WASHINGTON COUNTY
County Offices
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater 651-430-6000
www.co.washington.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
200 Chestnut Street East
Stillwater 651-439-4001
http://greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Scenic Washington County has traditionally played a vital role in the Twin Cities metropolitan region with considerable commercial, industrial, natural, and agricultural resources. The seat of county government is in Stillwater, a vital city that nestled along the scenic St. Croix River and provides regional attractions as well as a comfortable hometown environment. Commuters enjoy easy access to the transportation efficiencies of Interstates 94, 494, and 694. Interstate 494/694 sweeps into Washington County, creating a high-speed thoroughfare into Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey counties and the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
The continued expansion of the Twin Cities metro area has resulted in highly urbanized centers in Washington County such as Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and Oakdale. Other corners of Washington County have emerged as prime locations for business and industry. Woodbury has also developed a flourishing retail trade that has transformed the city into one of the shopping hubs of the East Metro region, while the charm of historic Stillwater drives a brisk tourist trade. A number of communities like White Bear Lake began as former resorts for the elite and affluent, while other cities have matured from sleepy small towns into vibrant suburbs where tree-lined neighborhoods harmonize starter homes with a wide variety of new construction.
Services
Area youth receive a quality education in highly respected public schools, although opportunities for private education in parochial or independent schools are abundant in the metropolitan area. Convenient two-year institutions of higher learning include Century College in White Bear Lake, providing a wide range of specialized and college-track programs in its role as a community and technical college. Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Technical College in St. Paul expand the opportunities for an affordable higher education close to home. The Minnesota School of Business and Globe College is located in Oakdale in Washington County, recognized as one of the leading providers of private business, medical, and computer education in the Upper Midwest. Throughout the Twin Cities metro area, public and private colleges and universities ensure a wealth of options for undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies that include a major medical school and the William Mitchell College of Law. The University of Minnesota, with campuses in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, is consistently ranked among the top research and academic universities in the nation. Other choices close include Metropolitan State University, the College of St. Catherine, Concordia University, Hamline University, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.
State-of-the-art healthcare services are equally accessible to residents of Scott County, who can choose from teaching and research institutions in the Twin Cities to comprehensive hospitals just around the corner from home. Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater—the second oldest hospital in the state—has also evolved into one of Minnesota’s finest healthcare facilities. In addition to appearing on the national “Top 100 Hospital” list, Lakeview Hospital has earned praise within the Twin Cities metro area for the best orthopedic outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. The Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury provides a comprehensive array of progressive healthcare services, from 24-hour emergency care to medical and surgical specialties, cancer care, maternity, the healing arts and integrative therapies, and treatment for sleep disorders. Nearby Ramsey County expands the options for specialized healthcare in Region’s Medical Center, United Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Bethesda Rehabilitation Hospital, and Gillette Children’s Specialty Care in Saint Paul or St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Washington County will discover a rare blend of town and country, from the cornfields of Denmark Township to the handsome neighborhoods in Woodbury or the bustling commercial centers along the Interstate 94 corridor. Although many sections of Washington County preserve its original rural atmosphere, the county is largely characterized as suburban. Some communities like Woodbury play a dynamic role in the Twin Cities’ regional metropolitan economic strength.
Lakefront communities like White Bear Lake and Forest Lake offer luxurious homes that command waterfront views, while Scandia and May Township provide the seclusion of deeply wooded home sites. The newly incorporated city of Scandia, formerly New Scandia Township, preserves a rich Scandinavian heritage in delightful historic sites and museums. Highlights in the beautiful St. Croix River Valley include the popular recreational site of Afton Alps, one of the Midwest’s largest ski and snowboarding areas. During the warmer months, visitors enjoy the 18-hole golf course and miles of mountain bike trails. Historic Stillwater showcases the architectural grandeur of one of the state’s oldest courthouses, along with a charming downtown district filled with antique shops, galleries, and wonderful restaurants.
Natural resources play a major role throughout the four seasons in Washington County, where the widely varied terrain encompasses shimmering lakes, deep woodlands, pristine wetlands, and two nationally significant river valleys. Lake Elmo Park Reserve alone covers nearly 2,200 acres to offer camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. White Bear Lake is a renowned getaway, considered by many to be the gem of the Twin Cities metro area’s recreational treasures. Thousands of acres of parkland and preserves are scattered throughout the county’s cities and townships, ensuring world-class recreational opportunities. In addition to regional and local parks, Washington County is home to William O’Brien State Park, Afton State Park, and a portion of the Gateway State Trail. The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway borders the county on the east, and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area lies to the south.
