Forest Lake

Lake Life Living

Forest Lake, MN

Chisago County's Gateway to the North.

2,200+
Acres of Water
35 Min
To Minneapolis
Top 10%
School District
20k+
Population

Forest Lake is a city in Chisago County, Minnesota, zip code 55025, with a population of approximately 20,600 residents. It sits 35 miles north of Minneapolis and 30 miles north of Saint Paul via I-35. Yes, Forest Lake is a safe community: Chisago County consistently ranks below Minnesota state averages for violent crime, and Forest Lake Area Schools (ISD 831) earns above-average state assessment scores with a GreatSchools rating averaging 6 to 8 out of 10.

The Community

Welcome to Forest Lake

Forest Lake is a city in Chisago County with roughly 20,600 residents, anchored by a three-basin recreational lake covering more than 2,200 acres. What began as a railroad fuel stop in the late 1800s has grown into the primary residential hub of the Chisago Lakes area, combining direct I-35 freeway access to the Twin Cities with a genuine lake-centered community identity.

What to Love

  • ★Three connected lake basins, 2,200+ acres of water
  • ★Direct I-35 access, 35 min to Minneapolis
  • ★ISD 831 with STEM, arts, and college-in-schools programs
  • ★Gateway to Minnesota cabin country via I-35 north

Forest Lake Fast Facts

Category Detail
County Chisago County
Zip Code 55025
Population Approx. 20,600 (U.S. Census estimate)
To Minneapolis 35 miles via I-35 (35 to 50 min depending on traffic)
To Saint Paul 30 miles via I-35E (30 to 45 min)
Lake Size 2,200+ acres across three connected basins (Lakes 1, 2, and 3)
School District Forest Lake Area Schools (ISD 831)
Charter Option Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) — Spanish and Mandarin immersion
Crime Rating Chisago County below state average for violent crime (MN Dept. of Public Safety)

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 estimates; MN DNR lake data; Minnesota Department of Public Safety; Google Maps distance calculations.

Living in Forest Lake

The Lake Lifestyle

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] Lakefront properties range from Gold Coast luxury estates on the north shore to maintenance-free townhomes with deeded beach access at more accessible price points. Summer activity centers on boating, wakeboarding, and fishing: the lake supports trophy Muskie, Walleye, and Northern Pike fisheries. Winter brings a different community altogether, with a dense network of ice fishing houses and outdoor skating rinks operating from December through February.

Commute and Location

Forest Lake sits at the intersection of I-35 and Highway 61, 35 miles north of Minneapolis and 30 miles north of Saint Paul. The I-35 connection makes it one of the most accessible lake communities in the metro: downtown Minneapolis is 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, MSP Airport is approximately 50 minutes, and the drive north to Duluth or Minnesota cabin country continues straight up the same freeway. No secondary roads or connector routes required.[2]

Education and Schools

Forest Lake Area Schools (ISD 831) serves approximately 6,200 students. Forest Lake Area High School anchors the district with STEM pathways, music and arts programs, and college-in-the-schools partnerships with local universities. The district's graduation rate consistently exceeds the state average.[3] Families seeking language immersion can enroll at Lakes International Language Academy (LILA), a charter school offering Spanish and Mandarin tracks from kindergarten through 8th grade.

[1] MN DNR lake data, Forest Lake chain (DNR Lake ID 13009700). [2] Google Maps driving distances, Forest Lake city center to downtown Minneapolis and MSP Airport. [3] Minnesota Department of Education, ISD 831 district profile and graduation rate data.

The Forest Lake Buyer Matrix

Which Forest Lake property type fits your situation? The lake breaks into four distinct buyer profiles based on access, price, and lifestyle priorities.

Property Type Lake Access Typical Price Range Best For
Gold Coast Lakefront Private dock, riparian rights, direct shoreline [INSERT: current lakefront median price] Buyers who want private dock, maximum water access, and prestige address
Deeded Access Home Shared beach or dock association (verify slip availability) [INSERT: current deeded access median price] Buyers who want lake lifestyle at a lower price point; confirm association rules before closing
Residential / Off-Lake Public launches (City boat ramps, multiple locations) [INSERT: current off-lake median price] Families prioritizing school district, lot size, and value over direct water access
Townhome / Low Maintenance Deeded beach access common in newer developments [INSERT: current townhome median price] Downsizers, second-home buyers, and remote workers who want lake access without lawn maintenance

Sources: Forest Lake MLS data via Muske Team agent analysis. Median prices updated quarterly. Verify current pricing at musketeam.com.

How Forest Lake Compares

Not sure if Forest Lake is the perfect fit? Here is how it stacks up against nearby communities.

 

White Bear Lake

Historic and Bustling

The Vibe:

Closest in lake culture to Forest Lake, but with a denser historic downtown and events like Manitou Days and the weekly Marketfest.

Vs. Forest Lake:

White Bear is 15 to 20 minutes closer to Saint Paul but homes are typically older and on smaller lots compared to the acreage available in Forest Lake.

 

Stillwater

River Town Tourism

The Vibe:

Known as the Birthplace of Minnesota. Life centers on the St. Croix River and a tourism-heavy Main Street with antique shops and restaurants.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Stillwater is hilly and historic with heavier tourist traffic. Forest Lake is flatter, more residential, and built around year-round resident recreation.

 

Mahtomedi

Upscale and Private

The Vibe:

A small exclusive enclave on the east shore of White Bear Lake, drawing families specifically for the top-ranking Mahtomedi School District.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Mahtomedi has a higher median price point and a smaller geographic footprint. It feels more like a private village than a growing city.

