$590,998Average Value$236Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Scandia is an historic town in the rural expanse north of St. Paul
Scandia is a rural town surrounded by forests, lakes, rivers and farmland. Dating back to the mid-1800s, it was Minnesota’s first Swedish settlement, populated by immigrants who came to the St. Croix River via New York City. Today, remnants of the town’s heritage can be seen in its historic architecture and rustic farmhouses adorned with distinctive barn quilts. The town is located at the northern edge of the Twin Cities metro area, just west of the Wisconsin border, about 35 miles from St. Paul. “It’s a quaint little town. It’s very rural and peaceful. The lakes out there are a big draw for people, especially Big Marine Lake,” says Realtor Bonnie Olmschenk of Re/Max Synergy, who has been working in the greater St. Paul area for more than 30 years.
There are many historic sites throughout Scandia where residents and visitors can learn about its Swedish history.
Historic homes line the streets of Scandia, reminding residents of the town’s long history.
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Lakes, rivers and forest parks are a major draw for residents and visitors
Big Marine Lake is known for its clear water and lush scenery. It’s a popular spot for boating, hiking and swimming during the summer months. It’s also a hotspot for fishing, with an abundance of largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and bluegill. Also nearby is the St. Croix River, which offers plenty of places to camp, hike and boat. Log House Landing, one of several river access points, is where Swedish settlers first arrived in Scandia in 1850. “It’s a protected, national riverway with a lot of trails for hiking, biking and horse riding,” Olmschenk says. William O’Brien State Park sits alongside the river’s edge with hiking trails that wind through the forested hills. In the winter, it’s popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Those interested in the area’s history can pay a visit to the Gammelgarden Museum of Scandia, an 11-acre, open-air museum celebrating the town’s Swedish roots.
Some residents in Scandia enjoy aquatic activities with easy access thanks to their lakeside homes.
Launch your boat and feel the river breeze at Log House Landing—Scandia’s scenic gateway to the St. Croix.
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Scandia offers a mix of homes on large, rural properties
Housing options in Scandia span a broad spectrum. Some homes and farmhouses date back to the 19th and early-20th century, but there are also newer cottages, cabins and ranch-style homes available. Sprawling, luxury properties can be found around the shores of Big Marine Lake. Lot sizes are typically an acre or more, offering plenty of privacy for residents. Idyllic surroundings are common here with living room windows often looking out across rolling hills, forests and trickling streams. “You get a lot of acreage and a lot of privacy,” Olmschenk says. Prices range from around $500,000 to upward of $3 million depending on size, age and acreage.
Ranch-style homes on large lots are common in Scandia.
Families looking in Scandia can find new homes with plenty of space to grow into.
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There are a handful of restaurants and shops in town
Meister’s Bar & Grill, a long-running eatery that’s been in Scandia since 1959, is a local favorite for burgers, fries and beer. Right up the street, New Scandia Café brings residents in for down-home breakfast and lunch fare. The town’s dining options are rounded out by Ozark Tavern and Scandia Pizzeria. Snacks, gasoline and everyday goods are found at the Scandia Country Store. For everything else, it’s about 11 miles to Forest Lake, which has a Walmart, Target, Home Depot and a Menards grocery store.
New Scandia Cafe is a popular stop for locals, and is open everyday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Scandia residents often enjoy a delicious meal and family time at Meister's Bar & Grill.
A Scandia favorite for locals is Ozark Tavern located on Ozark Circle North.
Scandia residents grab everyday goods and gas at Country Store on Scandia Trail North.
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Students can attend the recently renovated Scandia Elementary School
Students can start their education close to home at Scandia Elementary School, which gets a B-plus rating from Niche. The elementary school recently finished a major renovation that modernized its classrooms and added two new buildings and a new playground. The next steps are B-minus-rated Forest Lake Area Middle School and B-rated Forest Lake Area High School. The high school is known for its award-winning Nordic and alpine skiing programs, which have won multiple state championships, most recently in 2021.
Scandia Elementary is a public school located in Scandia, MN and has an overall B+ on Niche.
Forest Lake Area High School serves students in grades 9 to 12.
Forest Lake Area Middle School serves students in seventh and eighth grade.
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Locals are within commuting distance of St. Paul and Minneapolis
Scandia is in a remote area, so residents will need a car to get around. The nearest highway, Interstate 35, is about 12 miles away. Residents are within commuting distance of the Twin Cities — it’s 35 miles to St. Paul and 40 miles to downtown Minneapolis. Lakeview Hospital is the nearest medical center, about 18 miles south. Those who need to travel by air can catch a flight out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, about 40 miles away.
The Miinneapolis St. Paul Airport serves the Twin Cities metro area and the greater Minnesota area.
Lakeview Hospital is located in Stillwater and is about 18 miles south of Scandia.
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Written By
Daniel Berti
Photography Contributed By
Jason Jacot
Video By
Tyler Hall
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Saint Germain,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Scandia, MN sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Scandia, MN over the last 12 months is $562,500, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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