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Home / Forest Lake, Minnesota

Forest Lake, Minnesota

Coordinates: 45.2788° N, 92.9852° W

Forest Lake Dispensary - Your Premier Cannabis Destination

Welcome to Forest Lake Dispensary, proudly serving the Forest Lake, Minnesota community and surrounding Washington County area. Located in the heart of this vibrant lakeside community approximately 27 miles northeast of Saint Paul, we are your trusted source for premium cannabis products, expert guidance, and exceptional customer service.

Forest Lake Dispensary offers a comprehensive selection of high-quality cannabis flower, THC edibles, vape cartridges, concentrates, pre-rolls, tinctures, and topicals sourced from Minnesota's finest licensed cultivators. Our knowledgeable staff provides personalized recommendations for indica, sativa, and hybrid strains to meet your individual needs and preferences.

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Visit us at Forest Lake Dispensary to explore our full product selection and learn more about how we're serving the Forest Lake community.

History of Forest Lake, Minnesota

Forest Lake, Minnesota, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century when settlers first arrived in Washington County. The area's abundant timber lining the shores of the lake gave the community its name, establishing a legacy that continues to define the city's character today.

Early Settlement and Railroad Era

Forest Lake began as a stop on the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad, with the first train reaching Forest Lake on December 23, 1868. This railroad connection proved instrumental in the community's development, opening the area to settlers, commerce, and tourism from the Twin Cities region.

The north shore of Forest Lake historically marked the boundary line established by the U.S. government in 1825 to separate the Chippewa (Ojibwe) to the north and Sioux (Dakota) to the south. Both indigenous groups used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice, though no permanent villages were established due to ongoing territorial conflicts.

Township Organization

Forest Lake Township was officially organized on March 11, 1874. That same year, the first one-room school was built at the former location of city hall (220 N. Lake Street), marking the beginning of formal education in the community.

City Incorporation

The City of Forest Lake was incorporated on July 11, 1893 with just 175 residents. Originally part of Marine Township, Forest Lake was platted on the northwest shore of the lake in 1868 but wasn't formally organized until 1893. The city became a statutory city in 1974, reflecting its continued growth and development.

Resort Era and Tourism

During the late 19th century, Forest Lake emerged as a popular resort destination. The Marsh House became a famous resort entertaining guests from around the world, including Presidents McKinley and Cleveland. At its peak in the 1880s, the summer resort hotel accommodated 75 guests with boats, fishing tackle, croquet, and excursion trips on the steamboat Germania.

The town featured two large dance pavilions, picnic grounds, tennis courts, a bandstand, a coaster slide, and a bathhouse with bathing suits for rent. By 1897, excursion trains ran daily from St. Paul, cementing Forest Lake's reputation as a premier recreational destination.

Modern Growth

In 2001, the city annexed the surrounding former Forest Lake Township, significantly expanding its boundaries. Forest Lake has grown from a population of 4,600 in 1980 to over 20,600 today, making it one of the fastest-growing communities in Washington County.

Notable Residents

Forest Lake has been home to many distinguished individuals including Elmer L. Andersen (30th Governor of Minnesota), Walter Mondale (former Vice President of the United States), Arne Carlson (former Governor of Minnesota), Pete Hegseth (United States Secretary of Defense), Bud Grant (Hall of Fame NFL and CFL coach), and Terry Redlin (popular American artist).

Demographics - Statistical Information

Forest Lake, Minnesota, is a diverse and growing community with a population that reflects the broader outer-ring suburban character of the Twin Cities metropolitan area while maintaining its unique lakeside identity.

