Four Seasons Fun Guide 2024 – 25

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2024-2025

Four Seasons Fun Guide

Published by

Press Publications, Inc.

4779 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-407-1200 | presspubs.com

Publisher Carter Johnson

General Manager

Patty Steele

Multimedia Director

Randy Roberts

Production Manager

Mary Peterson

Production Designers

Zoey Nguyen; Laurie Ericson; Michael McNamara

Managing Editor

Shannon Granholm

Circulation Department

Stacy Schaefer

Photo Journalist/

Website Editor

Paul Dols

Copy Editors

Myrna Press

Mary Kay Kouzma

About this edition:

In this edition of the Four Season Fun Guide, we have put together a variety of community calendars ranging from White Bear Lake to Stillwater. Events include local farmers markets, summer festivals and signature events such as White Bear Lake’s Manitou Days beginning in June and Hometown for the Holidays in Stillwater during December.

Arts centers, boat cruises and golf courses are listed within the Arts & Culture section. You will also find where to catch live music, where you can find a pickleball court and learn where to find the most scenic parks in the Northeast Metro in the Parks & Nature section.

If you get hungry during your visit, don’t worry, we have given you a list of the best places to grab a bite. Ranging from the multiple cultural options available in Ramsey, Washington and Anoka counties to local comfort food found in Hugo and Vadnais Heights.

There is a little bit of something on every page, for everyone. We hope you enjoy your time in the northeast suburbs and leave you wanting more

Table of Contents

Apples, Apples, Apples!

Apples

Whats Happening at Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic

August 1-4, www.ptatc.com

Taste of White Bear Lake Community fund raiser presented by White Bear Lake Rotary, Sept. 7, 2-5pm

Corn Maze

Late September

BandanAhhh!

Music for the whole family

Sept. 28 & 29

Pick your own Pumpkin Patch

Early October

Run and Walk for the Apples 9 am, Oct 19

Pride of the Prairie – Bill Cagely

Music of all ages for all ages To be announced

WHEN WE’RE OPEN

Strawberry Season

Pick Your Own & Ready Picked and Strawberry Bakery, Mid-June through Early July; Hours vary with Harvest Apple Season

Mid-August through February, Weekends in March; Seasonal Hours

Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Eve

Reserve your pies and gifts. Open until 12pm Visit

Community Calendar

The following are area events scheduled by press time and subject to change. Please check event websites for updates and more information in 2024 and 2025. Also check calendar pages in your weekly community newspaper or at www.presspubs.com for updates about what’s happening in the area.

March

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 8-17

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

presspubs.com

Details: Lakeshore Players performs this adventure story. Tickets $17-$37

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Shake Your Shamrock

When: 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, March 16

Where: Kelly’s Korner, 7098 Centerville Rd., Centerville Details: 5K or 7K run on paved flat course. Cost: 5K $40, 7K $50. Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com

Maple

Syrup Festival

When: 12-2 p.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Learn about the tradition of gathering maple sap and cooking it down to make maple syrup. Maple crafts and scavenger hunt. Registration $5.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Easter Egg Hunt

When: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23

Where: McCullough Park, 915 County Road I, Shoreview

Details: Kids can hunt outside for eggs filled with candy and visit with the bunny. Registration required - deadline March 19. No walk-ins accepted. $12 person. Contact: shoreviewmn.gov/parksrec/special-events

The White Bear Lake figures skating club host a spring show each April at the White Bear sports center.

Paul Dols

Community Calendar

April

‘Pinocchio’

When: 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 & 4 p.m. Sunday, April 4-7

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center OSilas Theatre, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: New, fast-paced, story-within-a-story version of the classic Pinocchio tale. Tickets $20 adults; $17 students (17 and under)

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

Mahtomedi A Cappella Showcase

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th Street N., Mahtomedi

Details: A capella performed by talented vocal groups, including Mahtomedi Public Schools, the community, local colleges and universities.

Tickets: $25 adults, $20 seniors and $5 students.

Contact: 651-605-1124 or wildwoodartistseries.org

Rotary Strive Scholarship Spirit of White Bear Lake Race

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, April 6

Where: The Boatworks Commons, 4495 Lake Ave S., White Bear Lake

Details: 5K run along the lake to Matoska Park; 5 mile course continues through local neighborhoods. Register online; proceeds go to the Strive Scholarship Inc. Fund. $25

Contact: midwestevents.com

Waffle Breakfast and Fire Truck Tours

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 7

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Rd. F

Details: All-you-can-eat Belgian waffle breakfast put on by the VH Lions Club. Other participants include Can Do Canines, KidSight vision screening for children, Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation, Special Olympics Minnesota and Minnesota Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation. $9 adult, $8 seniors 63+, $5 kids 6-14, 5 and under free.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or www. cityvadnaisheights.com/262/Waffle-Breakfast

Noodles for Northwoods

When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20

Where: Forest Lake American Legion #225, 355 West Broadway Ave.

Details: Annual fundraiser for Northwoods Humane Society includes pasta dinner, silent auction,

raffles and wine pull.

Contact: 651-982-0240 or northwoodshs.org/fundraising-events/ noodles

Earth Day Celebration

When: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, April 20

Where: Wargo Nature Center, 7701 Main St., Lino Lakes

Details: Make earth art project, explore trails, entertainment, Sound Garden, and visit the Eco-Fair. Free.

Contact: 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com

Taste of Shoreview

When: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23

Where: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Sample local restaurants, wine and beer, bucket raffles, silent and live auction. Proceeds support Slice of Shoreview community event. $35

Contact: 651-490-4750 or shoreviewmn.gov

Volunteers display a variety of plants at an Earth Day celebration at Wargo Nature Center.

Paul Dols

‘Urinetown’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, April 26-May 19

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Lakeshore Players performs this triumphant and uproarious musical send-up. Tickets $17-$37

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

May

‘Chiaroscuro’

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 Fourth St. N., Stillwater

Details: Celebrate a musical journey performed by Valley Chamber Chorale.

Tickets: Student $10, Senior $22, Adult $27.50

Contact: 651-430-0124 or valleychamberchorale.org

St. Croix Valley Annual Pottery Studio Tour & Sale

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 12

Where: Upper St. Croix Valley, self-guided tour

Details: Visit seven pottery studios featuring 71 artists from around the country on a self-guided tour; items for sale. Free admission.

Contact: minnesotapotters.com

Shepherd’s Harvest Festival

When: Friday, May 10 Classes only (no vendors); 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 11; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 12

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 N. 40th St., Lake Elmo

Details: Sheep and wool festival events include Minnesota’s largest

Community Calendar

fleece competition, sheep shearing, fleece skirting demos, book signings, dog herding demos, classes, farm work stock dog trial, and vendors. Admission $5, kids under 8 are free.

Contact: shepherdsharvestfestival. org

Stillwater Flea and Crafter Market

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, May 18-19, June 29-30; July 20-21; Aug 24-25; Sept. 28-29

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St. N., Stillwater

Details: Outdoor flea and crafter’s market with almost 200 crafters and vendors. Free Contact: 715-557-1785 or rsgdevelopment.com/fleamarket

Stillwater Half Marathon

When: 7 a.m. Saturday, May 25

Where: Pioneer Park, Laurel & N. 2nd St., Stillwater - Runners shuttled to start areas.

Details: Half marathon, 10K and 5K with route through downtown Stillwater. $62-$87

Contact: runstillwater.com

‘10-Minute Play Festival’

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, May 30-June 9

Where: Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: Watch ten short, never-before-seen plays from around the world presented by Lakeshore Players performers and directors. Tickets $17-$37

Contact: 651-478-7427 or lakeshoreplayers.org

St Croix Valley Art Opener Studio Tour

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, May 31, Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2

Where: Artist studios throughout the St. Croix Valley

Details: Features demonstrations and artwork for sale by local artists at their studios.

Contact: artopener.org

June

Kickoff: Shoreview Farmers Market

When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, June 4-Aug. 27; 3-6 pm Sept. 3-Oct. 8

Where: Shoreview Community Center lower level parking lot and pavilion, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Check out new amenities, weekly themes and live entertainment. More than 30 vendors. Frequent Shopper Program.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

presspubs.com

Local artists will be exhibiting their work during the pottery studio tour and sale.

Community Calendar

Hugo Good Neighbor Days

When: June 7-9

Where: Lion’s Park, 5524 Upper 146th St. N., Hugo

Details: Annual festival includes carnival rides, parade, bingo, beer garden and live music.

Contact: Hugo Lions or goodneighbordays.com

Kickoff: Centerville

Music in the Park

When: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, June 11-July 30

Where: Hidden Spring Park, 1601 LaMotte Drive, Centerville

Details: Community concerts with various artists/bands.

Contact: centervillemn.com

Kickoff: Stillwater Farmers Market

When: 7:30am-noon, Saturdays, June - October

Where: Corner of 3rd St. and Pine St. across from courthouse

Details: Local vendors offering flowers, vegetables, fruit, honey, baked goods, crafts and other specialties.

Contact: 651-704-9996 or localharvest.org

Kickoff: Midwest Ski Otters Shows

When: 6 p.m. Sundays beginning June 9 through August 25 - no show July 28. Season finale Sunday, August 25, at 3:00 p.m.

Where: Goose Lake on Hoffman Road in White Bear Lake

Details: White Bear-based team of 120 amateur skiers from metro area

Contact: skiotter.com

Kick-off: Cruisin’ on the Croix Hot Rod & Vintage Car Show

When: 4-9 p.m. every other

Wednesday, June 12 through Sept. 18

Where: Lowell Park, downtown Stillwater

Details: Admire vintage and hot rod cars, food vendors, free family-friendly festivities.

Contact: cruisinonthecroix.com

Kickoff: Bald Eagle Waterski Club Shows

When: 7 p.m. Thursdays, mid-June through August

Where: Centerville Lake in Centerville

Details: Members of all ages perform waterskiing tricks. Club also performs at summer festivals throughout the state.

Contact: baldeaglewaterskishows.net

Arts in the Park, Forest Lake

When: 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays, JuneAug. except Tuesday, July 2

Where: Lakeside Park, 95 East Broadway Ave.

Details: Craft vendors, farmer’s market, food trucks and free concert weekly.

Contact: 651-209-9723 or cityofforestlake.com

Kickoff: Concerts in the Commons

When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays, June-July (dates to be determined)

Where: Shoreview Commons, next to Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Open-air concerts with variety of music. Bring blanket or chair. Concessions. See website for lineup.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

Vadnais Heights Ice Cream Social

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 12

Where: Berwood Park, 780 Berwood Ave., Vadnais Heights

Details: Free ice cream, activities for all ages, representatives from community organizations, and live music.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com

Manitou Days

When: June 13 to July 4

Where: Events throughout White Bear Lake

Details: Three-week long, annual summer festival showcases the best of the White Bear Lake community. More than 60 events including

Waterskiing is enjoyed by area residents of all ages. Mike Parenteau achieved the milestone of 100+ consecutive days of waterskiing in a season.

Paul Dols

parade, beach dance, community picnic, family fun night, antique boat show, fireworks and more.

Contact: 651-653-5122 or manitoudays.com

Kickoff: Marketfest

When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays June 13 through July 25

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Free family festival includes more than 150 retail and food vendors, live music, children’s activities, farmers market, classic car show.

Contact: marketfestwbl.org

Food Truck Extravaganza

When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, June 15

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds

Details: Community event includes over 40 food trucks, beer and wine tent, marketplace, live music, and kid’s activities. $10/person; 5 and under free.

Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber. com

Kickoff: Bayport Farmers Market

When: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, June 17 -Oct. 14

Where: The Village Green, 498 3rd St. N., Bayport

Contact: 612-518-7110 or bayportfarmersmarket.com

Afton Strawberry Festival

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 22; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Where: Town Square Park, Afton

Details: Artists, flea market vendors, live music, food and fun for the entire family.

Contact: aftonartfair.com

Community Calendar

Vadnais Heights Music in the Park Series

When: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 26-July 31

Where: Various Vadnais Heights parks

Details: Celebrate summer with free outdoor concerts.

Contact: 651-204-6000, cityvadnaisheights.com

Kickoff: White Bear Lake Farmers Market

When: 8 a.m.-noon Fridays, June 28 through October 25

Where: Clark Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Street

Details: Produce includes organ-

ic produce, natural meats and cheeses, honey, syrup, baked goods, plants and flowers.

Contact: 651-747-3650 or whitebearlake.org

Lift Bridge Road Race

When: 7 a.m. Saturday, June 29

Where: All distances end at Lift Bridge Brewery. 10 mile course begins at brewery. 10K and 5K runners board a shuttle for a short ride to the start area at Stillwater’s Washington Park.

Details: 10 mile, 10K and 5K races. $50-$65

Contact: runstillwater.com

presspubs.com

Bicyclists enjoy the popular loop trail that circles into Wisconsin and back around across the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge.

Paul Dols

July

Kickoff: Kidz Concerts in the Commons

When: 10 a.m. Wednesdays, July-August (dates to be determined)

Where: Shoreview Commons, next to Shoreview Community Center, 4580 Victoria St. N.

Details: Free outdoor concerts geared to kids. Bring blanket or chair. Concessions. See website for lineup.

Contact: shoreviewcommunitycenter.com

Fireworks on White Bear Lake

When: 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4

Details: Manitou Days celebration culminates with a fireworks display over White Bear Lake.

Contact: manitoudays.com or explorewhitebear.org

Fireworks at Lowell Park

When: 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4

Where: Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater

Details: Fireworks show over the St. Croix River at 10 p.m.

Marine on St. Croix Fourth of July Celebration

When: 12:00 noon, Thursday, July 4

Where: Downtown Marine on St. Croix

Details: Traditional Fourth of July parade, kiddie parade, running/ walking races

Contact: marineonstcroix.org

Birchwood Annual Community Parade

When: 10 a.m., Thursday, July 4

Where: Begins at E. County Line and Wildwood Road

Community Calendar

Contact: 651-426-3403 or cityofbirchwood.com

Afton Fourth of July Parade

When: 1 p.m. Thursday, July 4

Where: Downtown Afton

Details: Parade through downtown Afton with food and beverage vendors.

Contact: 651-439-4001

Kickoff: Summer Tuesdays,

Stillwater

When: 5-9 pm Tuesdays mid-July through mid-August

Where: Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater

Details: Free family event includes market vendors, food, music, stage performances; family movie at dusk.

Contact: summertuesdays.com

Fete des Lacs

When: July 16-21

Where: Centerville

Details: Week-long community festival includes music, parade, inflatables, kickball and cornhole

tournaments, 5K and 8K walk/run, canoe/kayak race, fireworks.

Contact: fetedeslacs.org

Lumberjack Days

When: Mid-July - Dates to be determined

Where: Lowell Park, 101 Water St., Stillwater

Details: Past events have included live concerts, fireworks, parade, medallion hunt, kiddie carnival, tethered hot air balloon rides, vendors, chef’s competition, log rolling, axe throwing, fishing tournament, boat rides, lumberjack competitions and fun on the river.

Contact: lumberjackdays.com

Centerville Main Street Market

When: 5:30-730 pm Thursdays July 18-Aug. 22

Where: Centerville Rd. and Main St. near Centerville Elementary School

Details: Local artisans and food/ concessions

Contact: centervillemn.com

Fireworks over the Stillwater Lift Bridge.

Paul Dols

Community Calendar

Anoka County Fair

When: July 23-29

Where: Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3200 Saint Francis Blvd., Anoka

Details: Motocross, bull riding, tractor pulls, demolition derby, live music, rides and games.

Contact: 763-427-4070 or anokacountyfair.com

Slice of Shoreview Days

When: July 26-28

Where: Island Lake County Park, 3611 N. Victoria St., Shoreview

Details: Past events have included carnival, parade, classic car show, art and food vendors, petting zoo, live entertainment, fireworks, golf tournament. Free admission.

Contact: 651-483-2416 or sliceofshoreview.com

White Bear Lake Area Relay for Life

When: 5 p.m. Friday, July 26

Where: White Bear Lake Area High School North Campus, 5040 Bald Eagle Ave.

Details: Typically more than 100 teams and 1,500 participate in a run/walk and stay overnight to

raise funds for the American Cancer Society and celebrate local cancer survivors.

Contact: relay.acsevents.org

August

Relay for Life of Stillwater

When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water Street N.

Details: Raise money for the American Cancer Society and celebrate local cancer survivors.

Contact: acsevents.org

Washington County Fair

When: July 31-Aug. 4

Where: 12300 N. 40th St., Lake Elmo

Details: Thousands of exhibits, live music and entertainment, bingo, talent show, grandstand events,6motor sports, rides.

Contact: washingtoncountyfair.org

Night to Unite

When: Tuesday, Aug. 6

Where: Throughout local communities

Details: Evening intended to heighten crime prevention aware -

ness and community partnerships. Residents hosting block parties may register for visits by local police and fire departments.

Vadnais Heights

Heritage

Days

When: Aug. 12-18

Where: Community Park and Vadnais Heights Commons, 641 and 655 E. County Road F. in Vadnais Heights

Details: Past events have included a medallion hunt, movie in the park, senior picnic, Lions pig roast, kiddie parade, children’s games and inflatables, bingo, car show, food and merchandise vendors, fireworks, live bands, Grande Parade, Booya, bean bag tournaments, softball tournaments, pickleball tournaments, family kickball tournament, a water ball tournament between local fire departments, and more.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or cityvadnaisheights.com

North Hudson Pepper Fest

When: Aug. 16-18

Where: Pepper Fest Park, 400 7th St. N, North Hudson

Details: In honor of the community’s Italian heritage, festivities in-

Area Relay for Life events bring the community together in the fight against cancer.

Paul Dols

clude Italian food, carnival, parade, live bands, bingo and contests. 2024 Pepper Fest button required for entry. $5 at gate; $4 in advance. Contact: 715-386-0797 or pepperfest.org

September

Scandia Taco Daze

When: Saturday, Sept. 7

Where: Scandia Community Center, 14727 209th St. N. and various locations in downtown Scandia.

Details: Annual community festival includes tacos, parade, dodgeball tourney, beer garden, arts and crafts, car and tractor show.

Contact: scandiamn.com/tacodaze

Annual North Oaks Children’s Hospital Guild II Rummage Sale

When: September 14-15

Where: Shoreview Ice Arena, 877 Highway 96 W., Shoreview

Details: Has generated more than $2 million for the Children’s Hospital Association.

Contact: 651-484-3792 or northoaksrummagesale.org

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival

When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Where: Lakefront Park, downtown Hudson.

Details: Free. More than 80 juried artists, entertainment, food vendors and more.

Contact: 715-386-2305 or thephipps.org/community/art-festival

Afton Art in the Park

When: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29

Community Calendar

Where: Town Square Park, Afton

Details: More than 100 vendors showcasing fine art, live music, food, wine and beer garden, crafts and activities for kids.

Contact: exploreafton.com

October

Rivertown Fall Art Festival

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: Lowell Park, Downtown Stillwater

Details: St. Croix Valley’s largest juried art festival showcases more than 150 artisans from around the country, food vendors, beer and wine tent, live music.

Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber. com/rivertownfallartfestival.com

Waffle Breakfast and Fire Truck Tours

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, October 6

Where: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Rd. F

Details: All-you-can-eat Belgian waffle breakfast put on by the VH Lions Club. Other participants include Ramsey County Sheriff K-9 & Lakes & Trail Unit, Safety and Fire Protection, Minnesota Lions Diabetes, Vision and Hearing Foundations, Can-Do-Canines, and vision screenings for youth. Information

about camps and dragon boat races. $9 adult, $8 seniors 63+, $5 kids 6-14, 5 and under free.

Contact: 651-204-6000 or www. cityvadnaisheights.com/262/Waffle-Breakfast

Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off

When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13

Where: Lowell Park, 201 Water St., downtown Stillwater

Details: Giant pumpkin weigh-off, chili cook-off, games, pumpkin regatta, music, tractor pull, street dance.

Contact: harvestfeststillwater.com

Punkinmania

When: Usually 2nd weekend in Oct.

Where: Veterans Memorial Park (formerly Triangle Park), Mahtomedi

Details: Past event included pumpkins for sale, inflatables, petting zoo, games for kids, bake sale, and much more.  Sponsored by the Wildwood Lions Club and Kramer-Berg American Legion Post 507.

Contact: wildwoodlionsclub.org

Rotary ‘Run for the Apples’ 5 Mile Run

When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Jacobson’s Pine Tree Apple Orchard, 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake

Details: 5 mile run on trails through orchard, strawberry fields and pumpkin patch.

Contact: midwestevents.com

Scare in White Bear

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Memorial Beach, 4958 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

Details: 5K and fun run on torch-

presspubs.com

Punkinmania acquisitions.

Paul Dols

Bridge over Troubled Water

By L. C. Simon

My career with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office spans twenty-seven years, with seventeen of those years focused exclusively on child abuse investigations. I was a contract instructor for the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for ten years, teaching other law enforcement across the state the unique techniques used in this specialized field. After retirement, my wife and I traveled in a motorhome and spent our summers living and working in Voyageurs National Park for twelve years. I have never lost my dedication to the cause of protecting children, and I recently decided to write novels that draw from my experience in law enforcement, highlighting the problem of child abuse in our country. I think I hit the mark, making for a fun, exciting read while informing at the same time.

lit paved path along White Bear Lake. Strollers and dogs welcome. Prizes for best costume. Halloweenie roast.

Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com

November

Christmas at the Historic Courthouse

When: Usually end of November

Where: Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater

Details: Historic site decorated for the holidays. Live music, open tea room, Holiday Bazaar and bake shop, guided tours, photos with Santa. Advance registrations required.

Contact: 651-275-7075 or co.washington.mn.us

Fast Before the Feast

When: 7-10:00 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28

Where: Memorial Beach, 4980 Lake Ave. (Lake Ave. & 11th St.), White Bear Lake

Details: 10K, 5K and .5 mile Turkey Dash

Contact: 651-440-9625 or mmraces.com

Nutcracker Suite Ballet

When: November 29, 30, December 1

Where: Stillwater Area High School Auditorium, 5701 Stillwater Blvd. N.

Details: Family-friendly version of the classic Christmas ballet featuring students from St. Croix Ballet.

Community Calendar

Contact: 651-439-2820 or stcroixballet.com

Small Business Saturday

When: Saturday, Nov. 30

Where: Businesses throughout the area

Details: Shop small and locally-owned businesses for deals and specials the day after ‘Black Friday’.

December

Hometown

for the Holidays

When: First three weekends in December

Where: Throughout downtown Stillwater

Details: Month-long celebration with events and shopping specials at various businesses throughout Stillwater. Past activities have included strolling car-

olers, Victorian Wagonette rides, and Biercycle caroling tours; strolling Santa. See website for opportunities to have breakfast or lunch with Santa at various local restaurants.