Bayport
Municipal Offices
651-275-4404
www.ci.bayport.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-439-4001
http://greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Located on the shores of the scenic St. Croix River just two miles south of Stillwater, historic Bayport offers the appeal of a quaint atmosphere and a close-knit community with an active spirit. Residents enjoy a location near the scenic and recreational advantages of the state’s clearest river. At the same time, they can enjoy the shopping and entertainment attractions for which Stillwater is nationally known. Just across the river from Bayport, the city of Hudson features a quaint historic downtown, well-developed recreational amenities, and the Phipps Center for the Arts. Four city parks further enhance the charming rivertown quality of Bayport with opportunities for passive and active recreation close to home. Barker’s Alps Park lies adjacent to a community garden and labyrinth that frequently attract artists and photographers for their scenic wonder, and Lakeside Park offers a fully developed waterfront recreational area on the shores of the St. Croix River. Formerly known as South Stillwater, Bayport is surrounded by spectacular river bluffs that command breathtaking views and seems to be constantly bustling with year-round recreation activity.
Cottage Grove
Municipal Offices
651-458-2800
https://www.cottagegrovemn.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
651-458-8334
www.cottagegrovechamber.org
Proud of its roots in Minnesota history, Cottage Grove was originally named a panoramic landscape of prairies and burr oak groves. This city of sparkling lakes and tree-shaded parks is located just eight miles of the Twin Cities off US Highway 61. Rapid growth has been encouraged in recent decades, attracting many new businesses and residents to affordable housing and a small-town atmosphere. Situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, this family-oriented community offers more than two dozen parks and recreation areas, two golf courses, an ice arena, an active athletic association, and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park for outdoor sports and relaxation. River Hills Golf Course provides outstanding vistas of the Mississippi River and a boat launch for direct river access. Local shopping is expanded in nearby regional malls, and major healthcare services are nearby in Maplewood and Saint Paul.
Dellwood
Municipal Offices
651-429-1356
www.dellwood.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-429-8593
www.whitebearchamber.com
The small, exclusive city of Dellwood nestles along the pristine wooded northern shore of White Bear Lake, preserving the magnificence and luxury of a premier turn-of-the-century summer resort area. Many of Saint Paul’s most wealthy and influential leaders and their families built elegant vacation homes in the White Bear Lake area, epitomizing the opulent lifestyle described in the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald often visited the White Bear Lake are and lived nearby. Today, Dellwood offers a highly desirable address within the Twin Cities metro area that harmonizes tranquil suburban neighborhoods with rural properties for a tranquil lifestyle. Lush golf courses combine with lakefront water recreation as common pastimes. Founded in 1889, the White Bear Yacht Club is the only hybrid sailing and golf club in the entire state, underlining a host of premier recreational opportunities. Expanded amenities are close to home in the shops and stores of downtown White Bear Lake, while Maplewood is home to a regional hospital.
Forest Lake
Municipal Offices
651-464-3550
www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-464-3200
http://forestlakechamber.org
The community of Forest Lake in northern Washington County has gradually evolved from a small resort and agricultural center into a thriving city that has managed to retain its small-town atmosphere. Situated on a string of three lakes that span Anoka, Chisago, and Washington counties, this lovely community offers quick and easy access to the Twin Cities via Interstate 35W. At the same time, the city provides services and commercial conveniences for those who live in the rapidly growing surrounding area. These small communities bring the population of the greater Lake Forest area to approximately 40,000. With handsome homes against the backdrop of panoramic lakefront views, Forest Lake offers a comfortable and attractive residential haven. New neighborhoods are continually in development, including those with home sites that command spectacular golf-course and waterfront views. Retail activity includes a downtown district of shops and services as well as the stores of in Northland Mall. Residents can meet their healthcare needs at Fairview Regional Medical Center in nearby Wyoming.
Lake Elmo
Municipal Offices
651-747-3900
http://www.lakeelmo.org/
Chamber of Commerce
651-439-4001
http://greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Located 20 miles from St. Paul, Lake Elmo is a rural, heavily wooded community that is strongly dedicated to retaining its rustic character. Rigid growth standards limit the number of new homes each year. This careful attention to controlled growth and the recreational focal point of the 2,000-acre Lake Elmo Park Preserve has made Lake Elmo a popular home for families. The Lake Elmo Regional Art Center serves as a cultural jewel for the entire community, offering everything from fine-art exhibits to live-stage performances, classes, workshops, and a wide variety of enrichment programs. Lush parks dot the area with a medley of recreational facilities including sports courts and fields, sledding hills, walking trails, ice rinks, and picnic areas. “Old Village” in town offers a few commercial conveniences, with expanded shopping available at Maplewood Mall in Maplewood or the well-known commercial district of Stillwater. Stillwater is also home to a major healthcare center. Bordered on the north by Highway 36 and on the south by Interstate 94 and Highway 12, Lake Elmo provides efficient links to key metro area destinations.
