Top 10 Things To Do In Forest Lake To Have An Amazing Trip

Forest Lake is a lakefront town built around an expansive 2,271 acre lake, at the heart of outdoor recreation in the area. Things to do in Forest Lake, divided into three main basins, include boating, fishing, jet skiing and swimming. Families can also enjoy lakefront dining, scenic parks, and kid-friendly attractions that provide fun through nature and adventure. Forest Lake has plenty to do, whether you day out on the water, hike through wildlife reserves, or enjoy local festivities. The town also features seasonal festivals, live music shows, and unique offerings such as harness racing and guided wildlife tours.

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10 Best Things To Do In Forest Lake

Here are the top 10 things to do in Forest Lake, from boating and fishing to hiking or spending a night out:

1. Explore Lakeside Park

Lakeside park from the top with rocky and green shores, a wooden deck and a walking track.
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A hidden gem in Forest Lake, Lakeside Park features a scenic retreat with access directly on the lake. The park also has a paved boat launch and is popular with both boaters and anglers. Families often gather here for picnics, taking advantage of the shaded shelters and grilling stations. A playground occupies kids, and benches along the shore offer breathtaking lake views. In summer, residents and tourists paddleboard, kayak and watch sunsets here. In winter, the frozen lake is a place to go ice fishing and snowshoeing. The park’s location, close to downtown, makes it an easy stop for a relaxing break.

Timings: 8 AM – 4:30 PM

2. Visit The Wildlife Science Center

Gray wolf curled up and sleeping on a patch of dry grass, surrounded by snow land.

Photo: Derek Bakken / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A little-known gem north of Forest Lake, the Wildlife Science Centre is a must-stop for animal lovers and conservationists. The more than 100 rescued wolves at the facility, as well as black bears, cougars, foxes and lynx, find a home there. It specialises in wildlife education, conducting guided tours during which you can learn about predator-prey dynamics and species conservation. One of the most majestic things to do in Forest Lake here is listening to a pack of wolves howling together. The facility allows you to watch feeding sessions and animal activities from close range. This centre is unique with special events, including nighttime wolf howls and kids’ educational camps.

Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM (Open Fridays and Saturdays)

3. Enjoy A Meal At Keys Café & Bakery

Different-flavoured croissants placed on different trays on display behind the glass.

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Keys Café & Bakery on Broadway Avenue is a local favourite for filling, homestyle meals. Now in its 50th year, this family-run cafe dishes out Midwestern comfort food made with local ingredients. Signature dishes are corned beef hash, wild rice soup, and their renowned caramel rolls. Though it’s best known for its ample portions, the café serves everything from airy pancakes to overstuffed sandwiches. With its old-school diner cosiness, the café is a good spot to start the day. They additionally offer fresh pies every day, in flavours including French silk, rhubarb and banana cream. Lunch features homemade soups, fresh salads and meatloaf and pot roast.

Timings: 6 AM – 3 PM

4. Go Fishing On Forest Lake

Two people fishing while sitting on an outdoor lounge chair surrounded by lush greenery.

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A must among other things to do in Forest Lake is top-notch fishing, attracting anglers throughout the year. Over 2,200 acres, three separate basins are available to catch various types of fish. Commonly caught fish include walleye, northern pike and largemouth bass, and ice fishing for crappies is popular during the winter. For those who want expert tips on the best spots, guided tours are also available. Walleye, largemouth bass and northern pike are commonly caught by anglers, while panfish and crappie are plentiful during winter for ice fishing. The top fishing is around the northwest side of the first basin and Willow Point.

Timings: 24*7

5. Hike The Hardwood Creek Regional Trail

Creek with a small river flowing, green shorelines, tall hardwood trees and mountains.

Photo: BLM Oregon & Washington / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For outdoor lovers, the 11-mile-long Regional Trail provides a scenic, well-paved path, perfect for biking, walking and rollerblading. A 10-mile trail links Forest Lake to Hugo, winding through woodlands and open fields. The soft conditions make it friendly for every skill level. In winter, the trail becomes a groomed cross-country skiing trail, attracting winter sports enthusiasts. The trail’s appeal includes wildlife sightings, including deer and different species of birds, abound. The beautiful, treed trail runs between Forest Lake and Hugo and through wetlands, farmlands, and wooded areas.

