A neighbor's guide to Twin Cities lake living
The Lure
Your Guide to Twin Cities Lake Living
Lakes, communities, seasonal rhythms, and the things that make life on the water worth living. Curated by a neighbor who's been here 56 years.
56
Years on Long Lake
7
Lake Guides
9
Communities Profiled
12
Months of Lake Life
This Week
Things to Do Around the Lakes
Fresh ideas for getting out and enjoying lake country this week.
Waldfest 60th Anniversary
A free Bavarian party in the pines with live music, the Hammer-Schlagen nail game, and the famous roast pork sandwich. noon-6 PM.
St. Mary's Germanfest
Live polka bands, German food, beer and wine, games, and souvenirs at St. Michael and St. Mary Catholic Church. $5 entry.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Apple picking and the farm store are underway, with the pumpkin patch and corn maze coming mid-October. A beloved fall tradition.
Taste of White Bear Lake
Food and drink samples from 20+ local restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. Rotary fundraiser. Tickets $40.
Boating & Sailing
Late summer is prime time on the water. Public boat launches on White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, and the St. Croix River are all open.
Lake access guideFishing
Walleye, bass, and panfish are biting. Early morning and evening are best this time of year.
White Bear Lake fishingIce Cream & Treats
Cool off at Cup and Cone in White Bear Lake or Nelson's Ice Cream in Stillwater. A lakeside cone is a late-summer tradition.
Local food guideParks & Beaches
Lakeside Memorial Park, Tanners Lake Park, and Square Lake Park all have swimming beaches, trails, and picnic areas open through Labor Day.
Parks guideStories
Latest Local Stories
Events, seasonal guides, and the little moments that make lake life worth living.
August 31, 2026
What's Hiding Under the Paddle Board? The Late-Summer Life of Frogs
Late August finds frogs around Minnesota lakes doing something perfectly sensible: looking for shade. Sometimes, that shade is underneath your paddle board.
Read more
July 31, 2026
St. Croix Valley Boat Club: A Community Hub for Boating Enthusiasts
A community-driven boating hub on the St. Croix River that brings together sailors, powerboaters, and everyone who loves time on the water.
Read more
July 20, 2026
Lake Weed & Vegetation Removal in Minnesota Lakes: A Homeowner's Guide
A practical guide for lakefront homeowners dealing with aquatic vegetation. What's legal, what works, and when to call a pro.
Read moreExplore
Get to Know a Lake Community
Every lake and town around here has its own personality. Whether you are drawn to a bustling downtown or a quiet wooded lot on the water, here is what makes each one worth knowing.
Community
Mahtomedi
The quintessential lake town. Great schools, tight community, and Long Lake at its heart.
Community
White Bear Lake
Walkable downtown, 2,400-acre lake, and a year-round social scene.
Community
Forest Lake
Family-friendly, multiple lakes, great schools, and genuine small-town character.
Community
Stillwater
Historic river town on the St. Croix with shops, restaurants, and bluff-top views.
Community
Lake Elmo
Open spaces, hobby farms, and a growing foodie scene. Space to breathe.
Lake Guide
Square Lake
Exceptional water clarity. One of the clearest lakes in the metro area.
Community
Dellwood
Quiet, wooded lots with a rural feel, minutes from White Bear Lake.
Lake Guide
Big Marine Lake
Popular recreation lake near Marine on St. Croix, known for good fishing and a quieter pace.
Lake Guide
Bald Eagle Lake
Excellent fishing, relaxed atmosphere, and less crowded than the big lakes.
Resources
Useful Local Resources
Municipal programs, lake management, boating rules, and other practical information. Explained clearly, without the government jargon.
Mahtomedi Sewer Service Line Repair Grant
The City of Mahtomedi offers a grant program to help homeowners cover the cost of repairing or replacing private sewer service lines. Worth checking if you own an older home in the city.
Learn more 02White Bear Lake Water Level & Restoration
After years of declining water levels, the community-led restoration effort has made real progress. Water levels have recovered, and the lake's ecosystem is healthier than it has been in decades.
Learn more 03Washington County Parks & Lake Access
Washington County manages several public boat launches, swimming beaches, and park reserves around the lakes. Seasonal permits and daily passes available.
Learn more 04Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 AM-noon at Veterans Memorial Park. Local produce, baked goods, and handmade items. Runs through September 26.
Learn more 05Minnesota DNR Lake Finder
The official DNR tool for water quality data, fish surveys, lake depth maps, and public access information for every lake in the state.
Learn more 06Minnesota Boating Regulations
What you need to know about life jackets, speed limits, invasive species prevention, and alcohol laws on Minnesota waters.
Learn more