Contact: greaterstillwaterchamber.com

White Bear Lake Winterfest

When: Usually the first three Saturdays in December

Where: Downtown White Bear Lake

Details: Horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, shopping and dining specials. Events free with donation to the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf.

Contact: downtownwhitebearlake. com/events

presspubs.com

Skiers enjoy a groomed trail system at the Tamarack Nature Center.

Paul Dols

Washington County Regional Map

See more county lakes and parks

Arts & Culture

So, you’re looking to thread some recreation and entertainment into your life’s tapestry? Weave your way through the northeast suburbs of the Twin Cities metro! Surging with unique activity and stitched with valuable history, Anoka, Ramsey and Washington counties are close-knit communities ready to outfit you with year-round events tailored to your needs—no matter how many layers of fabric you’re wearing.

Dyed blue by winter? Visit Afton Alps’ wool-white slopes. Bust out your pajamas for story time with Santa at the Fillebrown House in White Bear Lake. Wear those fuzzy mittens as you ice skate at the Super Rink in Blaine.

Partial to pastels in spring?

Attend a horse race at Running Aces in Columbus, or learn to ride at the numerous stables in Hugo. Show off your collection of polos at Gem Lake Hills Golf Course or at Oneka Ridge. You could even model yourself like Minnesota’s own Judy Garland, don an Easter hat, and lose a jolly hour on the trolley with the Stillwater Trolley Company.

Feeling threadbare for summer? Swim in Square Lake or grab a paddle from Eric’s Canoe Rental in Taylor’s falls. Lace up your boat shoes and cruise across White Bear Lake from Tally’s Dockside or zip down the St. Croix River from Bayport Marina. Loosen your belt and head over to Cup ’n Cone during Marketfest in White Bear Lake or the 100-year-old Nelson’s Ice-Cream-Shop in Stillwater.

Celebrating sweater weather in the fall? Slip on your best cardigan as you stroll through the Farmer’s Market in Forest Lake or fall in love with apple donuts at Pine Tree Apple Orchard. Pop on your camo hoodie and join the Oakdale Gun Club in Lake Elmo!

Socking it to the outdoors?

Wrap yourself in a blanket of culture by visiting the White Bear Center for the Arts or the Lakeshore Players at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center next door. Coat your tongue with beverages from the nationally renowned Big Wood Brewery on Centerville Road or 7 Vines Winery in Dellwood.

With so much to do, we hardly have to needle you into visiting. It “seams” we’ll see you soon.

The Cafesjian Art Trust (CAT) Museum in Shoreview specializes in glass art.

Paul Dols

Discover the Difference!

Infant (6 weeks - 16 months)

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Full-Time & Part-Time Schedules

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Arts, Culture & Recreation

Looking for something fun to do?

The northeast metro area offers plenty of opportunities, all within an hour’s drive.

Art Centers

White Bear Center for the Arts: 4971 Long Avenue, White Bear Lake. 651-407-0597 or whitebeararts.org

ArtReach St. Croix:

Historic Courthouse, 224 N. 4th St., Stillwater 651-439-1465 or artreachstcroix.org

The Phipps Center for the Arts: 109 Locust St., Hudson, WI. 715386-2305 or thephipps.org.

Art Markets

(seasonal)

Marketfest: Downtown White Bear Lake. Thursdays, June - July. Marketfestwbl.com

Arts in the Park: Lakeside Park, downtown Forest Lake. Tuesdays, June -Aug. cityofforestlake.com

Summer Tuesdays: Lowell Park, Downtown

Stillwater. Tuesdays, July-Aug. summertuesdays.com.

Swimming Beaches

(see parks for other local beaches)

Bellaire Beach: 2499 South Shore Boulevard, White Bear Township

Big Marine Park: 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix. Some 400 linear feet of sandy beach, restrooms, changing rooms, vending machines, picnic area, nearby playground.

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes: 7373 Main St., Lino Lakes. Swimming beach, playground, trails.

Chautauqua Park: 75 ½ Quail St, Mahtomedi. Unsupervised sand beach.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve: 1515 Keats Avenue N., Lake Elmo. Swimming beach, restrooms, picnic area, playground.

Mahtomedi Beach: 1045 Park Avenue, Mahtomedi.

Memorial Beach: 5000 Lakeview Ave, White Bear Lake swimming beach, playground.

Square Lake Park: 15450 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater. Swimming beach, boat launch, fishing pier; clear water for scuba diving.

Turtle Lake County Park: 4979 Hodgson Road, Shoreview. 200 ft. unguarded swimming beach, playground.

Vadnais-Snail Lake Regional Park: 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview. Swimming, volleyball, playground, concession stand, more than five miles of paved trails.

White Bear County Park/Ramsey County Beach: 5050 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake. Beach, play area, picnic tables, boat launch.

Golden Lake Park:

67 West Golden Lake Rd, Circle Pines. Beach, boat launch, playground, sports courts.

Beaches are popular north metro destinations during the summer months.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Bicycle Rentals

Wahoo Adventures: Bicycle rentals and tours. 651280-7299 or mywahooadventures. com

Bicycle Tours

BierCycle Adventures:

Pedestrian mall on Water Street. 651-300-2202 or biercycleadventures.com. Tours of Stillwater with guide.

Boat/Kayak/Paddle Board Rentals

Beach House Marina:

101 Lake Circle, Bayport. 651-2750229 or bridgeportmarine.com

Centermart Twin Lakes

Outdoor Stop: 1801 Main St., Centerville. Pontoon and kayak rentals; fishing supplies; ski and wakeboard lessons. 651-426-3460.

Eric’s Canoe and Kayak Rental: 1155 Chisago Street, Taylors Falls, MN, 651-270-1561 or ericscanoerental.com. Canoe and kayak rental and shuttle service available with 4 different location options.

Hallberg Marine Inc.

Rental & Leasing: 26470 Fallbrook Lane, Wyoming (in the Wyoming Industrial Park). 651-462-4516.

Pontoons on Bald Eagle: 4444 129th St., White Bear Lake. Pontoon, boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals. 763-2488922 or pontoonsonbaldeagle. com

Stillwater Boat Club and Rentals: 422 E. Mulberry St., Stillwater, 651-439-9000 or

stillwaterboatclub.com.

Tally’s Dockside:

4441 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake. Rent canoes, motorboats, pontoons, pedal kayaks and paddle boards on White Bear Lake. 651-429-2633 or cghooks. com. Open May-Sept.

Taylors Falls Canoe and Kayak Rental - Wild Mountain: 307 Milltown Road, Taylors Falls, MN. Trips available from Taylors Falls to Osceola Landing (7 miles) or William O’Brien State Park (17 Miles). Canoe base located inside Minnesota Interstate Park. 651-465-1080 or taylorsfallscanoe. com.

Wahoo Adventures:

Kayaking tours and lessons. 651280-7299 or mywahooadventures. com

Wargo Nature Center:

7701 Main St., Lino Lakes. Canoe and kayak rentals. 763-324-3350

William O’Brien State Park: 16821 O’Brien Trail North, Marine on St Croix. 651-539-4980. Canoe and paddleboard rentals, May-Oct. Your Boat Club:

Locations on White Bear Lake (4424 Lake Ave S.), Forest Lake (97 NE 1st St.), and the St.

Croix River (514 Alder Street E., Stillwater). Offers boating memberships at 10 locations throughout Minnesota. 612-2081800 or yourboatclub.com

Boat Cruises

St. Croix River

Afton-Hudson Cruise Lines:

500 1st Street, Hudson, WI, 651436-8883 or Stcroixrivercruises. com

St. Croix Boat & Packet Co.: 525 South Main St., Stillwater. Paddleboat cruises down the St. Croix. 651-430-1234. Stillwaterriverboats.com

Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours: 220 South Street, Taylors Falls. Daily excursion, lunches, history cruises, private charters, weddings and receptions. 651-465-6315 or taylorsfallsboat.com.

Gondola Romantica: 425 East Nelson Street, Stillwater, MN. 651-439-1783 or gondolaromantica.com.

Marinas

Bayport Marina:

200 Fifth Ave. S., Bayport. 651-4392040 or bayportmarina.com

Tally’s dockside in White Bear Lake offers canoes, motorboats, pontoons, pedal kayaks and paddle boards for rent.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Boom Site:

9369 St Croix Trail N, Stillwater. 651275-0229 or bridgeportmarine.com

Beach House Marina: 101 Lake Circle, Bayport. 651-2750229 or bridgeportmarine.com

Ole Sawmill Marina: 2009 Lake St. N., Stillwater. 608412-1507 or olesawmillmarina.com

River Park Marina:

340 Lake St., Bayport. Store-andlaunch dry dock. 651-275-0229 or bridgeportmarine.com

Stillwater Marina:

575 N. Main St., Stillwater. 651-439-5658 or stillwatermarinadrystack.com.

Sunnyside Marina:

6413 St. Croix Trail N., Stillwater. 651-439-2118 or sunnysidemarina. com

Tally’s Dockside:

4441 Lake Ave. S., White Bear Lake. 651-429-2633 or cghooks. com

Timm’s Marina and Campground: 9080 N. Jewel Lane, Forest Lake. 651-464-3890.

Wolf Marina Inc.: 514 East Alder St., Stillwater. 651439-2341 or wolfmarine.net

Your Boat Club: Boat memberships on White Bear Lake, Forest Lake and the St. Croix River. 612-208-1800 or yourboatclub.com

Public Boat Launches

St. Croix River

(see parks for boat launches on White Bear Lake, Forest Lake, and other area lakes.)

Boom Site: 9369 St Croix Trail N,

Stillwater. 651-275-0229 or bridgeportmarine.com

Beach House Marina: 101 Lake Circle, Bayport. 651-2750779 or bridgeportmarine.com. Overnight parking available.

Beanie’s Marina: 16777 N. Seventh St., Lakeland. 651-400-9383 or beaniesmarina. com. Located just below the I-94 bridge in Lakeland. Fee to launch.

Lakefront Park:

Located along First Street and the St. Croix River, west of downtown Hudson, WI. 715-386-4774. Fee required.

St. Croix Bluffs County Park: 10191 St. Croix Trail, Hastings. Fee to enter park, but no fee to use access. 651-430-8240

Windmill Marina: 16065 32nd Street S., Afton. 651436-7744 or windmillmarina.com. Full service public launch ramp for a fee.

Bowlero:

Bowling

11351 Ulysses St. NE, Blaine. Blacklight bowling, arcade, play area, laser tag. 763-561-2230 or bowlero.com

Flaherty’s Arden Bowl: 1273 W. County Road E, Arden Hills. 651-633-1777 or flahertysbowl.com

PINZ:

7520 32nd Street N., Oakdale. 651770-8000 or pinz.com. Laser tag, arcade, restaurant.

Splitrocks Entertainment Center: Cosmic bowling, arcade, restaurant. 5063 273rd St., Wyoming. 651-462-6000 or splitrocksmn.com

Stillwater Bowl and Lounge: 5862 Omaha Avenue, Oak Park Heights. 651-439-2444 or Stillwater-bowl.com

Matoska boat launch permits can be purchased a the city of White Bear Lake License Bureau.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Breweries / Distilleries

Big Wood Brewery: 3429 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights. 612-360-2986 or bigwoodbrewery.com

Forge and Foundry Distillery: 223 Main Street N., Stillwater. 651-342-2242 or forgeandfoundrydistillery.com.