Timings: Preferably during the day in spring and fall

6. Attend The 4th Of July Celebration

Sky with vibrant, colorful fireworks and silhouettes to see, one of the things to do in Forest lake.

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Forest Lake’s 4th of July festival is one of the largest events of the year locally, drawing thousands of attendees every year. The event is a three-day celebration that includes a parade, live concerts, carnival and fireworks over Forest Lake. The parade, which kicks off on Lake Street at 10 AM, features floats, marching bands and antique cars. Hosted at Lakeside Park, the carnival offers classic rides such as a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, a giant slide, and food stalls. The main event is the July 4th fireworks display starting at 10 PM, best seen from Lakeside Park or the marina.

Timings: Parade at 10 AM, firecrackers show at 10 PM

7. Explore Running Aces Casino, Hotel And Racetrack

Poker chips placed on a table next to a few dice and cards , one of the things to do in Forest lake.

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Only 10 minutes north, running Aces Casino offers live horse racing, card games and an upscale steakhouse. Live harness racing is held from May through September at the racetrack and includes racing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Patrons can wager on the races or just soak up the ambiance from the grandstand. The casino has blackjack, poker and Texas Hold’em tournaments, along with tables. Inside is the Trout Air Tavern, known for its all-you-can-eat walleye and prime rib specials. The space also hosts weekly comedy nights and live musicians.

Timings: Depends on the event

8. Visit Stella’s On 97 For A Unique Dining Experience

Waiter holding two unique dishes served on white ceramic plates, one of the things to do in Forest lake.

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Stella’s on 97 is an enchanting, rustic restaurant on the outskirts of Forest Lake. It serves farmhouse-inspired cocktails and gourmet comfort food. Housed in a gorgeously restored historic home, the restaurant offers wood-panelled interiors and soft lighting. Their menu features local steaks, seafood, and pasta. Cocktail enthusiasts can also appreciate their house-infused liquors, with the likes of the Smoked Old Fashioned and Blackberry Basil Mule among the sipped favourites. Stella’s also features acoustic shows on weekends and wine-pairing dinners.

Timings: 3 PM – 10 PM (Closed on Sunday and Monday)

9. Go Golfing At Castlewood Golf Course

Person wearing purple and white shoes, golfing with a golf stick, one of the things to do in Forest lake.

Photo: Nathan Nedley / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Castlewood Golf Course is a visual delight in things to do in Forest Lake. This family-friendly 9-hole public course is a great fit for beginners and seasoned golfers. The par-36 course measures 3,000 yards and features lush fairways, mature trees and gently rolling greens. The wide, fairways make it a great option for new golfers. The clubhouse includes a pro shop with golf equipment and a casual bar and grill serving burgers, sandwiches and cold drinks. Castlewood is open for weekly golf leagues, summer tournaments, and night golf events, drawing a vibrant local crowd.

Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM

10. Visit Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area

Entrance to the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area with multiple sign boards, one of the things to do in Forest lake.

Photo: Bobak Ha’Eri / Wikimedia Commons

The Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a 23,000-acre nature preserve located just west of Forest Lake. It features a largely unspoiled landscape of wetlands, forests and grasslands. This large region, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles and migratory waterfowl, is popular among wildlife lovers and nature photographers. The property’s best hiking and bird watching trails are in the Sunrise Unit. In hunting season (September to December), Carlos Avery draws licensed hunters for deer, duck and turkey hunting.

Timings: 24*7 ( best visited between April to October)

Minnesota is a great balance of outdoor recreation and amusement with small-town warmth and many things to do in Forest Lake. The place never disappoints, whether you come in the summer for lake activities and summer festivals or in the winter for ice fishing and snow-packed trails. With excellent local dining, family-friendly attractions and natural beauty, it’s a prime spot for a weekend getaway. So plan your visit with TripXL and take a trip to Minnesota’s Forest Lake.

Cover Photo: John Robert McPherson / Wikimedia Commons

10 Things To Do In Forest Lake: Explore The Best Experiences In Minnesota