Welcome to Chisago Lakes Minnesota

Chisago Lakes, Minnesota, is a long-established community that keeps its heritage alive. A creative community that inspires and fosters the arts. An active community that embraces outdoor recreation. Small town lifestyle, beautiful lakes, the St. Croix River, and remarkable people make Chisago Lakes a great place to live, work and play.

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June 21

Shrek the Musical at the Chisago Lakes High School

2:00 pm -

Chisago Lakes High School

Details

June 21

Grand Opening of Bliss Infinity

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Bliss Infinity

Details

Fishing

We’re not called Chisago Lakes by accident! When you visit this beautiful area, you’ll find 11 lakes and the St. Croix River at our eastern border. Our waters are the perfect location for your next fishing trip, and our communities provide the amenities and entertainment to go along with it. Whether you’re just learning to fish or are looking for your next record-breaker, the Chisago Lakes area has you covered.

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Summer in Chisago Lakes

Summer in Chisago Lakes is filled with music, festivals, and small-town charm you won’t find anywhere else. From weekly concerts to beloved community celebrations, there’s something happening all season long. Plan your visit and come experience the fun!

Harmony in the Park | Lindstrom, MN – Wednesdays June 10th – August 12th
Lindstrom Midsommar Festival – June 20th
Karl Oskar Days – July 8th – 12th
Wannigan Days – July 17th – 19th
Center City Days – July 24th – 26th
Almelund Threshing Show – August 7th – 9th
Ki-Chi-Saga Days – August 20th – 23rd
Shafer Days – September 18th – 19th
Almelund Apple Festival – September 20th

    01

    Fall Colors Trip Itinerary

    Autumn is the perfect time of year to take a day trip to the charming communities of Chisago Lakes! From stunning St. Croix River views to sunset at a sculpture park, we’ve got your autumn “day trip” planned. Read on to experience the quintessential fall day in Chisago Lakes.

    See Itinerary
    02

    Cemetaries and History Day Trip

    History abounds in the communities of Chisago Lakes! From the oldest Swedish pioneer cemetery in Minnesota to a historic logging village, we’ve got your “day trip” full of history planned. Read on to experience cemeteries and history in Chisago Lakes.

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    03

    "The Emigrants" Itinerary

    Chisago Lakes is often noted for its Scandinavian heritage, especially the world-famous series The Emigrants, written by Swedish author Vilhelm Moberg in the 1940s. Moberg’s stories follow a fictional family who settled in this region. Read on to experience your own version of “The Emigrants” journey in Chisago Lakes!

    See Itinerary

Where is Chisago Lakes?

Located along Highway 8, Chisago Lakes is an easy 40-minute drive north of the Twin Cities metro area. Chisago Lakes is a community made up of many smaller towns and rural countryside. With beautiful forests, picturesque farms, abundant lakes, and bordered by the St. Croix River, you’re sure to feel right at home here.

Head north out of the Twin Cities to Highway 8 West. Chisago Lakes encompasses Chisago City, Lindstrom, Center City, Shafer, Taylors Falls & Almelund. Come experience for yourself the shopping, dining, trails, lakes, parks, and heritage of Chisago Lakes.

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Download a PDF of the Chisago Lakes Visitors Guide

Discover the charm of Chisago Lakes – five small towns united by history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. The Chisago Lakes Visitors Guide is your go-to resource for planning your perfect getaway, whether you’re looking for scenic parks, outdoor adventures, Swedish heritage sites, local dining, annual festivals, or a relaxing lakeside escape. Download the guide and start exploring everything our vibrant community has to offer!

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Chisago Lakes Stories

19 Exciting Things To Do in Chisago Lakes this Summer with Kids

Our communities shine in the summer! We’ve got it all: charming downtowns, thrilling outdoor adventures, exciting sporting events, and inviting local farms! From Chisago City ...

Let’s Go Paddling: Explore the Chisago Lakes Water Trail

Looking for the perfect Minnesota lake adventure? The Chisago Lakes Water Trail offers a unique way to experience the beauty of East Central Minnesota from ...

A Journey Down the St. Croix River

One of our favorite experiences in Chisago Lakes is paddling down the St. Croix River from Taylors Falls to Osceola. Canoeing down the St. Croix ...

Have Your Wedding in Chisago Lakes

Chisago Lakes invites you to begin your life together among the stunning scenery of the St. Croix River Valley. From your engagement photos to bachelor/ette parties, to the wedding and honeymoon, Chisago Lakes has everything you need to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Chisago Lakes is home to many unique venues, from rustic barns to a historic scout camp, wineries to paddleboats on the St. Croix River. Regardless of the season, the charm of small towns and modern conveniences are available to you for your big day. Invite your guests to stay for the night in a quaint bed and breakfast, hotel, vacation rental, cabin or campground. Chisago Lakes has everything you need for the perfect event, including a wide range of florists, photographers, caterers, and more.

Marriage equality is celebrated in Minnesota, and we invite you to choose the quiet beauty of Chisago Lakes for your big day!

Plan your perfect day

#explorechisagolakes

Follow us on Instagram as we guide you around Chisago Lakes! We’re the “local friend” you need to explore everything from our beautiful parks and trails, to events, shopping and dining, with some history and fun facts in the mix!

  • Looking for the perfect family getaway this summer? ☀️💙 From mini golf and scenic boat tours to hiking trails, splash-worthy adventures, and friendly farm animals, Chisago Lakes is packed with fun for kids of all ages! 

