Editing Chaska, Minnesota

{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Short description|City in Minnesota, United States}}
{{About|the city of Chaska, Minnesota|other uses of the word Chaska|Chaska (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Chaska
|settlement_type          = [[City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = "A Quality Small Town"
<!-- Images --------------->
|image_skyline            = Chaska, Minnesota 5.jpg
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Buildings in downtown Chaska
|image_flag               = 
|image_seal               = 
<!-- Maps ----------------->
|image_map                = Carver_County_Minnesota_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Chaska_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location in Carver County, Minnesota
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
<!-- Location ------------->
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Minnesota]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Minnesota|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Carver County, Minnesota|Carver]]
<!-- Government ----------->
|government_type          = 
|leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name              = Taylor Hubbard
|leader_title1            = 
|leader_name1             = 
|established_title        = Incorporated (village)
|established_date         = 1871
|established_title1       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated (city)]]
|established_date1        = 1891
<!-- Area ----------------->
|area_magnitude           = 
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_27.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=July 24, 2022}}</ref>
|area_total_km2           = 46.20
|area_total_sq_mi         = 17.84
|area_land_km2            = 44.09
|area_land_sq_mi          = 17.02
|area_water_km2           = 2.11
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.81
<!-- Population ----------->
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 28262
|pop_est_as_of            = 2022
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="USCensusEst2022"/>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 27810
|population_density_km2   = 630.70
|population_density_sq_mi = 1633.48
<!-- General information -->
|timezone                 = [[Central Time Zone|Central]]
|utc_offset               = -6
|timezone_DST             = CDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -5
|elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft             = 919
|coordinates              = {{Coord|44|49|00|N|93|37|00|W|region:US-MN|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code]]
|postal_code              = 55318
|area_code                = [[Area code 952|952]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 27-10972
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 2393809<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2393809}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.chaskamn.gov/|chaskamn.gov}}
|footnotes                = 
}}

'''Chaska''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|tʃ|æ|s|k|ə}} {{respell|CHASS|kə}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ap.org/minnesota/prono.html|title=Minnesota Pronunciation Guide|website=[[Associated Press]]|access-date=July 4, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722194213/http://www.ap.org/minnesota/prono.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref> is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Carver County, Minnesota|Carver County]], [[Minnesota]], United States. The population was 27,810 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]].<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Chaska_city;_Minnesota?g=160XX00US2710972 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=June 11, 2023}}</ref> An outer ring suburb of the [[Twin Cities]], Chaska is home to the [[Hazeltine National Golf Club]] and is known for its historic downtown area located on a bend of the [[Minnesota River]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jen |title=Visit Downtown Chaska, MN |url=https://downtownchaska.com/ |access-date=April 1, 2022 |website=Downtown Chaska |language=en-US}}</ref> The City of Chaska merged with Chaska Township in 2006. The city still has some remaining agricultural land.

==History==
[[File:Church in Chaska-20070203.jpg|thumb|left|Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Chaska was built with the characteristic yellow [[Chaska brick]].]]

Chaska's history reflects the influence of the Native American culture.<ref name="CityHistory">{{cite web|url=https://www.chaskamn.com/298/History |title=History |website=City of Chaska, MN |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref><ref name="HistoricalSociety">{{cite web|url=https://www.carvercountyhistoricalsociety.org/chaska.php |title=Chaska |last1=Swanson |first1=Tracy |last2=Oberski |first2=Lisa |website=Carver County Historical Society |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> The first inhabitants are believed to be the [[Mound Builders]], whose ancient communities are marked by mounds in City Square.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> Later, the Dakota (commonly known as the Sioux) were the primary nation in this region known as the Big Woods.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> Although the Indian mounds located in Chaska City Square indicate the immediate area was inhabited years before 1769,  the year Chaska's recorded history began.<ref name="CityHistory" />

In 1776, [[Jonathan Carver]] explored the lands along the [[Minnesota River]] and chronicled his journeys.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> French Canadian fur traders traveled the waterways, trading with the Dakota in the early 19th century. During this time, [[Jean-Baptiste Faribault]] established a trading post in Chaska.<ref name="CityHistory" />

