Forest Lake
cityForest Lake is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, located approximately 27 miles northeast of Saint Paul and 29 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The city is known for its beautiful lakes and abundant timber, which gave the city its name. In 2020, the population was 20,611, and recent estimates place it around 20,700. Forest Lake offers a blend of suburban living with access to outdoor recreational activities. Forest Lake's economy includes healthcare, retail, and manufacturing sectors. A significant portion of working households commute to the inner cities for employment. The city also has a growing commercial district. Forest Lake began as a stop on the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad and was incorporated in 1893. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe people. Today, Forest Lake is known for its parks, trails, and access to outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and picnicking at Lakeside Park.
Forest Lake, Minnesota
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 27-21770
- Country
- United States
- County
- Washington County
- Region
- Twin Cities Metropolitan Area
- Elevation
- 935 ft
- Total Area
- 35.53 sq mi
- Land Area
- 30.54 sq mi
- Water Area
- 4.99 sq mi
- Latitude
- 45.25361
- Longitude
- -92.95833
- Climate
- Continental climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Notable Features
- Forest Lake · Clear Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Columbus · Hugo · Lino Lakes · Wyoming
- Population (2020)
- 20,611
- Est. Population (2024)
- 20,700
- Median Age
- 39.6
- Median Income
- $92,944
- Poverty Rate
- 7.02%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 86% White, 3.8% Hispanic, 3.6% Asian, 3.0% Black, 2.7% Multiracial, and 1.0% Native American/Other
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Forest Lake Area School District (ISD 831)
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.9%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- Hy-Vee Grocery Store · Walmart Supercenter · St Croix Printing & Graphics
- Schools
- 12
- Students
- 5,765
- Teachers
- 299
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21:1
- School Districts
- Forest Lake Area School District (ISD 831)
- Transportation
- Interstate 35 · U.S. Routes 8 and 61 · Commuter bus service to Minneapolis and St. Paul
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Forest Lake YMCA
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lakeside Park · Hardwood Creek Trail · Forest Lake
- Parks & Trails
- Lakeside Park · Fenway Park · Hardwood Creek Trail
- Founded
- 1868
- Incorporated
- 1893
- Named After
- The abundant timber that lines its shores and the lake
- Historical Significance
- Evolved from a railroad stop and logging community to a popular resort town and, ultimately, a growing suburban city.
- Key Events
- Settlement spurred by the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad in 1869 · Incorporated as a village in 1893 · Annexed the surrounding Forest Lake Township in 2001