The small community of Silver Lake (2010 population of 837) is nestled along the north shore of its namesake lake.

Euro-American settlers built a few homes in 1874, but Silver Lake was not platted until 1881. John Jerabek, John Mimms, and John Totusek laid out the original community. The three men also bought the store and mill of Theodore Mimms. A short time later, each of them built a store in the site of the future village, which was incorporated in 1889.

Early in its history, Silver Lake was a center for Czech (Bohemian) and Polish settlers. A Catholic cemetery was started in 1867, and a church followed in 1884. An important addition to the village was the Silver Lake Creamery in 1897.

Today, most of Silver Lake lies south of the trail, across the heavily-traveled Highway 7. Average daily traffic count for Highway 7 at this point is 5,800 (1991 figures).

A connection for residents to the trail and for trail users to reach the downtown area needs to be fostered.

The City of Silver Lake has an extensive recreation area with a pool and ball fields just across Highway 7 from the trail, and a more formal park square with a gazebo and picnic shelter lies a few blocks further in the downtown area.