Waconia Lions History
A History of Service
In 1945, a group of Waconia, Minnesota locals recognized the need for a civic organization to improve the community and foster the wellbeing of its citizens. Similar clubs, however, had launched to low fanfare and limited success in the past.
Determined to get it right, the group met with a Lions International representative at City Hall and began organizing a Lions Club in Waconia. Temporary officers were elected and the first official meeting for the club was held on August 2, 1945. Since then, the Waconia Lions Club has been the premier service organization in the Waconia area.
In the early years the Waconia Lions Club functioned in a manner similar to that of a Chamber of Commerce, adopting the slogan “Make Waconia A Better Place To Live, Work, And Play” . In fact, some of the very first objectives of club founders involved the formation of special committees to address civic, road, lakeshore, and park improvements. In addition, the club also organized to support merchant activities and special events in the community.
For over 75 years, and now with over 100 members, the Waconia Lions have come together in the spirit of service to give back to their local communities, the region and the world. Explore our history to learn more about how the Waconia Lions formed, grew, and have served fellow man.