Forest Lake Population Statistics (2024-2025)

20,685 Total Population
38.8 Median Age (Years)
$89,879 Median Household Income
6.7% Poverty Rate

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Forest Lake is a predominantly white community with growing diversity, reflected in the following demographics based on the most recent census data:

  • White: 81.5% of the population
  • Asian: 5.89% of the population
  • Hispanic or Latino: 4.5% of the population (any race)
  • Black or African American: 3.62% of the population
  • Two or More Races: 2.62% of the population

Housing & Homeownership

  • Total Households: 7,014 households
  • Average Household Size: 2.60 persons
  • Married Couples: 56.2% of households
  • Children Under 18: 36.8% of households

Geographic Information

  • County: Washington County, Minnesota
  • Coordinates: 45.2788° N, 92.9852° W
  • Total Area: 35.54 square miles
  • Land Area: 30.56 square miles
  • Water Area: 4.98 square miles
  • Zip Code: 55025

Age Distribution

Forest Lake has a balanced age distribution with a median age of 38.8 years:

  • Under 18 years: 26.3% of the population
  • 18 to 24 years: 7.6% of the population
  • 25 to 44 years: 27.1% of the population
  • 45 to 64 years: 27.7% of the population
  • 65 years and older: 11.3% of the population

Population Growth

Forest Lake has experienced significant growth, increasing 42.4% since 2000 and growing faster than 73% of similarly sized cities. The population density is approximately 601.4 people per square mile, with 88% urban and 12% rural residents.

Government & Politics

Forest Lake operates under a council-manager form of government, with the city governed by elected officials who work in partnership with appointed city staff to serve the community's needs.

City of Forest Lake

Forest Lake City Hall

Address: 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Phone: (651) 464-3550

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Elected Officials

  • Mayor Blake Roberts – Elected to Mayoral seat in 2024; serves on EDA and Fire Board; Council liaison to Airport Commission (term through 2026)
  • Councilmember Valento – First elected 2020, re-elected 2024; Acting Mayor; liaison to Cable Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission
  • Councilmember Leif Erickson – Elected 2022; serves on EDA and Fire Board; liaison to Comfort Lake/Forest Lake Watershed District (term through 2026)
  • Councilmember Jeff Larson – Elected 2024; serves on Fire Board; liaison to Planning Commission (term through 2028)
  • Councilmember Kevin Miller – Appointed February 2025; liaison to Forest Lake Area School Board (term through 2026)

Government Agencies and Contacts

Forest Lake Police Department

Law enforcement and public safety services including traffic control, crime investigation, and prevention.

1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Forest Lake Fire & Rescue

Professional fire protection and emergency response services for the Forest Lake protection area.

Forest Lake, MN 55025

Public Works Department

Parks, facilities maintenance, and infrastructure services.

Emergency Sewer/Water Calls Available

County & State Representation

  • Washington County Government – Serving Forest Lake and the broader northeastern metro area
  • Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management – Regulatory oversight for cannabis dispensaries; Website: cannabis.mn.gov
  • U.S. Representative: Pete Stauber (8th Congressional District) – Forest Lake Office at City Hall
  • U.S. Senators: Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith

Companies & Economy

Forest Lake boasts a diverse economy with businesses spanning retail, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, and specialty trades. The city's strategic location along Interstate 35 makes it an attractive hub for businesses serving both the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota.

Major Employers and Businesses

Forest Lake Area Schools

Major educational employer serving the community with elementary, middle, and high schools.

Forest Lake, MN 55025

North Lakes Academy

K-12 Public Charter School providing rigorous liberal arts curriculum in a personalized learning environment.

Forest Lake, MN 55025

Wood Design, Inc.

Custom woodworking and design services for residential and commercial projects.

Forest Lake, MN

Gaughan Companies

Minnesota commercial real estate: development, construction, leasing, sales, and management.

Forest Lake, MN

Teamvantage Molding, LLC

Manufacturing plastics products for industrial and commercial applications.

Forest Lake, MN

Summit Orthopedics

Comprehensive orthopedic care including sub-specialty clinics, imaging, therapy, and surgery.

Forest Lake Area

Retail and Commercial Centers

  • Walmart Supercenter – Major retail employer and shopping destination in Forest Lake
  • Target – National retailer with Forest Lake location serving the community
  • Cub Foods – Regional grocery chain serving Forest Lake residents
  • Thrifty White Pharmacy – American pharmacy chain serving the community
  • Menards – Home improvement retailer with Forest Lake location

Business Environment

Forest Lake provides a supportive environment for businesses with strategic location along Interstate 35, proximity to the Twin Cities metro, educated workforce with over 65% having post-high school education, and active partnerships between the city and Forest Lake School District for workforce development programs.

