CHISAGO COUNTY
County Offices
313 North Main Street
Center City 651-257-1300
https://www.chisagocounty.us/
Chamber of Commerce
30525 Linden Street
Lindstrom 651-257-1177
www.chisagolakeschamber.com
Chisago County is located about 30 miles north of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, bisected by Minnesota Highways 95 and 8 and well-served by Interstate 35. This scenic area has long been a recreational destination for residents of the Twin Cities metropolitan region. Transportation improvements in recent decades have driven construction booms, slowly transforming this water-rich area into a desirable bedroom community for commuters to regional employment centers. The natural beauty of sparkling lakes and deep woodlands creates an idyllic backdrop for residential development, including the availability of land for generous acreage. The county is also growing economically, which will continue to expand the opportunities for local employment. Today, approximately 70 percent of the county’s residents are commuters who appreciate the ease of Interstate 35.
Services
Newcomers to Chisago County will discover state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and services that are anchored by the Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center. The hospital is part of the Fairview tradition, recognized as one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Minnesota. Fairview’s merger and pioneering partnership with the University of Minnesota and UM Physicians places this system at the forefront of innovation and world-class diagnostics and treatment. Strong relationships among the professional staff at Fairview Lakes Medical Center and satellite clinics in Chisago City, North Branch, Rush City, Hugo, and Lino Lakes ensure the most advanced care in a patient-oriented setting. Just across the border in the state of Wisconsin, the St. Croix Regional Medical Center provides a convenient major healthcare institution for residents of Chisago County. This comprehensive center offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient care as well as skilled physicians in every major specialty and many sub-specialties.
Close proximity to the Twin Cities metro area expands the access to higher education for Chisago County residents. Complementing the quality public school districts for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, a number of colleges are available within a reasonable commute. Anoka-Ramsey Community College serves the northern suburban area of the Twin Cities at its Cambridge Campus. The college serves 8,000 students of all ages, and nearly 7,000 of them take advantage of professional development and continuing education programs for working adults. The college has remained current with technological advances by updating computer labs to prepare students for exciting new fields. Pine Technical College in Pine City offers a highly “wired” campus that rivals or surpasses that found at most major universities in spite of its small and friendly atmosphere. The University of Minnesota offers four campuses across the state, including the highly regarded Twin Cities campus—consistently ranked among the nation’s finest public research universities. Those who are looking for a private college will find a number of options in the liberal arts or specialized fields.
Lifestyle
Spectacular natural beauty is the hallmark of Chisago County, which encompasses the vast Chisago Lakes Area, small towns and growing cities, and sparsely developed townships. Particularly in the southern section in close proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan region, this region is transforming from rural to suburban. New subdivisions, country manors, multi-acre properties, or affordable older homes are drawing an increasing number of commuters to the serenity of country living and a charming family oriented setting.
Recreational pursuits and outdoor adventures are virtually without limit in this rural region, home to popular state parks and premier amenities. Taylors Falls is home to Interstate State Park, world famous for its glacial rock formations and recreational opportunities along the scenic St. Croix River. The nearby Wild Mountain four-season recreational resort combines downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing with a waterpark, alpine slides, go-karts, scenic boat tours, RV and tent camp sites, and party or banquet facilities. Other highlights include the 15-mile Sunrise Prairie Trail that stretches from Chisago County into Washington County and miles of snowmobile trails.
Cultural enrichment can be found locally in fine museums, historic sites, cultural programming, and colorful celebrations. Chisago Lakes High School in Lindstrom provides a beautiful 600-seat performing arts center among its many amenities. Not far from home, the Twin Cities metro area offers world-class performances and famous visual art centers. From friendly communities that excel in hometown spirit to unspoiled landscapes, Chisago County is an ideal place to call home.
Chisago City, Center City
Chicago Offices
651-257-4162
www.ci.chisago.mn.us
Center City Offices
651-257-5284
www.centercitymn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-257-1177
www.chisagolakeschamber.com
Ideally located just 35 miles northeast of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, both Chisago City and Center City are situated in the panoramic Chisago Lakes Area. Minnesota Highway 8 traverses Chisago City and offers a convenient link to Interstate 35 just 10 miles away. The city of Chisago offers a unique historic community that excels in quality of life and a family oriented atmosphere. Friends and neighbors frequently come together to celebrate seasonal festivals and special events. The community center is a focal point of social activity, just one of the advantages made possible through the local parks and recreation department. Center City features a charming historic district along Summit Avenue that is on the National Register. Sparkling lakes and breathtaking landscapes encourage outdoor enjoyment around the four seasons.
