Lake City in Wabasha County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Historic Lake Pepin: Birthplace of Waterskiing
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
1. Historic Lake Pepin: Birthplace of Waterskiing Marker
"I decided that if you could ski on snow, you could ski on water." In 1922, after first trying barrel staves, then snow skis, eighteen year old Ralph W. Samuelson succeeded in waterskiing on eight foot long pine boards, steamed in boiling water to curve the tips. During the next fifteen years, Samuelson put on one-man waterskiing exhibitions, donating most of the admission charges to Lake City for the purchase of harbor and park land. Because of Samuelson's pioneering efforts in this popular sport, the American Water Ski Association in 1966 officially recognized Lake City as the birthplace of waterskiing.
Erected by the Minnesota Historical Society
1971
Erected 1971 by the Minnesota Historical Society. (Marker Number WB-LKC-093.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Minnesota Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.
Location. 44° 26.79′ N, 92° 15.702′ W. Marker is in Lake City, Minnesota, in Wabasha County. Marker is on South Lakeshore Drive (U.S. 61) south of West Elm Street, on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Very Old Fish Story (a few steps from this marker); Louis McCahill Memorial Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Patton Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); The First Settler (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ralph W. Samuelson (approx. half a mile away); Gold Star Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Sea Wing Disaster (approx. 1.1 miles away); Site of Fort St. Antoine (approx. 2.3 miles away in Wisconsin). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake City.
Also see . . .
1. Ralph Samuelson. Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame website entry (Submitted on July 31, 2011.)
2. Minnesota Department of Transportation. Historic Roadside Development Structures Inventory. "Lake City, one of the earliest resort towns in Minnesota, is located on Lake Pepin, which is a widening of the Mississippi River." (Submitted on July 31, 2011.)
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
2. Historic Lake Pepin: Birthplace of Waterskiing Marker
Photographed By Keith L, July 22, 2011
3. Marker and Harbor
via MN Inventor, unknown
4. Ralph Samuelson
Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,160 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on December 17, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
