Forest Lake, MN

Travel Guide

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest and misty mountains.
A lake surrounded by forested hills with autumn foliage.
A serene lake surrounded by dense forest, with sunlight filtering through the trees.
A calm lake with a forested hill reflecting the sunrise.
A serene lake surrounded by dense forest and a clear sky.
Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
1020 HAWTHORNE AVE Minneapolis MN
$88 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$103 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,578 reviews)
"It was very dirty poor maintenance the light ain’t work then they said the cleaning people already went home at 5pm"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Cambria Hotel Minneapolis Downtown
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown

4.5 out of 5
35 S 7th St Minneapolis MN
$116 nightly
The price is $136 total per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
$136 total
Oct 17 - Oct 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown
Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast

Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast

3 out of 5
1330 Industrial Blvd NE Minneapolis MN
$121 nightly
The price is $142 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$142 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Delta Hotels by Marriott Minneapolis Northeast
See all 1,451 properties in Forest Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sunrise Views - Lake Cabin - Dock Access • Bring Your Boat • Walk to Downtown

Sunrise Views - Lake Cabin - Dock Access • Bring Your Boat • Walk to Downtown

Forest Lake MN
Stay at this cottage in Forest Lake. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Tanners Brook and Lakeside Park are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"Great spot. Not lake front, but close enough and very clean and convenient"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Sunrise Views - Lake Cabin - Dock Access • Bring Your Boat • Walk to Downtown
Private Lake Home, Game Room & Pontoon Rental on Keewahtin Lake

Private Lake Home, Game Room & Pontoon Rental on Keewahtin Lake

Forest Lake MN
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Forest Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Keewahtin and Sherwood Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
"This was our third year staying and we are already booked for next year! Stocked kitchen (we forgot our crockpot, but there was one there!) and plenty of room for our group of 18. The pedal boat and lily pad were a huge hit! We all always look forward to our stay"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

Private Lake Home, Game Room & Pontoon Rental on Keewahtin Lake
Roami at Century Plaza

Roami at Century Plaza

4 out of 5
1111 3rd Ave S Minneapolis MN
Stay at this aparthotel in Minneapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (84 reviews)
"One of the best hotels for the money I've seen. The room looks more like a personal studio than a hotel room"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2026

Roami at Century Plaza
See all properties in Forest Lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Forest Lake attractions

A wooden table with playing cards, poker chips, and a glass of amber liquid.

Running Aces Casino

8.6/10 (20 reviews)
Why not try your luck with a visit to Running Aces Casino during your visit to Columbus? Wander the lakeside in this family-friendly area.
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Things to do

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

SEA LIFE at Mall of America

$30
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
SEA LIFE at Mall of America
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass

Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass

$47
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Mall of America: Nickelodeon Universe Unlimited Ride Pass
Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

$12
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Minneapolis River Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Minneapolis: Food-Themed Cruises on Mississippi River

Minneapolis: Food-Themed Cruises on Mississippi River

$59
per adult
Minneapolis: Food-Themed Cruises on Mississippi River
Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley

Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley

$49
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Narrated Scenic Tour on the Minneapolis Trolley
A Fan Favorite

The Selfie Company | Minnesota's Premier Selfie Experience

$22
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Selfie Company | Minnesota's Premier Selfie Experience
See all activities in Forest Lake

Frequently asked questions

Is Forest Lake worth visiting?
Forest Lake is worth visiting for its unique experiences, including adventurous options like Skydive Forest Lake and the serene natural setting of Crossways Lake. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene, with options ranging from North American to Italian cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Forest Lake?
The best time to visit Forest Lake is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good bet, offering cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow.
What is Forest Lake known for?
Forest Lake is known for Skydive Forest Lake, offering travelers opportunities for aerial activities. The destination also features natural attractions like Crossways Lake and Shields Lake Park, and a local North American food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Forest Lake?
A good itinerary length for Forest Lake is one to two days to enjoy the natural beauty of Crossways Lake and Shields Lake Park, and perhaps try Skydive Forest Lake. For a longer trip of three to four days, travelers can relax more, explore the lake areas further, and savor local North American, Italian, or Latin American cuisine.
What are the top things to do in and around Forest Lake?
Forest Lake offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying natural scenery:

  • Experience skydiving at Skydive Forest Lake.
  • Visit Crossways Lake for peaceful waterside views.
  • Explore Shields Lake Park.
  • Stroll through Cedar Park.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of Howard Lake.

How do I plan a trip to Forest Lake?
Plan your trip to Forest Lake by searching Expedia for places to stay, flights, and rental cars. Explore activities like Skydive Forest Lake, Crossways Lake, and Shields Lake Park. Enjoy North American, Italian, or Latin American cuisine. Always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility during your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Forest Lake?
In Forest Lake you can find Cajun Creole cuisine, with dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée. Travelers can also enjoy North American favorites, Italian pasta dishes, and Mexican options such as tacos. Asian and seafood choices are available too, alongside local coffee shops.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Forest Lake?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Forest Lake by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Forest Lake with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Forest Lake trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Forest Lake?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Forest Lake can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Forest Lake trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Forest Lake trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Forest Lake trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Forest Lake trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Forest Lake?
If it's your first trip to Forest Lake, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Forest Lake hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Forest Lake hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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