In 1851, the [[Treaty of Traverse des Sioux]] officially opened Little Rapids, as Chaska was then known, to settlement.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> Soon after, speculators moved into the new territory. Among the earliest was [[Thomas Andrew Holmes]] who, in August 1851, claimed a {{convert|20|acre|m2|adj=on}} clearing as the Chaska townsite.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" />

The name "Chaska" is derived from a Dakota word often given as a name to the first born male child.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> Records show that David L. Fuller purchased the "Shaska" townsite from Holmes in 1852. In 1857, the townsite was platted by the Shaska Company.<ref name="CityHistory" /> In the same year, construction began on the original Carver County Courthouse located where the post office and [[KleinBank]] now stand in downtown Chaska.<ref name="CityHistory" /> Chaska was incorporated as a village in 1871 and, by special legislative charter, as a city in 1891.<ref name="CityHistory" />

An abundance of high quality clay led to the start of brick making in 1857.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> By the 1880s, as a result of the clay resources, Chaska was a thriving brick manufacturing center.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" /> Bricks were shipped by boat to Saint Paul and, although the city grew as a result of steamboat trade, it was not until the [[Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway]] was built through town in 1873 that rapid expansion began.<ref name="CityHistory" /><ref name="HistoricalSociety" />

With the advent of the 20th century came other industries, including the processing of beet sugar and other agricultural products; flour making, butter making, the canning of peas, corn, and tomatoes, and the curing of sauerkraut and pickles.<ref name="CityHistory" />

National polls named Chaska the eighth-best city in the United States in 2007<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/top100/ |work=CNN |title=MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2007: Top 100}}</ref> and 20th best in 2009.<ref>{{cite news|title=Best Place to Live:Top 100 |publisher=CNN/Money Magazine |year=2009 |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2009/snapshots/PL2710972.html |access-date=October 16, 2009}}</ref>

In September 2016, Chaska hosted the [[Ryder Cup]] at [[Hazeltine National Golf Club|Hazeltine National Golf Course]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rydercup.com/history/era-4 |title=An Event Like No Other: 1927-Present |website=Ryder Cup |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> and in March 2018, the [[Professional Golfers' Association of America|PGA of America]], with help from the U.S. [[Curling]] team, announced Hazeltine would be the first American venue to host a second Ryder Cup in 2028.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chaska_herald/news/ryder-cup-is-returning-to-chaska-in-2028/article_ac4ce16c-f8e5-55b7-b896-4fad9e1191a0.html |title=Ryder Cup is returning to Chaska ... in 2028 |last=Olson |first=Mark |publisher=www.swnewsmedia.com |date=March 26, 2018 |website=SW News Media |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rydercup.com/news-media/pga-of-america-announces-2028-ryder-cup-to-hazeltine-with-help-from-the-us-curling-team |title=PGA Of America Announces 2028 Ryder Cup To Hazeltine With Help From The US Curling Team |last=PGA of America |date=March 26, 2018 |website=Ryder Cup |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rydercup.com/news-media/hazeltine-national-golf-club-to-host-its-second-ryder-cup-in-2028 |title=Hazeltine National Golf Club To Host Its Second Ryder Cup In 2028 |last=PGA of America |date=April 10, 2018 |website=Ryder Cup |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|17.77|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|16.97|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.80|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web |title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 25, 2012}}</ref> The downtown portion of Chaska lies on the Minnesota River.

Chaska Boulevard (Old Highway 212), Pioneer Trail, [[U.S. Route 212 in Minnesota|U.S. Highway 212]], and [[Minnesota State Highway 41]] are four of the main routes in Chaska.

