The settlement of Forest Lake originally began as a train stop along the St. Paul and Duluth Railroad. The very first train arrived on December 23, 1868. In March 1874, Forest Lake Township was organized, and the community's first one-room school was built later that year. Nearby Forest Lake originally got its name due to the abundant timber that lined its shores. Forest Lake was officially incorporated as a city on July 11, 1893. At the time, the town had a population of 175; today, there are approximately 21,000 people that call Forest Lake home.
Forest Lake is known for its peaceful atmosphere and its abundance of natural beauty. There's the picturesque Lakeview Park, where you can spend a day boating or picnicking. You could also enjoy an afternoon working on your stroke at the gorgeous Forest Hills Golf Club. Another fantastic outdoor destination is the Hardwood Creek Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot many interesting wildlife species or even do some cross-country skiing on the trails. If you'd rather go hiking, head to the scenic Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
If you're in Forest Lake with the kids, you could take them for a fun-filled day at Punch-Out Gaming. If you enjoy hunting or target shooting, you can get some practice in over at Best Defense Armory & Range. Alternatively, the popular Forest Lake Cycle & Skate is a blast on wheels. When you're ready for some tasty food, you'll have quite a few quality restaurants to consider in the area. A few of the best options include Don Julio's Mexican Restaurant, Keys Bakery and Cafè, and the Old Log Cabin Restaurant.
Forest Lake Holiday Craft & Gift Show – This event takes place at Forest Lake Area Middle School in early November. It offers two days of wonderful holiday shopping for the whole family.
Annual Stark’s Halloween Extravaganza - Come celebrate Halloween in style at this event in Forest Lake. The festival features ghost tours, street carnivals, spooky costume parties, and more!
The Vines Bluegrass Festival - All are invited to the North Folk Winery in early September for this annual event, which includes great music, great wine, and great food in a lovely setting.
For water-based recreation, don’t miss Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. The area is home to an amazing selection of lakes big and small, which offers great opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports. If you'd rather stay on land, the park features many miles of scenic hiking trails, giving you the chance to observe a variety of local birds and other wildlife.
Badlands National Park is one of the most remarkable natural areas in the country, featuring a unique landscape covered in eroded buttes and jutting pinnacles. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular views and observe the local wildlife, which includes prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison. Other popular activities include hiking, biking, backcountry camping, and stargazing.
If you make your way to the southwestern corner of North Dakota, make sure to visit the picturesque Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The only national park named after a single person, it features badlands, the Little Missouri River, and many unique wildlife species. You can hike through the area's rolling hills and canyons or head to the nearby river for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Situated near Taylor Falls, MN, Interstate State Park lies on the banks of the St. Croix River and is known for its exceptional beauty and its 10 different lava flows. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and searching for fossils.
Across the river, there's another beautiful park also named Interstate State Park. The oldest state park in Wisconsin, it boasts lowland forests, bedrock glades, and wetlands. The area is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing and bird-watching, and there are also nine miles of scenic hiking trails to explore.
Another picturesque natural haven in western Wisconsin is Willow River State Park, which comprises 2,891 acres and is most famous for being the home of the majestic Willow Falls. The scenic park is a popular destination for all sorts of outdoor recreational activities, including camping, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and bird-watching.
While you're in the Forest Lake region, consider visiting some of Minnesota's unique monuments and landmarks. In Minneapolis, take some time to explore the incredible Mall of America, which is the largest mall on the planet. The complex features stores, an aquarium, mini-golf courses, a theme park, and much more.
Another Minneapolis landmark to check out is the Mill City Museum, where you can learn about the fascinating milling history of the city. Browse a variety of exhibits and get up close and personal with milling equipment.
It's also worth stopping by the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is home to 40 permanent public art installations and a variety of rotating pieces. The garden is free to enter and offers lots of unique photo opportunities.
One affordable campground to consider is Saint Croix Bluffs Regional Park, which boasts 62 RV campsites available for only $15-$22 per night. There are full hookups available, and the area features scenic trails and a river for swimming and fishing.
You could also stay at Lebanon Hills Campground, which contains 93 RV campsites available for $28-$39 per night. You can rent a site with full hookups and utilize the camp store, nearby trails, and a variety of amenities.
Another peaceful camping option is Cannon Falls Campground. There, you can stay at one of the 95 RV campsites for $45-$51 per night, and you'll also have access to a softball field, a pool, and helpful staff members.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Forest Lake, MN, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Forest Lake?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Forest Lake from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Forest Lake?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
