage community is served mainly by two school districts: Independent School District 191 (Burnsville, Eagan, Savage) and the Independent School District 719 (Prior Lake, Savage). Both districts offer extensive and award winning programs for all of the students they serve.

-Home Buyer's Resource Guide