{{Weather box
|location = Chaska, Minnesota
|single line = Y
|Jan high F = 22
|Feb high F = 28
|Mar high F = 40
|Apr high F = 57
|May high F = 69
|Jun high F = 78
|Jul high F = 81
|Aug high F = 78
|Sep high F = 71
|Oct high F = 58
|Nov high F = 41
|Dec high F = 26

|Jan low F = 4
|Feb low F = 9
|Mar low F = 21
|Apr low F = 34
|May low F = 46
|Jun low F = 56
|Jul low F = 60
|Aug low F = 58
|Sep low F = 49
|Oct low F = 36
|Nov low F = 23
|Dec low F = 8
|Jan precipitation inch = .73
|Feb precipitation inch = .66
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.73
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.53
|May precipitation inch = 3.69
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.64
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.49
|Aug precipitation inch = 5.05
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.41
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.47
|Nov precipitation inch = 1.64
|Dec precipitation inch = .95
|source 1 = The Weather Channel<ref name="Weather.com">{{cite web|url=https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/f7278b36cf44ac7ef31487fb5369d7de22236e959cf62fdeb1e9289ffb24db76 |title=The Weather Channel: Chaska, Minnesota |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=June 11, 2023}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1880= 1068
|1890= 2210
|1900= 2165
|1910= 2050
|1920= 1966
|1930= 1901
|1940= 1927
|1950= 2008
|1960= 2501
|1970= 4352
|1980= 8346
|1990= 11339
|2000= 17449
|2010= 23770
|2020= 27810
|estyear=2022
|estimate=28262
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2022">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |date=June 11, 2023|title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=June 11, 2023}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 26, 2013}}</ref><br>2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
}}
[[File:ChaskaCommunityCenter.JPG|thumb|left|Chaska Community Center]]

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, Chaska's population averaged about 2,000 and the nature of the city remained unchanged. The city retained its small-town image until the 1950s when the transition to a metropolitan community began. The expansion of the seven-county metropolitan area reached Chaska in the 1960s. With that expansion came the introduction of the Jonathan New Town design concept in 1966. The Jonathan "new town" development within Chaska brought new land, new jobs and new people to the community.

This period of transition and expansion continues today. Dozens of modern industries have located to Chaska and continue to do so; residential construction adds 300 to 400 new homes per year; commercial business continues to expand offering a variety of retail and service opportunities to its residents; redevelopment of commercial areas in the downtown began in the 1980s and still continues. Although the community has seen much growth, development regulations and sound planning have ensured Chaska's small sense of community and the preservation of its rich heritage.

In early 2005, the city of Chaska annexed the remaining portion of [[Chaska Township, Minnesota|Chaska Township]].  Current plans for the area include a {{convert|600|acre|km2|adj=on}} residential "smart growth"-styled development.

A new spike in the population occurred after the construction of the [[U.S. Route 212 in Minnesota|Highway 212]] freeway passing through the heart of Chaska, serving as a fast, direct, link to the heart of the [[Minneapolis-St. Paul|Twin Cities]]. This freeway includes a [[bus rapid transit]] route serving Chaska with fast, efficient mass transit, along with convenient access to the Light Rail system which connects the southwest suburbs to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

As of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $60,325, and the median income for a family was $69,612. Males had a median income of $45,401 versus $32,312 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $25,368.  About 3.4% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

===2020 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2020, there were 27,810 people, 10,336 households.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]] of 2010, there were 23,770 people, 8,816 households, and 6,188 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1400.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 9,290 housing units at an average density of {{convert|547.4|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.1% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.5% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 3.4% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 8.5% of the population.

There were 8,816 households, of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.8% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.22.

The median age in the city was 33.8 years. 30% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 30.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 6.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

==Economy==
Starting in 2004, the city government offered low-cost, high-speed wireless internet service for residents, businesses, and government entities throughout the community through a service called Chaska.net, but the program was canceled, after more than 10 years, in 2015 due to a decreasing customer base and large costs to upgrade equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.startribune.com/chaska-powers-down-as-an-internet-provider/286000231/ |title=Chaska powers down as an Internet provider |last=Feyder |first=Susan |publisher=Star Tribune |date=December 16, 2014 |website=Star Tribune |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> Chaska is the home of numerous industrial and manufacturing concerns. Among them are [[TPI Specialties]], Update Ltd, Wigen Water Technologies, [[Beckman Coulter]] and Hartman Homes.

