"In the vast realms above the dark astral prison, all is shining and beautiful. The astral cosmos is more naturally attuned than the earth to the divine will and plan of perfection...Just as worldly men don new array for gala events, so astral beings find occasions to bedeck themselves in specially designed forms." -- Paramahansa Yogananda, writing of his view of the aurora borealis from Forest Lake, Minnesota
Found just north of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Forest Lake is a St. Paul suburb best known for its majestic scenery. Since its incorporation as a township in 1893, Forest Lake has transformed from a quaint town on the outskirts of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to a landmark in its own right, today boasting a population of 18,375, as well as a vast collection of cultural, recreational and natural wonders.
Home sales as a whole have been steady for several years, a not-so-surprising reality given the economic and construction boom within the area during the early 2000s
"In the vast realms above the dark astral prison, all is shining and beautiful. The astral cosmos is more naturally attuned than the earth to the divine will and plan of perfection...Just as worldly men don new array for gala events, so astral beings find occasions to bedeck themselves in specially designed forms." -- Paramahansa Yogananda, writing of his view of the aurora borealis from Forest Lake, Minnesota
Found just north of Minnesota's Twin Cities, Forest Lake is a St. Paul suburb best known for its majestic scenery. Since its incorporation as a township in 1893, Forest Lake has transformed from a quaint town on the outskirts of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area to a landmark in its own right, today boasting a population of 18,375, as well as a vast collection of cultural, recreational and natural wonders.
Choosing Forest Lake
Home sales as a whole have been steady for several years, a not-so-surprising reality given the economic and construction boom within the area during the early 2000s. It's time to snatch up your home while the price is right!
Transit Options
Although several Twin Cities suburbs are marked by excellent mass transit options, Forest Lake remains a car-friendly city. Most of residents' daily commutes take place along Highway 35 and County Road 61, although a good share of the area's morning and afternoon traffic can also be found on Scandia Trail North. However, there are a few viable transit options for those hoping to back off on vehicle use, including the very popular route 285, which travels along Highway 35E.
Forest Lake Neighborhoods
Much of the activity in Forest Lake is focused along the city's western border, where the 35E-35W split takes place. However, many residents also enjoy the natural beauty of Forest Lake's northeastern region, which boasts some of the most impressive natural scenery in the greater Twin Cities. Although population density varies from one Forest Lake neighborhood to the next, you'll notice that the entire city shares the same commitment to friendly interactions and active lifestyles.
North Forest Lake: Forest Lake is notable for its eponymous lake, one of the top one hundred largest bodies of water in the state of Minnesota. The lake feeds into the Sunrise River and covers a good portion of the northern region of the city. Recreational opportunities abound in this area, with Schilling and Kulencamp Parks proving particularly popular among locals and visitors alike.
South Forest Lake: Golf enthusiasts particularly enjoy visiting the southern area of Forest Lake, which is home to both the Tanners Brook Golf Course and the Forest Hills Golf Course. Naturalists also enjoy visiting this portion of Forest Lake, as it contains the vast Hardwood Creek Wildlife Management Area.
East Forest Lake: The eastern region of Forest Lake is marked by some of the best natural scenery in the Twin Cities, including the lower portion of Forest Lake's namesake body of water, as well as the beautiful Halfbreed Lake. Sherman Park can be found here, as can the eastern half of the Hardwood Creek Wildlife Management Area.
West Forest Lake: Highway 35 and Country Road 61 both traverse through the western portion of Forest Lake; these routes largely serve as the city's main drags, attracting some of the area's most prominent businesses and tourist attraction. West Forest Lake is notable as the site of the the Lake 5 Theatre, the FLAAA Sports Center and Grundhofer Stadium.
Life in Forest Lake
Forest Lake perfectly exemplifies the concept of "Minnesota Nice." Residents and visitors alike possess a very pleasant demeanor, always eager to ensure that all who pass through the city enjoy friendly conversation. A willingness to chat with complete strangers will make your time in Forest Lake far more enjoyable.
Outdoor Recreation: Forest Lake's Greatest Strength
Given the presence of multiple large bodies of water, it should come as no surprise that outdoor recreation plays a huge role in Forest Lake. Residents and visitors enjoy swimming at the Lakeside Park Beach, as well as bird watching near the Hardwood Creek Wildlife Management Area. In the winter, outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, cross country skiing and ice fishing prove especially popular, although many individuals prefer to remain indoors at such facilities as the FLAAA Sports Arena.
