Swede Grove Township was first settled in 1857 by N. E. Hanson, Nels Elofson, Hans Peterson, Peter E. Lund, Nels Weylander, Andrew Peterson, and John Rosencranz.

The township was named by N. E. Hanson and Nels Elofson because it was settled by Swedes and there was a nice grove of trees nearby.

Nels Elofson was appointed postmaster in 1859. Notable locations in Swede Grove Township are Cojo Dairy, Grove Creek Raceway, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fellowship Church, and the First Lutheran Cemetery.

The racial makeup of the township was 95.65% White, 1.21% African American and 3.14% Asian.

12.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.