Over the years, Chaska has also been the birthplace of several well known products and companies, including [[Softsoap]], [[NordicTrack]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/NordicTrack-Company-History.html |title=NordicTrack History |website=Funding Universe |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> and Heartland America.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Heartland+America/@44.8578989,-93.5930392,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x26c42673ff169bcd!8m2!3d44.8578989!4d-93.5930392 |title=Google Maps |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heartlandamerica.com/privacy-policy/ |title=Heartland America |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> One such company, [[My Pillow]], has received significant media coverage for multiple lawsuits as well as controversial issues focusing on its founder, [[Mike Lindell]].

Opening in December 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chaskacurlingcenter.com/ |title=Welcome to the Chaska Curling Center |website=Chaska Curling Center |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> the Chaska Curling Center has exceeded expectations as becoming a landmark in the city.<ref name="curlingpopularity">{{cite web |url=https://www.startribune.com/popularity-of-chaska-curling-club-has-blown-away-expectations/367302361 |title=Popularity of Chaska curling club has blown away expectations |last=Scoggins |first=Chip |publisher=Star Tribune |date=February 2, 2016 |website=Star Tribune |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> The Center has helped with not only expanding Chaska community engagement and positively impacting downtown businesses, but also bringing the city national and international recognition as well as tourism.<ref name="curlingpopularity"/> In 2016, to commemorate the start of the international Ryder Cup tournament, hosted in Chaska, the Norwegian and American Olympic teams squared off for an International [[Bonspiel]], again bringing international eyes to the community.<ref name="curlinginternational">{{cite web |url=https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chaska_herald/international-spotlight-on-chaskas-curling/article_a864839a-2fba-52ab-95a5-6232608e581c.html |title=International spotlight on Chaska's curling |last=Chhith |first=Alex |publisher=SW News Media |date=September 28, 2016 |website=www.swnewsmedia.com |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref> In 2018, the Chaska Curling Center was named a USA Curling National Training Center for the [[United States Curling Association]], which means the Curling Center is able to host national events with USA Curling, and the USA Curling High Performance Program and Development Program can use the Chaska Curling Center for practices, camps, and events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://aroundtherings.com/site/A__75409/Title__Chaska-Curling-Center-Named-National-Training-Center-for-USA-Curling/292/Articles |title=Chaska Curling Center Named National Training Center for USA Curling |date=January 2, 2019 |website=Around the Rings |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/chaska-curling-center-to-serve-as-usa-curling-national-training-center/89-0e92488f-af2b-4e67-89cd-1e1413ec8bdd |title=Chaska Curling Center to serve as USA Curling National Training Center |last=DeCandido |first=Marisa |publisher=Kare 11 |date=January 3, 2019 |website=www.kare11.com |access-date=May 21, 2021}}</ref>

===Top employers===
According to the City's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chaskamn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4314/2020-Annual-Financial-Report-PDF |title=City of Chaska 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report|format=[[Portable Document Format|PDF]]|page=171|date=June 11, 2023}}</ref> the largest employers in the city are:

{| class="wikitable"
! #
! Employer
! # of Employees
|-
| 1
| ISD #112/Eastern Carver County
| 1,346
|-
| 2
| [[Entegris|Entegris Inc]]
| 925
|-
| 3
| [[Beckman Coulter|Beckman-Coulter, Inc]]
| 850
|-
| 4
| [[FSI International|TEL-FSI, Inc]]
| 850
|-
| 5
| Carver County
| 700
|-
| 6
| The Bernard Group
| 646
|-
| 7
| Lake Region Manufacturing Co., Inc
| 600
|-
| 8
| [[Old National Bank]]
| 560
|-
| 9
| City of Chaska
| 535
|-
| 10
| Apex International, MFG
| 400
|}

==Government==
[[File:2009-0713-Chaska-CH.jpg|thumb|200px|Chaska City Hall on City Hall Plaza]]

Chaska is governed through a city council/city administrator system. The council consists of four council members, each representing the residents of a ward that contains approximately 25% of the population of the community, and a mayor who is elected at large. Each council member serves a four-year term, while the mayor is elected for a two-year term. The city council formulates city policy and the city administrator and staff are responsible for city administration. In 2019, the mayor was Mark Windschitl, and the council members were: Jon Grau (Ward I), Taylor Hubbard (Ward II), McKayla Hatfield (Ward III), and Mike Huang (Ward IV).

