Top 9 Things to Do in Forest Lake, MN (2026 Guide)

By the Muske Team, Forest Lake area real estate specialists

1. Lake Recreation on Forest Lake

Forest Lake connects three distinct basins covering more than 2,200 acres, making it one of the largest recreational lakes in the Twin Cities metro area.[1] The lake supports Muskie, Walleye, and Northern Pike fisheries, and public boat launches are available at multiple city access points. In summer the activity is continuous: boating, wakeboarding, tubing, paddleboarding, and swimming. Public beach access is available at Lakeside Memorial Park. The lake does not have a marina restaurant, though several seasonal lakeside bars operate on the water.

• Surface area: 2,200+ acres across Lakes 1, 2, and 3
• Max depth: approximately 52 feet in the main basin
• Fish species: Muskie, Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass
• Public launches: multiple city ramps, no fee for shore access

[1] MN DNR lake data, Forest Lake chain (DNR Lake ID 13009700).

2. Lakeside Memorial Park

The primary public park on the lake. Playgrounds, picnic areas, a swimming beach, and a boat launch are all within the same footprint on Lake Street North. It is the most-used public green space in the city, particularly on summer weekends and during the July 4th celebration. Parking is limited during peak summer weekends; arriving before 9 a.m. is the standard local advice.

3. July 4th Celebration

Forest Lake's July 4th celebration is the largest annual community event in the city, anchored by what organizers describe as the largest July 4th parade in Minnesota.[2] The multi-day event runs the week leading up to July 4th and includes a carnival with rides and food vendors, bingo, and the fireworks display on the evening of July 4th beginning around 10 p.m. The parade runs through downtown Forest Lake on July 4th morning and draws visitors from across the Chisago Lakes area.

[2] Forest Lake July 4th Committee event records. Verify current schedule at the City of Forest Lake website before attending.

4. Pine Tree Arts Center

Forest Lake's primary arts venue. The Pine Tree Arts Center hosts rotating gallery exhibitions, theater performances, music events, and community art classes throughout the year. It serves as the central hub for the local arts community and is a reliable indicator of Forest Lake's investment in cultural programming relative to other exurban communities of similar size.

5. Forest Hills and Tanners Brook Golf Clubs

Forest Lake has two 18-hole golf courses within easy distance of residential neighborhoods. Forest Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course set within the natural landscape of the city, popular with residents for weekday rounds and weekend tee times. Tanners Brook Golf Club plays 6,782 yards at par 71 and is the more challenging of the two, drawing competitive players from across the Chisago Lakes area.[3]

[3] Tanners Brook Golf Club course specifications. Verify current greens fees and tee time availability directly with each club.

Recommended: 4 Best Golf Courses in Forest Lake MN

6. Gateway State Trail

The Gateway State Trail is a paved multi-use trail running from Saint Paul northeast through the suburbs and into the Forest Lake area. The trail supports biking, hiking, inline skating, and horseback riding in warmer months, and cross-country skiing in winter. It connects Forest Lake to the broader regional trail network and is used extensively by residents for both recreation and commuting by bike.[4]

[4] Minnesota DNR, Gateway State Trail trail information and access points.

7. Dining in Forest Lake

The dining corridor runs along Lake Street and Broadway in downtown Forest Lake. Mallards Restaurant at 220 Lake St N is the top option for waterfront-adjacent fine dining. Rancho Loco at 25 Lake St N handles casual Mexican. Keys Cafe on West Broadway covers breakfast. The full dining breakdown is in the Muske Team's restaurant guide.

See: 11 Best Restaurants in Forest Lake MN

8. Community Events and Farmers Markets

Forest Lake runs a seasonal farmers market and a regular community event calendar throughout the year. Holiday celebrations, neighborhood gatherings, and community fundraisers are consistent features of the social calendar. The July 4th event is the largest, but the city maintains programming across all four seasons including winter events tied to the lake. For current event schedules, the City of Forest Lake community calendar is the primary source.

9. Winter Activities on the Lake

When Forest Lake freezes — typically from December through February — the activity shifts rather than stops. Ice fishing is the dominant winter activity: the lake supports a dense network of permanent and portable ice houses during the season, targeting Walleye and Northern Pike primarily. Ice skating on cleared surfaces near the public beach is common. Snowmobiling is permitted on the lake per Minnesota DNR regulations, with access from public launch areas. The winter version of Forest Lake is a significant part of what draws buyers who want a true four-season lake community rather than a summer-only lifestyle.