Lift Bridge Brewery: 1900 Tower Drive, Stillwater. 888-430-2337 (BEER) or liftbridgebrewery.com.

Invictus Brewing Company: 2025 105th Ave NE Blaine. 763208-3063 or invictusbrewingco. com

Climbing Walls

University of Minnesota wall: 123 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis. 612-626-9222 or recwell.umn.edu.

Vertical Endeavors: 855 Phalen Blvd., St Paul. 651776-1430 or verticalendeavors. com.

Disc Golf

Arcola Heights Park: Arcola Heights Park is located at 15300 100th St. N., Stillwater (corner of 100th St. North and Perkins Ave. North). From MN Highway 95 (St. Croix Trail N.), go west on 100th Street. The park is half a mile up the road at the end of 100th Street.

Brown’s Creek Park: 8312 Neal Ave. N., (Corner of McKusick Road and Neal Avenue), Stillwater

Stillwater Brekke Park: 5500 Omar Ave N, Stillwater.

Lakewood Hills Park: 2110 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake. 14-hole disc golf course that winds through the park and surrounding woods.

Lochness Park: 11121 Lexington Ave, Blaine, MN

Farmers Markets

(seasonal)

Bayport:

Village Green, 498 3rd St. N., 2:306:30 p.m., Mondays June - October Forest Lake: Lakeside Park, downtown Forest Lake. 651-464-35503

Shoreview:

Shoreview Community Center, lower-level parking lot and pavilion, 4580 N. Victoria St., 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, shoreviewmn.gov

Stillwater: Riverview parking lot, 3rd and

Pine Streets. 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays June-October. 651-2757075 or localharvest.com.

White Bear Lake:

Clark Street, between 2nd and 4th Streets. 8:00 a.m.-noon Fridays June-October. 651-747-3650 or whitebearlake.org.

Farms & Gardens

Aamodt’s Apple Farm Inc.: 6428 Manning Avenue N., Stillwater. 651-439-3127 or aamodtsapplefarm.com

Afton Apple Orchard: 14421 90th Ave. S., Afton. Pick your own strawberries. 651-4368385 or aftonapple.com

Applecrest Orchards: 7306 24th Avenue, Hugo. 651583-5209 or applecrestorchards. com

Autumnwood Farm: 19435 Granada Avenue N., Forest Lake. Family farm and on-site micro-creamery that sells dairy products and offers tours of the farm. 651-464-0776 or autumnwoodfarmllc.com

Axdahls Garden Farm:

7452 Manning Avenue, Stillwater. Minnesota-grown produce and CSA. 651-439-3134 or axdahlfarms.com

The Berry Patch:

Pick your own strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. 10456 192nd St N, Forest Lake. 651-433-3448 or berrypathmn. com

Blueberry Fields of Stillwater: 9450 Mendel Road N., Stillwater. 651-351-0492 or blueberryfieldsofstillwater.com

Hassu Lintu Emu Ranch:

15554 Zodiac Street, Forest Lake. 651-464-7866

The vegetables are fresh at area markets.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Pine Tree Apple Orchard:

450 Apple Orchard Road in White Bear Lake. Pick your own strawberries, apples. 651-4297202 or pinetreeappleorchard.com

Pinehaven Farm: 28186 Kettle River Blvd., Wyoming. Seasonal special events. 651-462-1702 or pinehavenfarm.com

Waldoch Farm: 8174 Lake Drive, Lino Lakes. Pick your own produce. 651-780-1207 or waldochfarm.com

Golf Courses

Public:

Applewood Hills Public Golf Course: 11840 60th St. N., Stillwater. 651439-7276 or applewoodhillsgolf. com

Castlewood Golf Course: 7050 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake. 651-982-4707 or castlewood.golf

Chomonix Golf Course:

700 Aqua Lane, Lino Lakes. 763324-3434 or chomonix.com

Gem Lake Hills Golf Course: 4039 Scheuneman Road, Gem Lake. 651-429-8715 or gemlakehillsgolf.com. Also offers Foot Golf.

Keller Golf Course: 2166 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood. 651-766-4170

Island Lake Golf & Training Center: 1000 Red Fox Road, Shoreview. 651-787-0383 orislandlakegolf.com

Loggers Trail Golf Club: 11950 80th St. N., Stillwater. 651439-7862 or loggerstrail.com

Manitou Ridge Golf Club: 3200 N. McKnight Road, White Bear Lake. 651-777-2987 or manitouridge.com

Oneka Ridge Golf Course:

5610 120th St. N., Hugo. 651-4292390 or onekaridgegc.com

Oak Glen Golf Club: 1599 McKusick Road, Stillwater. 651-439-6981 or oakglengolf.com. Also offers Foot Golf.

Shadow Ridge Driving Range: 1297 Ash St., Lino Lakes. 651-4817003.

Tanners Brook Golf Club: 5810 190th St. N., Forest Lake. 651-464-2300 or tannersbrook. com

Victory Links: National Sports Center, 2010 105th Ave NE, Blaine. 763-7173240 or victorylinks.nscsports.org

Private:

Dellwood Country Club: 29 Highway 96, Dellwood. 651-4263218 or Dellwoodcountryclub.com

Forest Hills Golf Club: 7530 210th St. N., Forest Lake. 651-464-3097 or foresthillsgc.com

Indian Hills Golf Club: 6667 Keats Avenue N., Stillwater. 651-770-2301 or www.ihgolf.com

North Oaks Country Club: 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks. 651-484-8585 or northoaksgolfclub.com

Stillwater Country Club: 1421 4th Street N. Fourth St., Stillwater. 651-439-7979 or sccgolf.com

TPC Twin Cities: 11444 Tournament Players Parkway, Blaine. 763-795-0800 or tpc.com/twincities

White Bear Yacht Club: 56 Dellwood Avenue, Dellwood. 651-429-4567 or wbyc.com

Ranges:

Highway 8 Driving Range: 8640 Green Lake Trail, Chisago City. 651-213-3326 or greenlagoongolf.com

Midwest Golf Dome: 1815 VanDyke St., Maplewood. 651-777-0500 or midwestgolfdome.com. Indoor range.

Ironwood Golf Range: 11480 Scandia Trail N., Scandia. 651-675-7356.

Golfers of all ages enjoy the game on one of the local courses.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Island Lake Golf & Training Center: 1000 Red Fox Road, Shoreview. 651-787-0383 or islandlakegolf. com.

Shadow Ridge Driving Range: 1297 Ash St., Lino Lakes. 651-4817003.

Victory Links:

National Sports Center, 1700 105th Ave NE, Blaine. 763-7173240 or victorylinks.nscsports.org

Historical Societies

Anoka County Historical Society: 2135 3rd Avenue N, Anoka. Museum with exhibits and tours. including ghost tours. 763-4210600 or anokacountyhistory.org.

Forest Lake Area Historical Society: 612-963-1975 or forestlakeareahistory.com

Hill Farm Historical Society: 35 Hill Farm Circle, North Oaks. Hillfarmhistoricalsociety.com

Hugo Historical Commission: 651-604-7389 or ci.hugo.mn.us/histcomm

Stone House Museum: 241 Fifth St., Marine on St. Croix. 651-430-1239

Ramsey County Historical Society: 75 W. Fifth St., Room 323, St. Paul. 651-222-0701 or rchs.com

Shoreview Historical Society: Shoreview City Hall, 4600 Victoria St. N., Shoreview. 651-303-4667 or shoreviewhistoricalsociety.org

Washington County Historical Society:

Housed in the Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main St. N, Stillwater. 651-439-2298 or wchsmn.org

White Bear Lake Area

Historical Society: 2228 4th Street, WBL in the WBL Armory. 651-407-5327 or whitebearhistory.org

Horse Rides / Lessons / Shows

Bunker Park Stable: 550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover. 763-757-9445 or bunkerparkstablemn.com

Dawn till Dusk Stables: 3843 Oakgreen Ave. N., Stillwater. equinenow.com

Exclusive Equine Center: 9610 140th St. N., Hugo. 651-9256207 or exclusiveequinecenter.net

Hardwood Creek Farm: 2306 E. 80th St., Hugo. 651-3185526 or hardwoodcreek.com

Hors’n Around Stables: 1565 E Holly Drive, Lino Lakes. 651-429-6748, horsnaroundstables.com

Idylwood Farms: 11490 Julianne Ave. N., Stillwater. 612-385-9131 or idylwoodequestriancenter.com

Madline Horsemanship Clinics: 12582 Otchipwe Ave. N., Stillwater. 651-468-6050

North Brook Eventing Center: 13311 Square Lake Tr., Stillwater. 651528-9833 or northbrookfarm.com

Rocking S Horse Company: 1288 Main St., Lino Lakes. 651-247-1380 or rockingshorsecompany.com

St. George’s Dressage Academy: 960 60th Street N., Stillwater. 651795-8427 or stgeorgesdressage.com

Stonegate Farm: 11130 Julianne Ave. N., Stillwater. 651-260-6773 or stonegatefarm.net

Woodloch Stable: 5676 170th St. N., Hugo. 651-4291303 or woodlochstable.com

Horse Racing

Running Aces Harness Park: 15201 Running Aces Blvd., Columbus. 651-925-4600 or runaces.com

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Aamodt’s Hot Air Balloon Rides: 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater. 651351-0101 or aamodtsballoons.com

Stillwater Balloons: 135 Saint Croix Trail N., Lakeland Shores. 651-439-1800 or stillwaterballoons.com

A hot air balloon rises above the scenic St. Croix River.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Hunting Clubs/ Shooting Ranges

Wild Wings of Oneka: 14733 Irish Ave, N., Hugo. Private hunt club offers sporting clays and hunting options. 651-439-4287 or wildwingsofoneka.com

Bald Eagle Sportsman’s Association:

6557 N 125th St., Hugo. Rifle, pistol and shotgun practice areas. 651-429-9874 or besamn.com

Oakdale Gun Club: 10386 10th St. N., Lake Elmo. 651436-6946

Maple Island Hunt Club: 16173 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix. 651-439-3575

Ice Skating

Aldrich Arena: 1850 White Bear Ave, Maplewood.

Centennial Sports Arena: 4810 103rd Lane NE, Circle Pines. 763-792-6091 or isd12.org.

FLAAA Sports Center: 5530 206th St N., Forest Lake. 651982-8160 or rangers.flaschools.org

Hippodrome Ice Arena:

4855 Bloom Avenue, White Bear Lake. 651-653-3126 or communityservices.isd624.org

Hugo Elementary School: 14895 Francesca Avenue N., Hugo. Outdoor rink with warming house in season.

Super Rink: 1850 105th Avenue, Blaine. 763-717-3880 or nscsports.org. Includes cafe and pro shop.

Shoreview Arena: 877 W. Highway 96, Shoreview. 651-766-4000.

St. Croix Valley Recreation Center: 1675 Market Drive, 651-430-2601 or stcroixreccenter.com.

TCO Sports Garden: 1490 E. County Road E., Vadnais Heights. 651-266-0381 or ramseycounty.us

White Bear Ice Arena: 2160 Orchard Ln., White Bear Lake. 651-748-2515.

White Bear Lake Sports Center: 1328 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake. 651-429-8571 or whitebearlake.org.

