Year-round recreation on the lakes of Chisago City
Known as the “Gateway to the lakes,” Chisago City is a recreational haven about 45 minutes north of the Twin Cities. Home to more than 100 miles of shoreline across 10 lakes, the small city offers year-round recreation, a historic downtown district and a highly regarded school district. The community has grown significantly in the past three decades as land was annexed and the population increased from about 2,000 people in 1990 to roughly 5,000 in 2010. Tourists from Minneapolis and Saint Paul take day trips to the city during the summer for fishing, boating and swimming on Green Lake and Chisago Lake.
Water sports and winter activities in Chisago City
Fishers, boaters and water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do on the city’s 10 lakes and more than 100 miles of shoreline. Cold temperatures don’t stop residents from bundling up to go ice fishing or snowmobiling. The Chisago Lakes Water Trail has 13 miles of recreational waterway routes for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and camping. Back on land, Moberg Park offers green space in the center of town with a small playground and pavilion. The ice rinks at Chuckie Lundquist Park are frequented by youth leagues, while Paradise Park offers 4 acres of fun with a public swimming beach, fishing docks and a sand volleyball court. The park is the go-to spot for sledding during the winter. In its past life, Ojiketa Regional Park was a summer camp for the St. Paul Council of Camp Fire Girls. Nowadays, the park offers 70 acres of natural trails, tent camping, cabins and a swimming beach.
Townhouses, single-family homes and waterfront estates
According to the city’s 2018 comprehensive plan, more than half of Chisago City’s housing stock was built between 1990 and 2010, the same period the city’s population more than doubled. There’s a variety of housing from subdivisions to townhouses and single-family homes in the countryside, but the most coveted properties line the nearby lakes. Fixer-uppers and smaller homes can range from $200,000 to $300,000, but most homes cost between $300,000 and $500,000. Larger lakefront properties, new builds and homes on multiple acres can range from $700,000 to nearly $2 million. Attached townhouses can cost between $250,000 to $400,000, while detached units can range from about $500,000 to $700,000.
Career pathways at Chisago Lakes High School
Chisago Lakes Schools District serves the area and is graded B-plus by Niche. The district has an enrollment of about 3,300 students in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids can attend Chisago Lakes Primary Elementary School, rated A-minus, before heading to Chisago Lakes Middle School, rated B. Chisago Lakes High School also receives a B and offers seven career pathways for students to earn industry credentials and paid work experiences. In addition to traditional sports and extracurriculars, students can join the Chisago Lakes Fishing Team and competitively cast a line. Chisago Christian School is a private, Baptist pre-K-12 school in town that receives a B-minus from Niche.
House-made libations and waterfront dining
Chisago City has no shortage of eats and drinks. Winehaven’s unique grape varieties are used to make house-made wines and slushies, while Uncommon Loon Brewing Company serves up craft beer alongside a lineup of live music, community events and food trucks. The Stone Inn has craft cocktails, burgers, broasted chicken and prime rib specials next door to the brewery. At Northern Lake Tavern and Grill, diners enjoy pub fare on a large wooden deck with views of Lake Martha. Brink’s Market has groceries, but Forest Lake has more shopping and dining about 10 miles away.
Within a 45-minute drive of the Twin Cities
Highway 8 runs through the center of town and connects to Interstate 35, a major thoroughfare. It’s the main route to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul about 40 miles away. Although the Chisago/Isanti County Heartland Express has some fixed bus routes and curb-to-curb service, most residents drive and commute to the metro for work. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is about 50 miles away.
Family fun at Ki-Chi-Saga Days
Ki-Chi-Saga Days is the most anticipated event of the year. The annual celebration brings neighbors and visitors together for community-wide garage sales, a grand parade and fireworks, among other family-friendly activities. Residents can shop for fresh produce and local goods at the Chisago City Farmers Market every Friday from July through September at Moberg Park.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