Lindstrom, Shafer
Lindstrom Offices
651-257-0620
www.cityoflindstrom.us
Shafer Offices
651-257-4726
www.shafermn.com
Chamber of Commerce
651-257-1177
www.chisagolakeschamber.com
Another picturesque community within the Chisago Lakes Area, the city of Lindstrom is also known as “America’s Little Sweden.” Just 40 minutes from the downtown districts of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Lindstrom and the small rural community of Shafer are surrounded by beautiful lakes. The entire Chisago Lakes Area is growing in popularity as a bedroom community and recreational destination, particularly Lindstrom. The city has a great appeal to newcomers, since most properties in Lindstrom are no further from the lakefront than 2,500 feet. Weekends are an exceptionally bustling time, when visitors from the metropolitan Twin Cities arrive for world-class fishing. Lindstrom is definitely a city on the move, expanding in population, desirability, and commercial conveniences. Minnesota Highway 8 links Lindstrom with Interstate 35 for quick commutes.
North Branch, Stacy, Harris
North Branch Offices
651-674-8113
www.ci.north-branch.mn.us
Stacy Offices
651-462-4486
www.stacymn.org
Harris Offices
651-674-7546
www.harrismn.com
Chamber of Commerce
651-674-4077
https://northbranchchamber.com/
The construction of Interstate 35 in 1969 heralded a period of growth and development in North Branch and the rural communities of Stacy and Harris. North Branch actually melded two villages that grew up with different patterns. The older central village was the more densely populated, urbanized section of the community. Surrounding this core, a layer of residential development drew many commuters who desired country living on large lots or multi-acre sites. The rest of the area features picturesque farmland. Highlights in the North Branch area include a popular factory outlet center for superb shopping and outstanding recreational amenities. Kost Dam Park, the Carlos Avery Wildlife Area, the 15-mile Sunrise Prairie Trail, miles of snowmobile trails, and the vast Wild River State Park are just few of the many natural playgrounds. Colorful festivals fill the calendar, including Winter Fest and the Fall Harvest Festival Art & Craft and Commercial Fair.
Taylors Falls
Municipal Offices
651-465-5133
www.ci.taylors-falls.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
715-483-3580
http://fallschamber.org
The community of Taylors Falls serves as the gateway to spectacular Taylors Falls State Park and a world of outdoor activities. This area draws visitors from across the region to premier attractions around the four seasons. The White Mountain Ski & Snowboard and Wild Chutes Snow Tubing area transforms into a waterpark with alpine slides and go-karts for fun under the sun. Other highlights include the Minnesota Interstate State Park, scenic boat tours, kayaking and canoeing, miniature golf, and a campground and RV park. Those who appreciate the arts will enjoy the St. Croix Festival Theatre, the St. Croix Valley Orchestra, community chorus concerts, the quaint 1854 library, and the 1855 Folsom House Museum. Shopping, dining, and entertainment centers make this lovely area even more appealing to residents and visitors alike.
Wyoming, Wyoming Township
City Offices
651-462-0575
www.wyomingmn.org
Township Offices
651-462-0575
www.wyomingmn.org
Chamber of Commerce
651-464-3200
http://forestlakechamber.org
Approximately 30 miles north of the Twin Cities, the small but growing city of Wyoming and neighboring Wyoming Township are nestled in the lovely Forest Lake area. Wyoming became a village around the turn of the century and incorporated as a city in 1974 following a period of brisk growth. The construction of Interstate 35 spurred a boom in the late ’60s and ’70s, transforming this sleepy rural area into a desirable bedroom community for Twin Cities’ commuters. The area continues to experience impressive growth. Access to Comfort Lake and other breathtakingly beautiful lakes, the Sunrise Prairie Trail, city and township parks, sports fields and courts, and developed recreational programs give this area strong appeal to those who appreciate the outdoors.
