Hennepin County has a deep history that spans thousands of years, beginning with diverse American Indian tribes that first occupied the region. The establishment of the county occurred in March 1852 through the Territorial Legislature of Minnesota.

For a long time, Hennepin County was an agricultural society, but as the population grew, industries started to emerge. The railroad construction in 1883 led to rapid industrialization and growth of the region. By the early 20th century, Minneapolis, a city in the county, had become an industry and commercial hub.

The progress of suburbs and waves of immigration from Germany, Norway, Sweden, and other regions in Europe continued to transform the area. By the mid-20th century, agricultural activity declined significantly. New suburban neighborhoods emerged, which forced developers to seek less expensive land.

Hennepin County experienced significant growth during the second half of the 20th century. One milestone of the county was constructing the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis in the early 1970s. The occupation of the building started in 1975 after its dedication in1974. Since then, Hennepin County has experienced remarkable growth.

Names have historical significance, and Hennepin County is not different. The county's name can be traced back to Father Louis Hennepin, who explored the region in 1680. He named the waterfalls on the Mississippi River St. Anthony Falls. The county did not receive its name until its establishment in 1852.

The original plan for the county was to name it Snelling County. Still, they could not forget Louis Hennepin, who had explored the area in the 17th century. After considering viable options for the county's name, the final choice was Hennepin County as an honor to Father Hennepin.