Mahtomedi
Municipal Offices
651-426-3344
www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-429-8593
www.whitebearchamber.com
Situated on the eastern shore of White Bear Lake just northeast of Saint Paul, the serene small community of Mahtomedi features unspoiled woods and wetlands. Lifestyles generally revolve around outdoor activities and the majestic White Bear Lake, renowned as one of the finest recreational sites in the Twin Cities area. Many modest summer homes sprang up around the lake in the early 1900s, interspersed by newer construction that ranges from handsome to opulent. Contemporary neighborhoods are also available in this residential haven, where tranquility is appreciated and preserved. Transportation efficiencies are a real advantage for Mahtomedi residents, since the community claims a small but growing business community. The world-class amenities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are approximately 20 minutes from home, while Maplewood provides a suburban hub for expanded shopping and healthcare. Century College is also nearby, combining the curriculum of a community college with that of a technical college for a wide range of programs.
Marine on St. Croix
Municipal Offices
651-433-3636
www.marineonstcroix.org
Chamber of Commerce
651-439-4001
http://greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Hugging the picturesque St. Croix River north of Stillwater, the historical town of Marine on St. Croix is located about 22 miles northeast of Saint Paul. Small and exclusive, this quaint village features lovely homes, vintage architecture, and superb recreational amenities. Just minutes from home on Highway 95, residents enjoy first-rate recreational opportunities at William O’Brien State Park. An immensely popular getaway, the park offers hiking and cross-country ski trails, beautiful campgrounds, and canoe rentals for outings on the St. Croix or Lake Alice. Primarily residential, Marine on St. Croix lies within 12 miles of Stillwater’s delightful mix of restaurants, shops, and services. From it days as a rough and tumble lumber town into a tranquil resort community, Marine on St. Croix has remained remarkably unchanged. The General Store built in 1870 serves today’s community, and the Village Hall is the oldest in Minnesota that still functions in its governmental capacity. Throughout the community colonial-design structures that are well over a century old add a distinctive charm and sense of place to a truly unique community.
Newport
Municipal Offices
651-459-5677
www.ci.newport.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-458-8334
www.cottagegrovechamber.org
About 10 miles southeast of Saint Paul along the rolling Mississippi River, the small but growing city of Newport ensures easy access to the Twin Cities and it suburbs. Commuters enjoy a 15-minute trip into Saint Paul and Minneapolis via U.S. Highways 61 and 10. Vintage homes in the downtown district reflect the city’s rich historic roots from the 1800s, although housing varies from ramblers and cottages to lovely contemporary homes and exclusive estates on multi-acre lots. Heavy woods provide the homes on the east side of Highway 61 with rich seclusion. Throughout Newport, lovely residential streets meander along the riverfront and bluffs, shaded by a canopy of large old trees. Bailey’s Nurseries is headquartered in Newport, the benefactor of the 80-acre recreational park that provides a rich variety of outdoor adventures and recreational activities. Shops and services are available locally, while the clinic in Cottage Grove offers healthcare services close to home. Physically separate from the community, commercial enterprises line both sides of the highway into Newport.
Oakdale
Municipal Offices
651-739-5086
www.ci.oakdale.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-223-5000
www.saintpaulchamber.com
East of St. Paul, Oakdale is a rapidly growing suburb where a small-town atmosphere prevails. Older farmsteads and a variety of new contemporary housing developments intermingle throughout the community. Vibrant new neighborhoods already grace the wooded, rolling terrain. As expansion continues, civic leaders are committed to balancing residential areas with prime land for parks and recreational facilities. Oakfield Park provides extensive trails, while Oak Marsh is home to an 18-hole golf course. Oakdale Nature Center nestles within the 220-acre Oakfield Park, offering hands-on displays and a wealth of educational programs. The park also features 28-acre Mud Lake, acres of natural prairie and wetlands, multipurpose trails, and sports facilities. The city’s popularity is partially due to efficient interstate connections, enhanced by a location just five minutes west of the St. Croix River and 10 minutes from downtown Saint Paul. Local commercial development meets the daily need for goods and services, with Saint Paul and Maplewood providing the closest major healthcare centers.