Indoor Playgrounds

Shoreview Community Center: 4600 N. Victoria, Shoreview. Also Tropics Indoor Water Park. 651490-4700 or shoreviewmn.gov/ parks-rec/community-center

Zero Gravity: 2292 Woodale Drive, Mounds View. Trampoline Park and Laser Tag. 763-231-3033 or zerogravitymn.com.

Live Music

Admiral D’s: 4424 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake. 651-426-3444 or admiraldswbl.com

The Dugout Bar: 96 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi. 651-440-9128 or www.dugoutbarmn.com

Ingredient’s Cafe: 4725 Highway 61 N., White Bear Lake. 651-426-6611 or ingredientscafe.com

Macaluso’s Road House: 3857 Labore Road, Vadnais Heights. 651-429-1716.

Residents have a variety of locations to enjoy outdoor meals and live music near the water.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Manitou Grill:

2171 4th St., White Bear Lake. 651426-2300 manitougrill.com

Myth Live: 3090 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood. 651-779-6984 mythlive.com

Tally’s Dockside:

4441 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake. Music by the Water, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the summer, 6-9 p.m., 651-4292633 or cghooks.com

Washington Square Grill: 4736 Washington Square, White Bear Lake. 651-407-7162 or Washingtonsquareonline.net

White Bear Lake VFW: 4496 Lake Avenue S., White Bear Lake. 651-426-4944 or vfwpost1782.org

Wildwood Artist Series: Diverse and family-friendly performing arts events at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, 8000 75th St. N., Mahtomedi. wildwoodartistseries.com.

Movie Theaters

Alamo Drafthouse: 9060 Hudson Rd., Woodbury. Full dinner menu, craft beers and other beverages. 651-346-0370 or drafthouse.com

Emagine White Bear: 1180 County Road J, White Bear Township. 651-653-3243 or emagine-entertainment.com. Luxury seating and bar service.

Marcus Oakdale Cinema: 5677 Hadley Ave. N., Oakdale. 651770-4992 or marcustheatres.com

AMC CLASSIC Mounds View: 2430 Hwy 10, Mounds View. 612448-2857 or amctheatres.com

Museums

Afton Historical Society Museum: 3165 S. St. Croix Trail, Afton. Free. 651-436-3500 or aftonhistoricalmuseum.com

North St. Paul Historical Society Museum: 2666 7th Ave, North Saint Paul. 651-747-2432 or northstpaul.org

Fillebrown House: 1879 lakeside cottage at 4735 Lake Avenue, White Bear Lake. 651407-5327.

Hay Lake School and Erickson Log House Museum: 14020 195th St N, Marine on St Croix. Open May through October. 651-433-4014.

Warden’s House Museum: 602 N. Main St., Stillwater. Open May through October. Originally built in 1853 as the residence of the Stillwater Territorial Prison warden. 651-439-5956 or wchsmn.org

Washington County Historic Courthouse: 101 W. Pine St., Stillwater. 651-2757075 or co.washington.mn.us

Washington County Heritage Center: 1862 Greeley Street South, Stillwater. 651-439-2298 or wchsmn.org

Musical Groups

Centennial Community Band: Community band with members from the Blaine, Lino Lakes, Lexington, Circle Pines, Centerville area. Centennialcommunityband.org

Lakes Area Chorus: Open to female singers of all ages who perform throughout the area. 651-323-7877 or lakecountrychorus.org

Shoreview Northern Lights Variety Band: Community band. 651-470-5625 or snlvb.com

Sweet Adelines: valleedecroix.org. Four-part a cappella chorus singing pop, country, gospel, patriotic and show tunes. 651-436-1514

A Music on the Lake outdoor concert at Golden Lake Park in Circle Pines featuring the Centennial Community Band.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Valley Chamber Chorale: Highly skilled amateur choir. 651-430-0124 or valleychamberchorale.org

Skiing & Snowtubing

Afton Alps:

6600 Peller Avenue S., Hastings. Opens mid-November. Ski, snowboard, snow tubing, terrain park. Full-service specialty ski and snowboard shop. 48 runs, 18 chair lifts, chalets and rentals. Limited restaurant service in chalets and bar area. 651-436-5245 or 1-800328-1328 or aftonalps.com

Trollhaugen Outdoor Recreation Area: 2232 100th Avenue, Dresser, Wisconsin. Open mid-November to March. Ski, snowboard, snow tube, cross-country, zip line. 22 runs. Rentals, ski and snowboard shop, snack bar, arcade room, Kaffe Stuga and Skolhaugen Lounge.651-433-5141, 715-7552955 or trollhaugen.com

Wild Mountain Ski & Snowboard Area: 37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls.Opens midNovember, often the first to open for the season in Minnesota. Ski, snowboard, snowtubing. 26 runs with a variety of terrain from green to double black diamond. Chalet with food service, rentals, terrain park. 651-465-6365, or wildmountain.com.

Skiing, Cross-Country

(See Park listings for more information:)

Tamarack Nature Center, Brown’s Creek Nature Preserve, Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Pine Point

Park, Afton State Park, William O’Brien State Park, Gateway State Trail

Irish Avenue Park: 14420 Irish Ave., Hugo. Groomed ski trails. Parking on Irish Avenue

Troll Hollow:

2232 100th Avenue, Dresser, Wisconsin, 2.0 km lighted, groomed trail. 651-433-5141, 715755-2955 or trollhaugen.com.

Snowtubing

Green Acres Recreation: 8989 55th St. N., Lake Elmo. 651770-6060 or greenacresrec.com.

Trollhaugen: 2232 100th Avenue, Dresser; 651433-5141 or trollhaugen.com.

Wild Chutes Snow Tubing –Wild Mountain:

37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls. 651-465-6365 or wildmountain.com

Tennis / Pickleball / Raquetball

(See Park listings for more information)

Arena Acres Park: Playground, basketball, tennis. Located at 519 Andall St., Lino Lakes

Bear Park: 465 Bear Ave. S., Vadnais Heights

Beltz Park: 11th Avenue SE and South Shore Drive, Forest Lake

Berwood Park: 780 Berwood Ave., Vadnais Heights. Also pickleball.

Bloomquist Park: 210 Birchwood Ave.,Birchwood

Bobby Theisen Park: 3575 Vivian St., Shoreview. Also pickleball.

Bridgewood Park: 4224-1/2 Bridgewood Terrace, Vadnais Heights. Also pickleball.

Columbia Park: 1756 County Road 96, White Bear Township

Community Park: 661 County Road F East, Vadnais Heights

Eagle Park: 6955 Dupre Road, Centerville

Eagle Park: 5475 Township Drive, White Bear Township

Four Seasons Park: 5287 Hugo Road, White Bear Township

Goodview Park: 26079 Goodview Ave., Wyoming

A pickleball player returns a volley on one of the many courts in the area.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Kohler Meadows Park: 365 County Road F, Vadnais Heights

Lions Park: 5524 N. Upper 146th St., Hugo

Longville Park: 2675 First St., White Bear Township

McCullough Park: 955 County Road I, Shoreview

Mead Park: 5130 Dillon St., White Bear Township

Perro Creek Park: 374 2nd Street, Bayport

Shamrock Park: 5623 Snelling Ave., Shoreview

Shoreview Commons Park: 4580 N. Victoria St., Shoreview.

Sitzer Park: 4344 Hodgson Road, Shoreview

Tablyn Park: 8735 Stillwater Blvd. N., Lake Elmo.

Ballfield, tennis courts and picnic tables

Val Jean Park: 14271 Val Jean Blvd, Hugo

Wilson Park: 815 County Road F, Shoreview

Westfield Park: 520 Westfield Lane, Vadnais Heights

White Bear Lake Sports Center: 1328 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake. 651-429-8571. Racquetball, handball and wallyball. Drop-ins $5.50 to $8.50 an hour.

Theatre

(Live)

Children’s Performing Arts:

Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. 651-336-8613 or www. childrensperformingartsmn.org. Theatre education for children.

Lakeshore Players Theatre:

Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake. 651-478-7427 or www. lakeshoreplayers.com. Community theatre offers performing arts productions and classes.

Masquers Theatre Company: Performances at Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N. 651-464-5823 or masquerstheatre.com

Phipps Center for the Arts: 109 Locust St., Hudson, Wis. Also concerts, classes, art exhibitions. 715-386-2305 or thephipps.org

The Zephyr Theatre:

Professional theatre providing live performances, music, dance, education and artistic opportunities for all ages. Held in the old Zephyr Train Depot at 601 Main Street N., Stillwater. 651-342-1542 or 651-300-4942 or stillwaterzephyrtheatre.org

When he is not touring nationally, acclaimed singer/songwriter Peter Mayer occasionally performs local outdoor concerts.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Trolley Tour

Stillwater Trolley Co.: 400 E. Nelson St., Stillwater. Narrated historic tours or kids Storytime tours of Stillwater. 651430-0352 or stillwatertrolley.com

Tubing

(Downriver)

River’s Edge:

1820 Raleigh Rd, Somerset, Wisconsin. Tubing down Apple River and water slides. 715247-3305 or 888-247-3305 or appleriver.com

Water Parks

Bunker Beach Water Park: 701 County Parkway A, Coon Rapids. Outside. 763-324-3310 or bunkerbeach.com

Tropics Indoor Water Park: Shoreview Community Center, 4580 N. Victoria, Shoreview. 651-

490-4700 or shoreviewmn.gov/ parks-rec/community-center/ waterpark

Battle Creek Waterworks: 2401 Upper Afton Road., Maplewood. Outside. 651-2660335 or co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/ waterpark

Wild Mountain Waterpark: Outdoor waterpark, Alpine slide, go-karts and new Freefall Xperience. 37200 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls. 651-465-6365, or wildmountain.com

Wineries

7 Vines Vineyard: 101 Hwy 96, Dellwood. 651-4786300 or 7vinesvineyard.com

St. Croix Vineyards: 6428 Manning Avenue, Stillwater. 651-430-3310 or scvwines.com

Chateau St. Croix: 1998 Wisconsin Hwy 87, St. Croix

Falls, Wisconsin, 715-483-2556 or chateaustcroix.com

Wild Mountain Winery: 16906 Wild Mountain Road, Taylors Falls. 651-583-3585 or wildmountainwinery.com

WineHaven Winery and Vineyard: 10020 Deer Garden Lane, Chisago City. 651-257-1017 or winehaven. com

White Bear Meadery: 1595 County Road E East, White Bear Lake. 651-352-9552 or whitebearmeadery.com

Two Silo Winery and Vineyard: 7040 117th Street N., Grant. 651493-6763 or twosilofarmhouse. com

Dancing Dragonfly Winery: 2013 120th Ave., St. Croix Falls, WI. 715-483-9463 or dancingdragonflywinery.com

A traditional grape stomp at a local winery.

Paul Dols

Arts, Culture & Recreation

YMCA

Forest Lake YMCA:

19845 Forest Road N. Forest Lake. 651-259-2133 or ymcanorth.org

Shoreview YMCA: 3760 Lexington Ave. N., Shoreview. 651-483-2671 or ymcanorth.org

White Bear Area YMCA: 2100 Orchard Ln., White Bear Lake. 651-777-8103 or ymcanorth.org

Zipline

Trollhaugen Aerial Adventure Park: 2232 100th Avenue, Dresser, WI. 6 zip lines, rope course. 800-4335141, 715-755-2955 or trollhaugen. com

Shop Local

A local resident practices sit-down paddle boarding with her pet.

Paul Dols

Thousands of art classes for all ages 12+ exhibitions per year

Parks and Nature

Walk, run, ski or sail, there’s no question that visitors to the Northeast Metro enjoy some of the most scenic parks, trails and waterways in the Twin Cities.

