The "Piast Trail", leading through several places connected with the origins of the Polish State (Gniezno, Kruszwica), runs across the south of Pałuki.

The name Pałuki is likely derived from łuk, łęk, or łęg, signifying grassy lowlands between arable land.

The region was invaded by Germany during the invasion of Poland, which started World War II in September 1939.

The German occupiers launched the Intelligenzaktion genocidal campaign against the Polish population.

Many Poles were enslaved as forced labour and either sent to German colonists in the region or deported to Germany.