St. Paul Park
Municipal Offices
651-459-9785
http://stpaulpark.org/
Chamber of Commerce
651-458-8334
www.cottagegrovechamber.org
Located south of St. Paul along the Mississippi River, the tranquil city of St. Paul Park has recently annexed more land to accommodate quality development including new parks and open space as well as commercial areas. Newcomers will find a pleasing housing selection that blends well-kept older homes and newer construction along tree-shaded, grid-style neighborhoods with select properties scattered along the riverfront. Residents enjoy public river access at a boat launch and Willy’s Hidden Harbor Marina. More than one-third of the city is preserved as lush parkland that is brimming over with sports facilities for a wealth of recreational opportunities. St. Paul Park proudly celebrates its rich history with the annual Heritage Days Festival, an extravaganza of competitive events and old-fashioned good times. Retail shops and services are available locally in the downtown district, although the community is only a 15-minutes drive from the Mall of America. The hospitals in downtown St. Paul or St. John’s in Maplewood provide quality healthcare. St. Paul Park is conveniently located by freeway to downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Scandia
Municipal Offices
651-433-2274
www.ci.scandia.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-464-3200
http://forestlakechamber.org
Formerly New Scandia Township, the area that encompasses the tiny hamlet of Scandia and the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota became the city of Scandia on January 1, 2007. Scandia celebrates the first Swedish settlement in Minnesota, home to the landmark 1850 log cabin that was the first structure built on the shores of Hay Lake. Today, the rich legacy of this historic area is preserved and displayed in regional attractions like the Hay Lake School and Erickson Loghouse Museum and the Gammelgarden Museum complex. Scandia often attracts visitors to its colorful Scandinavian festivals and colorful celebrations. The downtown district of nearby Forest Lake provides services and opportunities for shopping, and the clinic in Forest Lake is available for routine healthcare needs. Stillwater provides a popular commercial district, expanded shopping, and a full-service hospital. Still growing and evolving through its infancy as a city, this lovely residential area combines proximity to major metropolitan advantages with the serenity and natural beauty of a country setting. Many home sites provide the seclusion and splendor of heavily wooded property.
Stillwater
Municipal Offices
651-430-8800
www.ci.stillwater.mn.us
Chamber of Commerce
651-439-4001
http://greaterstillwaterchamber.com
Built on the banks and bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River, Stillwater remains one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in Minnesota. Well-known for its historic charm, Stillwater has evolved from its roots as a pioneer lumbering center into a popular tourist destination and an idyllic hometown. Many of the boutiques, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and antique shops are graced by old-world architecture of vintage structures from mills to saloons. Nearly half of the homes were built before 1939, and elegant residences chronicle the city’s heritage. Victorian “painted ladies” perched high on the bluffs that overlook the river contrast with small starter homes and contemporary residences. Newcomers to this family-oriented community will discover a rare blend of planned development and managed growth. Excellent schools and a local hospital ensure first-rate services just 20 miles east of downtown Saint Paul for a convenient suburban lifestyle. The trolley tour of Stillwater showcases churches and homes built in the 1800s, the state’s first courthouse, and Pioneer Park with its panoramic city views.
White Bear Lake
Municipal Offices
651-429-8526
www.whitebearlake.org
Chamber of Commerce
651-429-8593
www.whitebearchamber.com
Those who are looking for a serene and picturesque Twin Cities suburb will want to explore the attractions and atmosphere in White Bear Lake. Filled with charm and character, this community provided the model for opulence in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby as a turn-of-the-century resort town filled with the summer homes and mansions of the wealthy elite. Although removed from urban bustle, the commute to the Twin Cities is only about 20 minutes. The crown jewel of the naturally beautiful terrain is the lake itself—a sparkling 2,500-acre body of water that creates a breathtaking backdrop for home sites and recreation. Common leisure activities for residents of this 10-square-mile city include fishing, boating, sailing, yachting, swimming, and winter ice fishing. Complementing major attractions like the Oneka Ridge Golf Course and the Tamarack Nature Center, the city’s charming downtown district creates an idyllic atmosphere. Residents and visitors alike often enjoy leisurely strolls down cobblestone streets, serenaded by the strain of live music from a cozy restaurant or pub. More than two dozen parks dot the city with additional recreational and sports facilities. White Bear Lake provides a family-oriented setting with exceptional access to quality educational facilities. The city is home to a Ramsey County branch library and respected public schools that include Century College—functioning as both a community and technical college within the state’s college and university system. White Bear Lake also extends into Washington County.
Woodbury
Municipal Offices
651-714-3500
https://www.woodburymn.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
651-578-0722
www.woodburychamber.org
Ranked among the Twin Cities’ fastest growing suburbs, Woodbury is known as the “Gateway to the Twin Cities.” Bordered by three major interstates, the city is just a short drive from the international airport and world-class urban amenities. In spite of rapid economic and residential development, civic leaders and residents are committed to preserving the rural heritage and atmosphere of the community, which features 3,000 acres of lush parkland and more than 70 miles of scenic multi-use trails. Neighborhood green space forms the cornerstone of the city’s park system, brimming over with sports and recreational facilities including the Bielenberg Sports Center and a public golf course. Newcomers will find a good selection of housing, from townhomes and modest single-family houses to elegant estates on generous acreage. Even the newer neighborhoods in Woodbury have been carefully designed to harmonize with traditional architectural styles for a pleasing cityscape. Excellent shopping opportunities are available locally or in nearby Maplewood at the Maplewood Mall. The hospitals in downtown St. Paul provide first-rate medical care and healthcare services. Close proximity to the St. Croix River Valley ensures four-season recreational opportunities against a backdrop of natural beauty.