Anoka, Ramsey and Washington County have hundreds of miles of paved trails, making it easy to get outside without spending any gas money. Cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and nature lovers of all sorts can get miles of fun out of the Gateway Trail, Hardwood Creek Trail and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Trail, to name only a few.

The Lake Links trail system has expanded its way around White Bear Lake in the last few years and is still growing. This trail system continues to connect communities and bring the public closer to the natural beauty of the lakeshore.

Tamarack Nature Center in White Bear Township and Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes help connect young and old to the nature outside their doors. Their seasonal programming includes tasting fresh maple syrup, learning to snowshoe or cross-country ski, watching wildlife and many more exciting activities.

For those with furry friends at home, White Bear Township and Shoreview are home to two large and recently improved dog parks, where pet owners can let their canine friends roam free, explore and make friends.

Local watershed districts such as the White Bear Conservation District, Rice Creek Watershed District and the Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management Organization are constantly hard

at work improving the quality and natural appeal of the area lakes and streams.

Anglers and boaters have long enjoyed the scenic waters of White Bear, Bald Eagle and Forest Lake. The lakes are plentiful with panfish, bass and northern pike— and the dedicated angler may even reel in a walleye or muskie now and then.

Those looking for a quieter, nonmotorized experience may enjoy the peaceful Rice Creek Chain of Lakes or a visit to the iconic gorges of the St. Croix Scenic Riverway.

The communities in the Northeast Metro are invested in making the natural world enjoyable and accessible— however you choose to have fun outdoors.

An all abilities playground was recently completed at Lakewood Hills Park in White Bear Lake.

Paul Dols

Parks & Nature

Nature Centers

Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area:

5463 W Broadway Ave, Columbus, 651-539-3300; Headquarters 7 miles west of Forest Lake on Anoka County Road 18. Primarily used for hiking, hunting and bird-watching.

Tamarack Nature Center:

5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township; 320-acre park preserve with picnic shelter, half-mile paved trail, more than 5 miles of woodchip paths, indoor exhibit area with restrooms.

Building hours: 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday- Saturday, noon to 4p.m. Sunday. 651-266-0360 or www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ parks-recreation/tamarack-nature-center

Joseph E. Wargo Nature Center:

7701 Main St., Lino Lakes; Trails, gardens and a visitors’ center

with restrooms. Exhibits, summer camps and other youth activities, as well as senior programs and other special events. Home to native plant and animal life including muskrats, red foxes, grey and red squirrels, woodchucks, weasels, deer and birds. Part of 5,500acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Rents canoes, kayaks, snowshoes and kicksleds. Hours April through October: Closed Monday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. open Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Winter hours: Closed Saturday through Monday, open Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 763-324-3350 or anokacountyparks.com.

Wildlife Science Center:

22830 Sunrise Rd. NE, Stacy; Nationally recognized education and research facility; home to 90 animals of different species and Minnesota’s largest wolf pack. Tours available. 651-464-3993 or wildlifesciencecenter.org.

State Parks

Please note:

A Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiers and a Horse Pass is required on trails for riders age 16 and older in any state park or state forest. Purchase at the park ($6 daily ski pass and $5 daily horse pass), by telephone (1-888-665-4236) or at any DNR-licensed facility (dnr.state. mn.us/licenses/agentlist.html).

Afton State Park

Description: Rugged, rolling landscape of 1,620 acres; trails follow prairie landscape, deep ravines and bluffs, overlooking scenic St. Croix River. Adjacent to Afton Alps ski area, popular downhill ski spot for the Twin Cities.

What to do: Hike, cross-country ski, ride horses, backpack, picnic, swim and camp. Visitor center. Contact: 651-201-6780, afton.statepark@state.mn.us; Group camp reservations: 866-857-2757

Location: 6959 Peller Ave. S., Hastings

Residents tour an area with native plants that attract pollinators.

Paul Dols

Parks & Nature

William O’Brien State Park

Description: 1,653 acres of rolling, wooded hills along the banks of the St. Croix River.

What to do: Hiking, fishing for northerns, walleye, bass and trout, bird-watching, canoeing, snowshoeing, skiing and camping.

Contact: 651-539-4980, williamobrien.statepark@state.mn.us

Location: 16821 O’Brien Trail N., Marine on St. Croix (12 miles north of Stillwater on State Highway 95)

Interstate State Park

Description: 298 acres along the scenic St. Croix River with spectacular views and a variety of recreational opportunities. Minnesota’s oldest state park was established in 1895 in a joint venture with Wisconsin Interstate Park directly across the St. Croix River, creating the first interstate park in the nation. What to do: Hike both sides of the St. Croix River in Minnesota and Wisconsin, canoe, kayak, fish, camp, rock climb and view unusual glacial potholes.

Contact: 651-539-4500, interstate. statepark@state.mn.us

Location: 307 Milltown Road, Taylors Falls

County & Regional Parks

County Park email addresses:

Washington County: parks@co.washington.mn.us Ramsey County: parks@co.ramsey.mn.us

Bald Eagle-Otter Lake Regional Park

Description: 885 acres including Bald Eagle Lake, Otter Lake and Tamarack Nature Center. Hiking,

snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (rentals available), boating, picnicking (one shelter), off-leash dog area, and activities at Tamarack Nature Center. Dog park is located at 5793 Otter Lake Road (nearest intersection is Otter Lake Road and Meadowview Drive). According to the DNR, Bald Eagle is the most popular muskie lake in the east metro area.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or 651-7482500 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 5800 Hugo Road, White Bear Township - Bald Eagle Section or 5750 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township – Otter Lake Section

Big Marine Park Reserve

Description: 1,800 acres of excellent natural resource features, including the St. Croix Valley/ northeast ground moraine and high-quality upland and wetland wildlife habitat. Boat launch, fishing pier, and swimming on Big Marine Lake; paved hiking trails, cross-country skiing on packed trails, picnic shelters, nature programs and play area.

Contact: 651-430-8200 or co.washington.mn.us

Location: 17495 Manning Trail N., Marine on St. Croix

Battle Creek Regional Park

Description: Playground, picnic areas, off-leash dog area, Waterworks family aquatic center, biking, walking, mountain biking and cross-country ski trails.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or 651748-2500

Location: 2300 Upper Afton Rd., Maplewood - East Section. 75 Winthrop St, South Saint Paul –West Section

Bunker Hills Regional Park

Description: This 1,600-acre

regional park offers a wide spectrum of recreation opportunities. Bunker Beach water park has a large wave pool, swimming and water slides; Bunker Stable offers horseback riding; the park features a playground, biking, hiking, archery, golf, camping, cross-country skiing and picnic facilities. The Activity Center (550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW) includes four meeting and event rooms that can accommodate up to 300. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

Location: 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover MN

Island Lake County Park

Description: 22-acre picnic area on the east side of the lake, 41acre golf course and teaching center on the northwest side of the lake and a 30-acre natural area on the southwest side of the lake. Guarded swimming beach, picnic area, shelters, ballfield, two sand volleyball courts, boat launch, fishing pier and trails, playground, shoreline fishing. Contact: 651-748-2500 or https:// www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ parks-recreation

Location: 3611 N. Victoria St., Shoreview

Lake Elmo Park Reserve

Description: 2,165 acres; 80 percent of acreage set aside for preservation and protection. Gently rolling hills with a variety of landscape, including forest and prairie. View wildlife, canoe, camp, fish, picnic shelters, swim, cross-country ski under 5.5 miles of lighted ski trails, Nordic Center with restrooms and vending machines, snowshoeing, dog walking trails, mountain bike, archery, boat launch, orienteering course, equestrian trails, hiking, play

Parks & Nature

area. No recreational equipment rentals.

Contact: 651-430-8370 or https:// www.co.washington.mn.us/492/ Parks

Location: 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo

Lake Gervais County Park

Description: Picnic area, unguarded swimming beach, play area and fishing pier.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 2420 Edgerton St., Little Canada

Lake Owasso County Park

Description: 430-acre park, primarily composed of wetlands. Playground, unguarded swimming beach, boat launch, picnic tables, shelters, playground. Small wooded “islands” intersperse the large wetland area. The eastern half of

the park consists of agricultural fields, woods and evergreen plantations. Hiking trails with wildlife observation areas have been proposed. The park is currently closed for construction with plans of being open for the summer season.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 370 North Owasso Blvd., Shoreview

Pine Point Regional Park

Description: 296 acres with pine forests, lakes and marshes. Five miles of multiuse trails; the park is a major trailhead to the State’s Gateway Trail. Cross-country ski on 4 miles of groomed trails, bike, bird watch, hike and ride horses on an equestrian trail loop featuring some of the finest trails in the metropolitan area.

Contact: 651-430-8370 or co.washington.mn.us

Location: 11900 Norell Ave. N., Stillwater

Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve

Description: This 5,500-acre regional park contains some of the most significant wildlife habitat in the metropolitan area. Includes Chomonix Golf Course, Wargo Nature Center, Rice Creek campground, Centennial Lake Beach; also picnic areas, boat launch, paved biking trails, hiking trails, canoe and boat launches, playgrounds, and cross-country ski trails. Note: A fishing pier is located on Peltier Lake east of the entrance to Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Contact: 763-324-3300 or anokacountyparks.com

Location: 7373 Main Street, Lino Lakes

Square Lake Park

Description: Square Lake Park is designated as a special regional recreational feature by the Metropolitan Council and offers some of the clearest waters in Minnesota, drawing scuba divers from throughout the region. Boat launch, canoe (access to Square Lake), fishing (pier), picnic area, scuba diving, swimming beach. Contact: 651-430-8200 or co.washington.mn.us

Location: 15450 Square Lake Trail N., Stillwater

Tony Schmidt Regional Park

Description: On 230-acre Lake Johanna, with wetlands surrounded by steep wooded hills. Hiking, biking, swimming (lifeguard services), boat launch, fishing, picnicking (one pavilion and one shelter).

Contact: 651-748-2500 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 3500 Lake Johanna Blvd., Arden Hills

Turtle Lake County Park

Description: 11-acre park moderately to heavily wooded. The park is narrow and positioned between residential properties. Boat launch, 200-foot swimming beach (unguarded), play area, two small picnic shelters and a game field area.

Contact: 651-748-2500 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 4979 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview

Vadnais-Snail Lake Regional Park

Description: 1,019 acres consisting of five lakes and wetlands surrounded by wooded hills and ridges. Swimming beach with lifeguard and concessions, fishing, bike and pedestrian trails, picnic areas, children’s play areas, boat

Pollinators enjoy the parks too.

Paul Dols

Parks & Nature

access, sand volleyball, more than five miles of paved trails.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 4191 Snail Lake Blvd., Shoreview

Vadnais-Sucker Lakes

Regional Park

Description: Playground, shoreline fishing, biking and walking trails.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: County Road F East., Vadnais Heights

White Bear County Park/ Ramsey County Beach

Description: 900 feet of shoreline on 2,400-acre White Bear Lake with boat launch, fishing, playground, picnic area. Swimming at Ramsey County Beach currently prohibited due to low water levels.

Contact: 651-266-0300 or 651748-2500 or co.ramsey.mn.us

Location: 5050 Lake Ave., White Bear Lake

City Parks Bayport

Barker’s Alps:

901 Fifth Avenue N., west of Bayport; Wooded hiking trails along bluff, playground, picnic tables, grills, soccer and softball fields, sledding hill. 651-275-4404

Lakeside Park:

95 Central Avenue; East of downtown along the St. Croix River; Beach, beach house, playground, picnic shelters, charcoal grills, volleyball courts, softball field. Boat trailer parking for a fee.