Chaska is located in [[Minnesota's 6th congressional district]], represented by [[Tom Emmer]], a [[Republican (United States)|Republican.]]

In State Government, Chaska is represented by [[Lucy Rehm]] (DFL), State Representative for District 48-B, and [[Julia Coleman (politician)|Julia Coleman]] (R), State Senator for District 48.

==Politics==
{| class="wikitable"  style="float:right; margin:1em; font-size:95%;"
|+ Chaska city vote<br/> by party in presidential elections<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url= https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/election-results|title=Election Results|website=sos.state.mn.us}}</ref>
|- style="background:lightgrey;"
! Year
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Third party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[2020 United States presidential election|2020]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.19%''' ''8,476''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|44.27% ''7,054''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.54% ''404''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.53% ''5,827''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''46.14%''' ''6,176''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|10.32% ''1,382''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.96% ''5,727''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''52.80%''' ''6,726''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|2.25% ''286''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|46.96% ''5,598''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''51.35%''' ''6,122''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.69% ''202''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|41.10% ''4,416''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.82%''' ''6,212''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|1.08% ''116''
|-
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]
| align="center" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.45% ''3,121''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.29%''' ''4,111''
| align="center" {{Party shading/Independent}}|6.26% ''483''
|}
After circa 1995<!--2020 - 25 = 1995--> Republicans won presidential elections in the city. In the [[2016 United States presidential election in Minnesota]], [[Donald Trump]] won the city by three points. In the [[2020 United States presidential election in Minnesota]], turnout increased from 2016 and Democrat [[Joe Biden]] won the city by nine points.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eligon|first=John|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/16/us/biden-suburbs-blue-minneapolis.html|title=How a Minneapolis Suburb Turned Blue, Despite Trump's Law-and-Order Pitch|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=December 15, 2020}}</ref>

==Education==
Children attend the Eastern Carver County School District (public).  Elementary schools located in Chaska include Clover Ridge Elementary, Jonathan Elementary, and La Academia Spanish Immersion. The District 112 middle schools, all of which are in Chaska, are Chaska Middle School East, Chaska Middle School West, and Pioneer Ridge Middle School. [[Chaska High School]] and [[Chanhassen High School]] are the district's two high schools. Southwest Christian High School, which is a private high school, is also in Chaska. Several private grade schools are also in town, including St. John's Lutheran Church and School, and [[Guardian Angels Church (Chaska, Minnesota)|Guardian Angels Catholic School]].

==Popular culture==
In the 1996 film ''[[Fargo (1996 film)|Fargo]]'', written by Minnesota's own [[Coen brothers|Joel and Ethan Coen]], Chaska was represented by two of the supporting characters, real-life [[Tony Denman]] (who played Scotty Lundegaard), a Chanhassen native, attended Chaska High School, and a young prostitute (played by Larissa Kokernot) who claimed not only to have serviced Carl Showalter (played by [[Steve Buscemi]]), but also to be from Chaska, Minnesota.

Chaska was also featured in the film ''[[Drop Dead Gorgeous (film)|Drop Dead Gorgeous]]''.  The scene in the furniture store takes place at the old Schniedermen's Furniture store in downtown Chaska.  The building has since become a fitness center and was razed in 2018 to make way for a small strip mall.<ref>{{cite web |title=Downtown look is going to change in a big way |url=https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chaska_herald/downtown-look-is-going-to-change-in-a-big-way/article_e829655e-44b3-57da-b65a-402533760f8a.html |website=SW News Media |publisher=SW News Media |access-date=January 23, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Dunkin' Donuts building going up |url=https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chaska_herald/news/dunkin-donuts-building-going-up/article_fcbf1550-b938-5374-9e2d-cb42f15a4f66.html |website=SW News Media |publisher=SW News Media |access-date=January 23, 2021}}</ref>

[[Hank Snow]] refers to Chaska in his popular song "[[I've Been Everywhere]]" as a place he has visited.

