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.
Area Events
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.
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
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.
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.
"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!
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.
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!
Chisago Lakes Stories
Casting, Reeling, & Catching in Chisago Lakes
For a number of years, I wrote a weekly column for the Chisago County Press (Lindström, MN) titled, “Discovering the Outdoors.” My start with that ...
Chisago Lakes is a Paddling Paradise
Have you heard of the Chisago Lakes Water Trail? If not, you’re in for a splash of a good time. Enjoying the lakes is a ...
Where to Find the Best Tasty Treats + Ice Cream in Chisago Lakes
Indulge your sweet tooth in Chisago Lakes! From some of Minnesota’s best donuts to homemade pies and hand-scooped ice cream, our charming communities offer something ...
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!
#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!