Perro Creek:

374 2nd Street N., Downtown on Perro Creek; Ice skating/hockey and tennis/ pickleball, softball field, playground and tot lot.

Village Green Park:

Shady open space located 400 3rd Street North, adjacent to Andersen Elementary School and Bayport Library. Birchwood Village

Bloomquist Park:

210 Birchwood Ave between Cedar Street and Birchwood Ave; Tennis courts, playground

Hall’s Marsh:

Lake Ave; Undeveloped nature preserve

Tighe-Schmidt Park:

410 Lake Avenue; Playground, picnic area, ballfields, ice rink with warming house

Centerville

Acorn Creek Park:

1874 Revoir St; Playground, swing set, picnic tables and a lot of open space. 651-429-3232

Cornerstone Park:

1670 Main St; Small courtyard, Veterans Memorial, plantings and a kiosk along the Main Street Trail. 651-429-3232

Eagle Park:

6955 Dupre Road; Tennis and Pickleball court and playground. 651-429-3232

Hidden Spring Park:

1601 LaMotte Drive. Picnic pavilion, benches, grills, rain garden and walking path. No swimming, fishing or boating.

Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park:

6970 LaMotte Dr; Soccer fields, softball fields with bleachers, hockey rink and skateboard park, adjacent to bike/walking path. 651-429-3232

Royal Meadows Park:

7161 West Robin Lane; Basketball hoop and backstop, swing set and playground. 612-889-7389

Waterskiiers and sailors enjoy a local lake at the height of summer.

Paul Dols

Tracie McBride

Memorial Park:

1875 Fox Run; Playground and open green space. 651-429-5996

Trail Side Park:

7145 Main St; Bench to stop and watch the sunset while walking along the path; site of White Bear Waterski Club shows. 651-4293232

Circle Pines

Baldwin Park:

400 Keith Dr; Picnic shelter, ball field, hockey rink, pleasure rink, line skate in summer, playground. 763-231-2611

Carl Eck Park:

2 Firebarn Road; Picnic shelters, Little League fields, batting cage, playground. 763-231-2611

Center Park:

26A Center Road.; Picnic shelters, playground.

City Hall Park:

200 Civic Heights Circle; Playground equipment, community gardens.

Golden Lake Park:

67 Golden Lake Road W; Fishing pier, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, concession stand, volleyball, tennis, half-court basketball, restrooms and swimming beach, boat launch.

Golden Lake School:

1 School Road; Picnic shelters, baseball fields and playground equipment. 763-792-5900

Heritage Commons:

Village Parkway on south side of Lake Drive, clock tower, history walk, pavilion, labyrinth.

Indian Hills Park:

Parks & Nature

52 A Indian Hills Drive; Nestled in Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, playground and open space.

Inner Park:

6A Inner Drive; Baseball field, hockey/skating rink, pickleball, basketball, picnic shelter and playground. 763-784-5898

North Star Park:

234 North Star Lane; Playground equipment.

Forest Lake Bay Park:

Ninth Avenue and 17th Street SE; Picnic table and tot lot.

Bayview Park:

Bayview Drive SE and 15th Avenue SE; Play equipment, basketball, picnic table.

Beltz Park:

11th Avenue SE and South Shore Drive; Playground, ballfields, tennis, basketball and sand volleyball courts, ice rink with warming house, picnic tables.

Bixby Park:

Open space at Second Avenue NW and Seventh Street SW.

Bridle Pass Park: 6558 210th Lane Court N. Playground, open spaces

Cedar Park:

Second Avenue NW and Seventh Street SW; Playground, ballfield, picnic tables.

Clear Lake Park:

5803 213th St; Playground, basketball court, picnic tables.

Eagle Bluff Park:

Farnham Avenue N and Farnham Drive N; Playground, picnic tables, ballfields.

Fenway Park:

5530 206th St. N; Ball Fields, Soccer, Play Equipment, Trails and Open Space

Kulencamp Park:

8938 230th St. N; Playground, ballfields, picnic shelter, wooded area.

Lakeside Memorial Park:

95 East Broadway at First Avenue NE.; Play equipment, picnic tables, picnic shelter, gazebo, barbecue grills, beach, beach house with restrooms, boat launch.

Manor Park:

Harrow Avenue N. and 213th Street N; Play equipment, picnic tables.

North Shore Circle Park:

7621 North Shore Circle; Mowed open space and shore fishing.

Preserve Park: 20809 Granada Ave N, Open Space

Shawn B Silvera

Memorial Park: Between Evergreen Circle and Elston Ave; horseshoe, playground, basketball, picnic areas

Schumacher Park:

Eighth Street SW and Third Avenue SW (school district park).

Sherwood Park:

Imperial Ave N & 210th street North; Open space, picnic area, sledding hill.

Shields Lake Park:

8787 212th St. N; Fishing pier, canoe access, picnic area.

Lakes

In the Northeast Metro, boaters, anglers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a relaxing day at the beach can find their groove in just a few minutes’ drive. This region is peppered with lakes large and small, which offers many choices whether you’re looking for a Jet-Ski race or a quiet sunset kayak paddle.

White Bear Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, and Forest Lake are well known for their angling opportunities, harboring bass, pike, and panfish for a fun day in the shallows. Many experienced anglers seek out these lakes for the more elusive walleyes and lurking muskies that put up a little more fight.

Big Marine, Centerville Lake and the interconnected Rice Creek Chain of Lakes are also home to an exciting variety of fish that draws many ice fishers each winter. These lakes are fringed by acres of forest and natural shoreline for a getaway that feels much farther away than 15 minutes from the heart of St. Paul.

Quieter lakes such as Square Lake are more popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, as well as freshwater divers.

White Bear Lake boasts multiple public parks, boat launches and swimming beaches around its shoreline. There is a long history of competitive sailboat racing on White Bear Lake. The White

Bear Yacht Club is one of the community’s oldest institutions, and still holds a summer-long season of regattas. The lake is just as well known for its water ski community, and the Ski Otters team that puts on public shows in the summertime.

The city of Forest Lake hosts many of its summertime events, such as the Arts in the Park series, at its beach and boat launch at Lakeside Memorial Park. Its best to check on the city or county website to find out about upcoming waterside events— the Fourth of July fireworks, for instance, is especially enjoyable when viewed over the many waters that surround these communities.

A sailboard enthusiast harnesses the wind on one of the many lakes in the area.

Paul Dols

Parks & Nature

Southview Park: Forest Blvd. and Georgia Ave; Play equipment, trails, picnic shelter, prairie restoration area.

Summerfield Park: 206th Street N. and Everton Avenue N; Play equipment, picnic tables, gazebo, barbecue grills.

Tower Park: 843 SW Fourth Street; Hockey rinks and warming house.

Hugo

Arbre Park: 14180 Arbre Lane N; Playground, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, sand volleyball, basketball court and benches.

Beaver Ponds Park:

12710 Fondant Trail N; Playground, picnic shelter, soccer fields and benches.

Clearwater Creek Preserve:

4826 Fable Hill Circle N.; 96-acre passive park with wood chip trails.

Cove Park: 14227 Oneka Pkwy, Playground and Park Shelter

Diamond Point Park:

6355 145th St. N; 12.6-acre park; playground for variety of ages, picnic shelter, baseball/softball field, sand volleyball, basketball court and benches.

Frog Hollow Park: 5495 159th St. N; Playground picnic table and benches.

Hanifl Fields Athletic Park: 7032 137th St. N; Asphalt path, playground, picnic shelter, soccer fields and benches.

Hardwood Creek Trailhead:

Trailhead at 146th Street N; Paved and turf trails from Hugo to Forest Lake along Highway 61/Forest Blvd.

Heritage Ponds Park:

15541 Empress Ave. N; Paved trails, playground, picnic shelter, large grassy open space and benches.

Irish Avenue Park:

14420 Irish Ave. N. 125-acre passive park with grass trails and horseback riding.

Lions Park:

5524 Upper 146th St. N; Playground, skate park, Ball fields, soccer fields, tennis/ pickleball court and benches

McCollar Park:

4656 Fable Hill Parkway; Playground, exercise equipment, picnic shelter overlooking a pond.

Oak Shore Park:

12790 Exhall Ave N; Asphalt path, playground, picnic shelter, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, horseshoes, sledding hill, basketball court and benches.

Oneka Lake Park:

15369 Goodview Ave. N; Playground, picnic shelter, soccer fields and benches.

Val Jean Park:

14271 Val Jean Blvd; Playground, picnic shelter, soccer fields, tennis court and benches.

Victor Square Park:

14650 Victor Hugo Blvd; Sidewalks between gardens and pond, picnic shelter, tables and grill

Tower Park:

5030 130th St. N.; Picnic tables, grassy spaces and benches.

Lake Elmo

Carriage Station Park:

5036 Marquess Trail N; Playground, Basketball court, sledding hill, trail access.

Demontreville Park:

5700 Highlands Trail N; Basketball, volleyball, soccer, football and softball and playground.

Firefly Park:

4115 Lavender Ave N, Playground and Trail Access

Goose Lake Park:

820 Keats Ave.; Pavilion, Grills, Canoe Racks, Dock, Picnic Area.

Hammes Park:

9337 6th St., Playground, Zip Line, Trail Access

Hidden Knoll Park:

5772 Lily Avenue; Gaga Ball Pit, Playground, Tetherball, Sledding Hill.

Ivywood Park:

717 Ivywood Circle; Picnic Pavilion, Pickleball Courts and Trail Access.

Klies Park:

5285 Jamaca Blvd, Playground, Ball Field, Open Field and Picnic Areas with Grill

Lions Park:

3585 Laverne Ave. N.; Lighted baseball field and tennis courts, skating/hockey rink with warming house, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, picnic shelter.

Parks & Nature

Swans brave the cold on Sucker Lake Channel.

Jackie Bussjaeger

Parks & Nature

Pilot Park:

3217 Linden Ln; Playground, Open Space and Trail Access

Pebble Park:

8160 Lake Jane Trail N; Natural resource area, lighted tennis courts, ice rink, picnic tables, sledding hill, softball, basketball and volleyball courts, mountain bike trails.

Reid Park: 11430 30th St. N; Lake, playground, basketball, ballfields and Trail Access.

Ridge Park:

1839 Ivory Ave N; Ball Field, Playground and Trail Access

Stonegate Park:

750 Jasmine Ave; Ballfield, football field, playground equipment, soccer field and walking trail.

Sunfish Lake Park:

10000 Stillwater Ave N; Ecological area with 9 miles of cross-county ski, hiking trails, and bird-watching.

Tablyn Park:

8735 Stillwater Blvd.; Playground, softball, soccer, football fields, lighted tennis courts, sledding hill and picnic tables.

Tana Ridge Park: 11620 44th St N; Playground, Soccer, Ball Field, Trail Access

Lexington

Lexington Memorial Park: 9100 Hamline Avenue; Half-court basketball, ice rinks, playground, pavilion, picnic tables, grills, five softball fields, tennis courts, con-

cession stand, recreational community room with kitchen facilities and horseshoe pits. Reservations accepted for pavilion and community room at City Hall.

Lexington City Park: 9004 Dunlap Avenue; Playground, picnic area.

Lino Lakes

Arena Acres Park: 519 Andall Street; Playground, basketball, tennis.