 

Lindstrom

America's Little Sweden

The Vibe:

Located 10 to 15 minutes north of Forest Lake in the Chisago Lakes area. Known for its Swedish heritage and a slower rural pace.

Vs. Forest Lake:

More land for the money but adds commute time. Good for buyers who find Forest Lake too developed.

 

Shoreview

Suburban Convenience

The Vibe:

A well-planned suburb defined by the Mounds View School District and the Shoreview Community Center. Closer to major employment centers.

Vs. Forest Lake:

Shoreview is closer to work but lacks the distinct downtown and 2,200-acre recreational lake that define Forest Lake's identity.

Dining and Local Flavors

A walkable downtown with family-run restaurants and lakeside eats.

 

Stella's On 97

Steak and seafood restaurant near Forest Lake Golf Club. Known for premium cuts and date-night atmosphere.

Price range: $$. Reservations recommended on weekends.

 

Mallard's Restaurant

Midwestern comfort food with fresh seafood options in a casual lakeside setting.

Price range: $$. Family-friendly seating.

 

Key's Cafe

Minnesota staple known for large breakfasts and homemade pie. Long-standing community fixture.

Price range: $. Breakfast and lunch only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Forest Lake, MN in?

Forest Lake is located in Chisago County, Minnesota. Chisago County sits north of Washington County and east of Anoka County, with the St. Croix River forming its eastern border with Wisconsin. The county seat is Center City, approximately 10 miles north of Forest Lake. Chisago County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Twin Cities metro area.

Is Forest Lake, MN a good place to live?

Yes, Forest Lake consistently ranks among the top communities in the Twin Cities exurban area. It offers direct I-35 freeway access to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, a top-rated school district (ISD 831), more than 2,200 acres of recreational lake, and substantially larger lot sizes than inner-ring suburbs at comparable price points. The tradeoff is commute distance: Minneapolis is 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, making Forest Lake better suited to buyers who work remotely or have flexible schedules.

What is the zip code for Forest Lake, MN?

The primary zip code for Forest Lake, MN is 55025. This covers the city proper and most surrounding residential areas in the Forest Lake township. Some properties in the broader Forest Lake area may carry the 55038 zip code for Hugo or 55082 for Stillwater depending on their exact location, so always confirm the zip on a specific address before making assumptions about school district or county.

How big is Forest Lake (the lake)?

Forest Lake connects three distinct basins, known locally as Lake 1, Lake 2, and Lake 3, with a combined surface area of more than 2,200 acres. This makes it one of the largest recreational lakes in the Twin Cities metro area. The lake supports year-round activity including boating, wakeboarding, swimming, and fishing in summer, and ice fishing and skating in winter. Maximum depth is approximately 52 feet in the main basin.

About the Muske Team

The Muske Team is based in Forest Lake and specializes in the Chisago Lakes area real estate market. The team has guided buyers and sellers across all four property types in Forest Lake, from Gold Coast lakefront estates to deeded-access townhomes and off-lake residential neighborhoods throughout ISD 831. Direct local market knowledge means accurate guidance on lake access verification, dock permit processes, and neighborhood-specific value drivers. License: [INSERT: MN license number].

Have questions about a specific neighborhood or property type? Contact the team for a straightforward conversation about the Forest Lake market.

Ready to call Forest Lake home?

Browse available properties across all four property types.

See All Homes For Sale

Overview for Forest Lake, MN

20,678 people live in Forest Lake, where the median age is 38.8 and the average individual income is $45,527. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,678

Total Population

38.8 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$45,527

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Forest Lake, MN

Population Households Employment

Forest Lake has 8,151 households, with an average household size of 2.52. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Forest Lake do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,678 people call Forest Lake home. The population density is 677.11 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,678

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

38.8

Median Age

48.91 / 51.09%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
8,151

Total Households

2.52

Average Household Size

$45,527

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Forest Lake, MN

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Forest Lake. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Forest Lake

Property Listings

For Sale
MLS® 7016129

$2,495,000

22620 Hayward Avenue N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
6 Beds 6 Baths 7,482 Sq.Ft.
Pending
MLS® 6681442

$2,150,000

18600 Harrow Avenue N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
3 Beds 3 Baths 3,397 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 7044646

$1,895,000

18340 Forest Road N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
6 Beds 5 Baths 4,549 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 7007149

$1,400,000

21009 Karoline Court N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
5 Beds 4 Baths 4,600 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 7032690

$1,300,000

8839 N Shore Trail N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
5 Beds 3 Baths 4,557 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 7049923

$1,275,000

20025 Jeffrey Avenue N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
5 Beds 4 Baths 4,154 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 6616560

$1,150,000

9998 211th Court N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
4 Beds 3 Baths 3,387 Sq.Ft.
For Sale
MLS® 6670803

$1,100,000

TBD 202nd St Parcel A, Forest Lake, MN 55025
For Sale
MLS® 7016351

$1,075,000

21760 Ideal Avenue N, Forest Lake, MN 55025
4 Beds 2 Baths 2,468 Sq.Ft.

Similar Neighborhoods

Mahtomedi

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Shoreview

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Stillwater

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Work With Us

Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the market, The Muske Team team is eager to be your local resource throughout the entire process.

Contact Us

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The Muske Team

BOB MUSKE

Phone

(612) 919-3353

Email

[email protected]

CHRIS HOYT

Phone

(651) 210-4698

Email

[email protected]

Address

920 W Broadway Ave. Forest Lake, MN 55025

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