Colleges & Universities

Forest Lake residents have access to quality education from K-12 through higher education, with excellent local schools and convenient access to colleges and universities throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Forest Lake Area Schools

Forest Lake Area High School

Grades: 9-12 | Students: Approximately 1,475

Mascot: Forest Lake Rangers

Public four-year high school founded in 1909, competing in Minnesota State High School League athletics.

K-12 Schools in Forest Lake

Lakes International Language Academy (LILA)

Upper School: 19850 Fenway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025

K-5 students: 666 | Immersion and international education focus

North Lakes Academy

Grades: K-12 Charter School

Rigorous liberal arts curriculum in a small, personalized learning environment.

Forest Lake Elementary Schools

Multiple elementary schools serving K-6 students throughout the district.

Nearby Colleges and Universities

Century College

Address: 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Phone: (651) 779-3200

Large two-year college offering 150+ degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

Bethel University

Location: Arden Hills, MN

Private Christian university serving students from the Forest Lake area with bachelor's and graduate programs.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Enrollment: 43,506 students

Flagship public research university approximately 30 miles from Forest Lake.

Educational Attainment

Forest Lake residents demonstrate strong educational achievement with over 65% having obtained post-high school education, contributing to a skilled and capable workforce for area employers.

Transportation & Public Transit

Forest Lake benefits from excellent transportation infrastructure, providing convenient access to the Twin Cities metropolitan area and greater Minnesota via major highways and public transit options.

Highway Access

Interstate 35

Major north-south interstate providing direct access to Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Duluth. Forest Lake is located where I-35E and I-35W converge north of the Twin Cities.

Public Transit Services

Metro Transit Route 275

Express bus service connecting Forest Lake to Lino Lakes, Vadnais Heights, and downtown Saint Paul.

Metro Transit Info: (612) 373-3333

Forest Lake Transit Center

Dedicated transit facility serving as a hub for express bus service to the Twin Cities.

Forest Lake, MN

Transit Link Dial-A-Ride

Curb-to-curb public transportation service for areas without fixed-route service.

Phone: (651) 602-5465

Additional Transit Services

  • Metro Mobility – Demand responsive service for certified riders with disabilities; Phone: (651) 602-1111
  • Park-and-Ride Facilities – Washington County park-and-ride facilities anchor the region's express bus service
  • Future METRO Purple Line BRT – Bus rapid transit line under environmental analysis connecting Saint Paul to White Bear Lake area

Regional Location Advantages

Forest Lake's strategic location at the intersection of I-35E and I-35W allows employers to attract talent from Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Western Wisconsin, and Central Minnesota – a unique advantage few other communities can offer.

Arts & Culture

Forest Lake's arts and culture offerings are centered around community theater, youth performance, and seasonal outdoor programming, creating a vibrant cultural scene that brings residents together throughout the year.

Performing Arts Organizations

Masquers Theatre Company (Forest Lake Community Theatre)

Local community theater group presenting drama and performing arts productions for the Forest Lake area. Productions and rehearsals are hosted in Forest Lake venues and surrounding community spaces.

Children's Performing Arts

Youth-focused performing arts organization with performances held at Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) Upper School.

Venue: 19850 Fenway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Annual Events and Festivals

Arts in the Park

A beloved city-run summer series at Lakeside Park, featuring food trucks, vendors, and live music on Tuesdays throughout the summer months (June–August). This community celebration brings together residents of all ages for entertainment and fellowship along the beautiful shores of Forest Lake.

Cultural Venues

  • Lakeside Park Bandstand – Outdoor venue for summer concerts and community events
  • LILA Upper School – Host venue for Children's Performing Arts productions at 19850 Fenway Ave
  • Forest Lake 5 Theatre – Local movie theater providing entertainment for the community

Parks & Outdoors

Forest Lake takes great pride in its extensive parks and recreational facilities. The City of Forest Lake Parks and Recreation Department maintains 23 parks, 18 open spaces, 14 playgrounds, and 13 ball fields throughout the community, providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.

Featured Parks and Recreation Areas

Lakeside Park / Forest Lake Beach

Address: 95 East Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Sandy beach, boat launches, playgrounds, picnic shelters, grills, and host venue for summer "Arts in the Park" events.

