Living in Forest Lake, Minnesota
Forest Lake is a lake town of about 21,000 people in Washington County, 30 miles north of Minneapolis on I-35. It’s where Norhart started, and where all of our communities are.
- A lake in town
A beach and park on the lake downtown, a few minutes from home.
- Trails and golf
The 9.5-mile Hardwood Creek Trail and Tanners Brook’s greens close by.
- An easy ride to the Cities
I-35 and the Park & Ride on Highway 61, about 30 miles from Minneapolis.
- A real downtown
Restaurants, shops, a beach and a playground at Lakeside Memorial Park.
Forest Lake is as good as it sounds
A beach and park downtown, trails and golf close by, and an easy ride to the Cities. A few local favorites:
Lakeside Memorial ParkThe most popular downtown destination in Forest Lake is Lakeside Memorial Park. There, you’ll have access to the beach, picnic shelters, a playground, yard space, restaurants, and shopping.
Tanners Brook Golf ClubSurrounded by the serenity of the North Woods, on the outskirts of Forest Lake, are 6,887 yards of manicured greens. Tanners Brook Golf Club offers five sets of tees.
Daniel A. DePonti Memorial AirportOn average, 22 flights occur each day at the Daniel A. DePonti Memorial Airport. They provide infrastructure for the region’s corporate and leisure aviation needs, relieving congestion at the MSP Airport.
Running Aces Casino & RacetrackLocated just outside of Forest Lake, off I-35, is Running Aces Casino & Racetrack. It has card tables, food, live harness racing in summer and events all year.
Transit Center & Forest Lake P&RIf you are looking for a ride, conveniently located on highway 61 is a Metro Transit Park & Ride. Get to where you need to go without the hassle. For the ride back, look for stop number 52883.
Hardwood Creek TrailThe Forest Lake Hardwood Creek Regional Trail is a 9.5-mile trail that starts in Hugo, MN alongside Highway 61 to the Washington/Chisago County Line in Forest Lake.
From a railroad stop to a lake resort to a city
Long before the apartments, Forest Lake was a resort town that drew presidents and gangsters. Its story runs from 10,000 BC to today.
1854The stagecoachA stagecoach line ran from St. Paul up to Duluth, on rough roads that wound around trees and swamps.
1868The railroad arrivesThe first train ran from St. Paul, and the railroad laid out the village of Forest Lake at its stop.
1868The Marsh HotelA resort on the lake drew guests from around the world, Presidents McKinley and Cleveland among them.
1893A villageThe 175 people living here incorporated the village of Forest Lake.
1930sGangsters at the lakeForest Lake was a popular destination for national criminals; “Ma” Barker’s gang lived in a cabin here.
1930The 4th of July paradeThe town’s biggest day of the year: a parade, races at the beach and fireworks over the lake.
1974A cityThe village of Forest Lake became a city.
- The whole story, 10,000 BC to todayRead the timeline
Encore, with the water tower and the lake beyond.
Our communities in Forest Lake
Encore Apartments
AvailablePool, fitness center, movie room and an internet cafe, home to our office.
Gateway Green Apartments
AvailableTwo buildings with a fitness center, game room, community room and pet spa.
Gateway Green Townhomes
WaitlistThree bedroom townhomes with garages.
Mill Pond Apartments
AvailableTwo and three bedrooms with a fitness room and playground.
Legacy Pointe Apartments
Only 3 leftOne, two and three bedrooms with a fitness center, next door to Encore’s pool and grills, which residents share.
Heritage Heights Apartments
Last one leftTwo bedrooms with a den, and three bedrooms, next door to Encore’s pool and grills, which residents share.
Birchview Apartments
WaitlistA smaller building of three bedroom apartments.
Springwood Apartments
AvailableA smaller building of three bedroom apartments.
Greystone Apartments
WaitlistA smaller building of three bedroom apartments.
Northbrook Apartments
Only 2 leftA smaller building of three bedroom apartments.