[[Cheryl Strayed]] briefly lived in Chaska during her early life, and mentions so in her popular book ''[[Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail]]''.

Chaska is also home of the "World's Largest" 3D printed "Mustache" found at 516 N Pine St.<ref name="WorldsLargestMustacheFacebook">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/worldslargestmustache/about/ |title=World's Largest Mustache Facebook |website=Facebook |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.worldslargestmustache.com/directions/ |title=World's Largest Mustache |access-date=March 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323053136/http://www.worldslargestmustache.com/directions/ |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> in downtown Chaska. The mustache is nearly 12 feet wide and took over 300 hours to print.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldrecordacademy.com/biggest/largest_mustache_Minnesota_breaks_Guinness_World_Records_record_215508.html |title=Largest mustache: Minnesota breaks Guinness World Records record |date=October 22, 2015 |website=World Record Academy |access-date=November 19, 2020}}</ref> Previously a bright red, the mustache was painted purple as the first contribution to the “painting the county purple” public art project honoring [[Prince (musician)|Prince]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.swnewsmedia.com/chanhassen_villager/news/local/painting-the-county-purple/article_f595f389-711c-5b96-ba7d-4a8bffadb9a6.html |title=Painting the county purple |website=www.swnewsmedia.com |last=Olson |first=Mark |date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 20, 2021}}</ref>

==Notable people==
* [[Phillip Bartlett]], actor, voice of [[Mewtwo]] in the first ''[[Pokémon (anime)|Pokémon]]'' movie
* [[Andy Bisek]], American [[Greco-Roman wrestling|Greco-Roman wrestler]], two-time World bronze medalist and [[2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Olympian]]
* [[Greg Boe]], Representative, District 47-B, [[Minnesota House of Representatives]]
* [[Tony Denman]], actor
* [[Ryan Dungey]], Professional motocross rider for team [[Red Bull]]/[[KTM]]
* [[Brad Hand]], MLB pitcher for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]]
* [[Kris Humphries]], NBA power forward for the [[Phoenix Suns]]
* [[Jeff Isaacson]], a two-time Gold medal American Olympic curler
* [[Charles H. Klein]], Minnesota state legislator and businessman
* [[Jerry Koosman]], MLB pitcher, two-time All-Star for the [[New York Mets]]
* [[Mike Lindell]], founder of [[My Pillow]]
* [[Howard G. Ottinger]], businessman, farmer, and Minnesota state legislator
* [[Gordon Paschka]], former NFL player
* [[Erik Paulsen]], United States Congressman, MN 3rd Congressional District
* [[Stephen Wolff]], Comedian, public servant, and exceptional father  
* [[Mike Reilly (ice hockey)|Mike Reilly]], defenseman for the [[New York Islanders]]
* [[Howie Schultz]], MLB first baseman for the [[Brooklyn Dodgers]]
* [[Dave Snuggerud]], former NHL player and 1988 Olympian
* [[Edward Van Sloan]], actor/artist

==See also==
* [[Chaska Town Course]]
* [[Walnut Street Historic District (Chaska, Minnesota)|Walnut Street Historic District]]
* [[Hazeltine National Golf Club]]
* [[Jonathan, Minnesota]]
* [[FSI International]], now [[Tokyo Electron|TEL FSI]] and [[Dark Waters (2019 film)|''Dark Waters'' (2019 film)]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Chaska, Minnesota}}
* [https://www.chaskamn.gov/ Chaska official website]
* [http://www.district112.org/ Eastern Carver County School District]

{{CarverCounty}}
{{Minnesota}}
{{Minnesota county seats}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chaska, Minnesota| ]]
[[Category:1851 establishments in Minnesota Territory]]
[[Category:Cities in Carver County, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Cities in Minnesota]]
[[Category:County seats in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Minneapolis–Saint Paul]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1851]]