Read this fully loaded blog from our friend Antonia from @knead.to.roam  by clicking on the link in our bio and start planning your summer adventure—you’ll quickly see why families love making memories here. 🌲🚤⛳🐐

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🍷🧀 Let’s Go Noshing in Chisago Lakes! 🌿☀️

Long summer evenings were made for good company, delicious bites, and vineyard views. Head to @winehaven in Chisago City and relax on the patio with a charcuterie board, flatbreads, wine flights, and refreshing wine slushies while overlooking the vines and lake. 🍇✨

Whether it’s date night, girls’ day, or a weekend getaway, there’s no better place to sip, snack, and savor summer in Chisago Lakes. Plan your visit 🍷🌞
by clicking on the ChisagoLakes.org link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🚣‍♀️🌊 Ready to explore Chisago Lakes from a whole new perspective? Read our latest blog about the Chisago Lakes Water Trail and discover miles of scenic paddling through beautiful lakes, peaceful shorelines, and abundant wildlife. Then start planning your visit and experience why paddlers keep coming back to Chisago Lakes year after year! 💙

Read Let’s Go Paddling: Explore the Chisago Lakes Water Trail by clicking the link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 💦☀️ Let’s Go Floating in Chisago Lakes! ☀️💦

Looking for the ultimate summer adventure? Head to @skiwildmtn in Taylors Falls and spend the day floating the lazy river, racing down waterslides, cruising the alpine slides, and making memories with family and friends. Wild Mountain's summer attractions are packed with fun for all ages, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. 

After your day on the water, explore the charming shops, restaurants, trails, and lakes that make Chisago Lakes a favorite summer destination. Your next great summer adventure is waiting! 🌊😎

Learn more and plan your visit by clicking on the https://chisagolakes.org/ link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🚍Leave the driving to someone else and spend your Sunday exploring Chisago Lakes! 

Looking for the perfect summer day trip? @graylineminnesota is offering Sunday tours to the Chisago Lakes Area, departing from the Mall of America and bringing guests to some of our favorite destinations. 🌿

Your adventure includes:
🥐 A stop at @thelindstrombakery for delicious Swedish treats
🎨 A visit to @franconiamn for a beautiful art exploration
🚢 An unforgettable scenic boat cruise on the St. Croix River with @taylorsfallsboat 

🌳Beautiful views, charming small towns, and plenty of time to relax and explore!

Whether you are from Minnesota and looking for a stress-free getaway or hosting friends and family from out of town, this guided bus-and-boat experience is a fantastic way to discover the beauty of Chisago Lakes. Tours run Sundays through October 25th. 🎟️ Reserve your seat today by clicking on the link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • Let the St. Croix River lead you on an unforgettable adventure! 🚤🌲 From towering cliffs and scenic overlooks to paddling, boating, wildlife, and breathtaking views, the St. Croix is one of Minnesota’s most treasured natural wonders. Read our blog (click on the link in our bio) written by our friend Antonia from @knead.to.roam and start planning your journey to Chisago Lakes. You will quickly see why so many visitors fall in love with life along the river. 💙

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🎣☀️ Let’s Go Fishing in Chisago Lakes!

June 5th – 7th is Take a Kid Fishing Weekend in Minnesota and it's the perfect chance to introduce kids to the fun of fishing and make unforgettable summer memories together. With beautiful lakes, peaceful shorelines, and family-friendly fishing spots throughout Chisago Lakes, adventure is waiting at the end of every cast. 🐟

Explore our lakes and plan your fishing getaway 👉 click on the link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • Take a scenic drive through Chisago Lakes and discover the beauty of our Barn Quilt Trail! 🚗✨ Explore colorful quilt designs, charming countryside views, and the small-town character that makes this area so special. Check out our Barn Quilt Trail page by clicking on the link in our bio to help plan your adventure and learn more about the trail! 🌻

To request your very own copy of the Barn Quilt brochure, send an email to info@chisagolakes.org 

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🐾 Looking for the perfect getaway with your favorite four-legged friend? Chisago Lakes is a dog-friendly destination filled with scenic trails, lakeside adventures, outdoor patios, wineries, paddleboarding, river cruises, parks, and charming small towns to explore together! 🐶💙

From strolling the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail to relaxing at wineries, breweries, farmers markets, and even scenic boat tours, there are endless ways to make memories with your pup in Chisago Lakes.

Check out our Top Ten Dog-Friendly Date Ideas from Tracy at @explorelocaltogether and start planning your next adventure. Click on the link in our bio to start reading!

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🌲✨ Let’s Go Explore Chisago Lakes!

Breathe in the fresh air and discover the breathtaking beauty of Chisago Lakes this season. Whether you’re walking peaceful trails, hiking through the woods, or biking scenic routes, adventure is waiting around every corner.

Start planning your outdoor getaway 👉 click on the link in our bio.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • 🧵🚗 Let’s Go Explore the Chisago Lakes Barn Quilt Trail!

Hit the backroads of Chisago Lakes and discover colorful barn quilts, scenic countryside views, and charming small towns along the way. It’s the perfect self-guided adventure for art lovers, photographers, road trippers, and anyone looking to explore something unique this season.

Start planning your Barn Quilt Trail adventure 👉 click on the Barn Quilt link in our bio!

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo
  • Girls’ getaway goals ✨

Looking for the perfect weekend escape with your favorite people? From charming downtowns and cozy coffee shops to wineries, scenic boat tours, shopping, hiking, and lakeside dining, Chisago Lakes is the ultimate destination for a multigenerational girls’ trip. 💕

A huge shoutout to travel writer Antonia from @knead.to.roam for putting together this amazing 3-day itinerary filled with memorable stops throughout Chisago Lakes! Read the full blog by clicking on the link in our bio and start planning your next getaway.

#explorechisagolakes #OnlyinMN #exploremn #lifeisgreatonhighway8 #LetsGo

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