Fenway Park (Fenway Fields)

Address: 5530 206th Street N, Forest Lake, MN

Multiple baseball/softball and soccer fields, trails, benches, and playground facilities.

Bridle Pass Park

Neighborhood park featuring large playground, open field space, and walking paths.

Forest Lake, MN

Clear Lake Park

Address: 5803 213th Street, Forest Lake, MN

Open space with small playground and basketball court facilities.

Shields Lake Park

Address: Imperial Ave N & 210th Street N

Includes fishing pier and picnic area for family recreation.

Shawn Silvera Memorial Park

Address: 8787 212th Street N

Memorial park honoring a fallen police officer, with playground and picnic shelter.

Additional Parks

  • Tower Park – Located around 843 SW 4th Street; includes hockey rinks and warming house in winter, plus open recreation space
  • Eagle Bluff Park – Neighborhood park with recreational amenities
  • Kulenkamp Park – Community park with trails and play areas

Parks & Recreation Contact

Forest Lake Parks and Recreation Department – General parks and trails information available through the City of Forest Lake. Contact City Hall at (651) 464-3550 for facility reservations, permits, and park directory information.

Famous Landmarks

Forest Lake preserves its rich history through notable landmarks and attractions that reflect the community's development from a railroad stop to a thriving suburban city.

Landmark Directory

Category Name / Description
Civic Landmark Forest Lake City Hall – 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Lakefront Attraction Forest Lake Beach / Lakeside Park – 95 East Broadway Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Major Sports Complex Fenway Park / Fenway Fields – 5530 206th Street N, Forest Lake, MN
Seasonal Recreation Tower Park – Winter hockey rinks and warming house
Youth Arts Venue LILA Upper School – Site for Children's Performing Arts shows, 19850 Fenway Ave
Community Theater Masquers Theatre Company – Forest Lake community theatre group
Commercial Hub Walmart Supercenter & Target – Major retail destinations for visitors

Historic Significance

Forest Lake's landmarks reflect its evolution from a 19th-century railroad resort destination to a modern suburban community. The lake itself, named for the abundant timber that once lined its shores, remains the centerpiece of the community and a gathering place for residents and visitors throughout the year.

Notable Historic Sites

  • Original Railroad Depot Site – Forest Lake began as a stop on the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad in 1868
  • First Schoolhouse Location – 220 N. Lake Street, site of the first one-room school built in 1874
  • Historic Marsh House Resort Site – Location of the famous 1880s resort that hosted Presidents McKinley and Cleveland

Additional Local Resources

Forest Lake offers comprehensive community resources, civic organizations, and support services to enhance quality of life for all residents.

City Services and Departments

City of Forest Lake

Address: 1408 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Phone: (651) 464-3550

Website: ci.forest-lake.mn.us

Key Departments

  • Police Department – Law enforcement, traffic control, crime investigation and prevention
  • Fire and Rescue – Fire protection and emergency response services
  • Public Works – Parks maintenance, infrastructure, emergency sewer/water services
  • Zoning Department – Building permits and land use information
  • Finance Department – Utility billing and city financial services

Community Resources

Comfort Lake/Forest Lake Watershed District

Environmental stewardship and water quality management for the Forest Lake area.

Cable Commission

Community cable and telecommunications oversight.

Airport Commission

Local aviation facility oversight and planning.

Healthcare Services

  • Summit Orthopedics – Comprehensive orthopedic care in the Forest Lake area
  • Local Medical Clinics – Multiple healthcare providers serving the community
  • Thrifty White Pharmacy – Community pharmacy services

Cannabis Services

Forest Lake Dispensary

Website: forestlakedispensary.com

Premier licensed cannabis dispensary serving Forest Lake and Washington County. Offering premium cannabis flower, edibles, vapes, concentrates, and expert guidance in a professional, welcoming environment. Fully licensed under Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management regulations.

Visit Forest Lake Dispensary Today

Experience the difference at Forest Lake Dispensary. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect cannabis products for your needs. Serving Forest Lake, Washington County, and the greater Twin Cities area.

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