Behm’s Park:

7699 Mustang Drive; Playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, trail.

Birch Park:

6520 Pheasant Run South; Playground, ballfields, skating/hockey rink.

Birchwood Acres Park:

572 Lonesome Pine Trail; 18-acre park with playground, ballfields.

Brandywood Park: 1300 Velvet Leaf Lane; Playground, trail.

City Hall Park: 1189 Main Street; 14-acre park with playground, ballfields, skate park, and skating/hockey rinks.

Clearwater Creek Park: 2270 Tart Lake Road; Playground, basketball, picnic shelter, trail and open space.

Country Lakes Park: 6600 West Shadow Lake Drive; Fishing pier, picnic tables, trails on 22 acres.

Highland Meadows Park: 624 Arlo Lane; Playground, basketball court, picnic shelter, trail.

LaMotte Park: 6936 LaMotte Drive; 1-acre open space park.

Lino Park:

7850 Lake Drive; Playground, baseball fields, soccer fields, picnic shelter, lacrosse field, trail.

Marshan Park: 7204 Lake Drive; Soccer fields and playground.

North Pointe Park:

6690 21st Ave South; Playground, picnic, Basketball and Pickleball Court

Pheasant Hills Park:

6659 Sherman Lake Road; Playground, basketball court, trails.

Shenandoah Park:

475 Arrowhead Drive; Playground.

Sunrise Park:

6918 Sunrise Drive; Playground, ballfields, soccer, picnic shelter, skating/hockey rinks, warming house

Sunset Oaks Park: 7481 Leonard Avenue; Soccer field and playground.

Wenzel Farms Park:

7139 Ivy Ridge Lane; Playground, basketball court, trails

Woods Edge Park:

720 Village Drive; Fort Building Area, Playground, Trails

Woods of Baldwin Lake Park: 6130 Oak Wood Lane; Playground, trail.

A member of a local golf team gets an early start on one of several simulators in the area.

Golf

The Northeast Metro is home to some of the best golfing venues in the Twin Cities, with a mix of public and private course situated in the scenic wooded hills and lakes outside the bustle of the Cities.

White Bear Lake is home to two public courses, the 18-hole Manitou Ridge Golf Club opened in 1928, and Gem Lake Hills, which includes a Par 3 course and an executive course.

In nearby Hugo and south of Forest Lake you will find two other public 18 holes gems in Oneka Ridge Golf Course and Tanners Brook Golf Club. Other public options in the Forest Lake area include Castlewood Golf, a 9-hole course also known as “The Rock”, has been the home of local golf since 1920.

If you are looking at golfing in the scenic Stillwater area, Oak Glen and Loggers Trail offer 18 championship holes, while Applewood Golf Course is a great 18-hole executive course option. Just south of Stillwater located

along I-94, StoneRidge Golf Club is another 18-hole championship delight.

Another course to check out is Chomonix Golf Course, a challenging and scenic 18-hole course in Lino Lakes, part of the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve. The course is part of the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation system.

Just south of White Bear in Maplewood is the historic Keller Golf Course, one of the oldest public 18-hole courses in the Twin Cities, built in 1929 and operated by Ramsey County.

Island Lake Golf Course & Training Center offers a 9-hole course, plus a unique glow golf experience and a new miniature golf course that opened in 2023. There are several private golf club membership options in the Northeast Metro. White Bear Yacht Club is one of the oldest and storied clubs in the region, founded in 1889 as a sailing club. Dellwood Country Club is nestled in a scenic wooded area

just north and east of White Bear Lake. There are three private courses in the Stillwater area including Stillwater Country Club, Royal Club Golf Course and Indian Hills Golf Club. Other area private membership options include North Oaks Golf Club and Forest Hills Golf Club near Forest Lake. Most courses offer leagues, lessons and driving ranges. Check out the individual web sites for more information. If you just want to swing the clubs but not on the course, other area options include Shadow Ridge Driving Range in Lino Lakes, Ironwood Golf Range near Scandia and the Midwest Golf Dome in Maplewood.

Want to swing the clubs in the winter? There are several golf simulators in the area including Element Indoor Golf, White Bear Yacht Club, Dellwood Country Club, Forest Hills Golf Club, North Oaks Golf Club, Applewood, Tanners Brook Golf Club, Oneka Ridge Golf Course and Castlewood Golf.

Parks & Nature

Mahtomedi

Katherine Abbott Park:

1000 Lincolntown Ave.; 76 acres of woods, meadows and trails, picnic area. Katherine Abbott Center building available for rent.

Chautauqua Park:

75 1/2 Quail Street; Picnic Area and Sand beach on White Bear Lake.

Mahtomedi Beach:

1045 Park Ave; Sand beach, picnic facilities, restrooms.

Mahtomedi District Education Center:

1520 Mahtomedi Ave; Baseball fields, outdoor skating rink.

Southwest Park:

29 Long Lake Road; Baseball and soccer fields, playground, picnic area.

Wedgewood Park:

211 Wedgewood Dr; Sports court, baseball field, playground and picnic shelter.

Wildwood Park:

345 Lincolntown Avenue; Fishing pier on Long Lake, playground, sand volleyball, picnic facilities and baseball field.

Oak Park Heights

Autumn Hills Park:

5697 Norwich Parkway near Boutwell’s Landing; Playground and 2,000-square-foot shelter facility with kitchen and restrooms.

Brekke Park:

5500 Omar Avenue , South of Anderson Corporation Building; Playground, picnic area, shelter building with restrooms, grills, ballfields and skating rink with warming house.

Cover Park:

15000 block of 58th Street; Tennis courts, skating rink, playground equipment and it is handicapped-accessible.

Oak Park Crossing Park:

15125 60th Str N; Playground and Park Shelter

Swager Park:

5800 block of 58th Street; Tennis and basketball courts and a playground.

Valley View Park:

Osgood Avenue on the south border of the city; Picnic area, playground and hiking trails to explore prairie restoration and wetlands.

Shoreview

Bobby Theisen Park:

3575 Vivian St.; Soccer field, hard court/basketball area, hockey rink, paths, general skating and tennis/ pickleball courts.

Bucher Park:

5900 Mackubin Street; Ball fields, hardcourt/basketball area, hockey rink, paths, picnic area, playground equipment, general skating, tennis courts and volleyball.

Lake Judy Park:

900 Arbogast St; Paths, picnic area, playground equipment and volleyball.

McCullough Park:

955 County Road I; Paths, picnic area, playground equipment with climbing rock, hockey rink, general skating, football/soccer field, hard court/basketball area, tennis courts and baseball fields.

Ponds Park:

190 Sherwood Road; Picnic table, bench swing, path and playground equipment.

Rice Creek Fields:

5880 Rice Creek Parkway; Picnic

There is a great park selection for all ages in the northeast metro area.

Paul Dols

tables, softball fields, paths, playground equipment, ball fields and batting cages.

Shamrock Park:

5623 Snelling Avenue. Picnic shelter, football/soccer field, hard court/ basketball area, hockey rink, paths, playground equipment, general skating, tennis courts and ballfields.

Shoreview Commons Park:

4580 Victoria Street; Football/soccer field, hard court/basketball area, paths, playground equipment, picnic shelter, grills, tennis courts, ballfields.

Sitzer Park:

4344 Hodgson Road; Hard court/ basketball area, hockey rink, paths, playground equipment, baseball fields, general skating and tennis courts.

Wilson Park:

815 County Road F; Hard court/ basketball area, hockey rink, paths, playground equipment, general skating, sand volleyball courts and baseball fields.

Stillwater

Brown’s Creek

Nature Preserve:

McKusick Road and Neal Avenue. Multi-use trail open to hikers, bikers and cross country skiers. Trail is 5.9 miles long and connects to the Gateway State Trail.

Lily Lake Park:

1208 S. Greeley St. on Lily Lake; Indoor ice arena, ball field, basketball, tennis courts, boat launch, fishing pier, swimming beach, playground and picnic shelters.

Pioneer Park:

515 North 2nd Str; Overlooks downtown and the river; includes

Parks & Nature

picnic shelters with electricity, grills, bandshell and playground.

Lowell Park:

201 Water Street; Located along the St. Croix River in downtown Stillwater and includes picnic tables, restrooms and gazebo, open space and walking paths.

Washington Square:

815 S Greeley Street; Picnic facilities, playground equipment and a ball field.

Northland Park:

25 Northland Ave.; Adult and Little League ball fields, horseshoe pits, lighted tennis courts, playground, skating rinks and picnic tables.

Teddy Bear Park:

207 East Nelson St.; Park play equipment designed for children 7 years and younger, gazebo, picnic tables, and amphitheater hosting programs throughout summer.

Meadowlark Park:

Crestwood Terrace off of Fairmeadows Rd; Playground, sand volleyball, basketball court.

Ramsey-Grove Park:

150 S Grove St; Playground, basketball court, sledding hill.

Staples Park:

351 Wilkins St W; Playground, ball fields, tennis courts, community garden.

Schulenberg Park:

1950 2nd St N; Playground, ball fields, sledding hill.

McKusick Park:

Owens St. and McKusick Rd; Walking/hiking path, canoe launch.

Benson Park:

North side of West Orleans St; Walking path, playground, picnic area, ball fields, sand volleyball, basketball.

Settlers Park:

3841 Abercrombie Lane; Hiking paths, tennis courts.

Heritage Square Park:

3380 Heritage Ct; Playground, hiking/walking paths.

Legends Park:

Barons Way and Delano Way; Playground, ball fields, outdoor rink.

Public beaches are often popular in the summer months.

Paul Dols

continues to gain popularity nationally, around the state and locally.

A 2023 sports and fitness industry report named pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third year in a row; the sport totaled 8.9 million players in the U.S. over the age of 6 – an increase from 4.8 million in 2022. Its growth is attributed to its popularity within community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities and retirement communities.

Pickleball is described as a mix of ping pong and tennis, but its origins lie with badminton. In the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, three friends created the game for their bored children. The property had an old badminton court. Ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic ball were used in place of missing badminton equipment.

Pickleball

A standard pickleball court measures about the size of a doubles badminton court: Inclusive of lines, it’s 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. Like tennis, the court is striped with right and left service courts. The seven-foot non-volley zone in front of the net on both sides, extending to each sideline, is called the kitchen.

It’s a fault if a player hits the ball mid-air from the kitchen and/ or while standing on the kitchen line, but a player can stand in the kitchen and hit the ball over the net after it bounces. This is when dinking often commences. Dinks are soft and controlled shots; the ball is lightly tapped over the net, sometimes at a sharp angle near the opposing kitchen line, to make difficult returns. Other rules to

remember: Serves must be from below the waist, from behind the baseline, and the ball must bounce once per side after the serve before it can be hit mid-air from the service courts.

Many people believe the game is named after a dog owned by one of the creators, Joel Pritchard. But, according to an interview with Pritchard, the dog didn’t exist until 3 years after the game’s creation. Pritchard said his wife, Joan, named the sport after the “pickle boats” she rooted for in college rowing regattas. Non-varsity rowers competed in separate “just for fun” pickle boat races. Joan thought “pickleball” – a mishmash of games – was an appropriate name. And, it stuck. To learn more visit: https://usapickleball.org/

Pickleball

Paul Dols

Skateboard Park:

West of Washington Ave. on Curve Crest Blvd.; Skateboard and BMX bike facilities.

Stillwater Township

Arcola Heights Park:

Corner of 100th Street N. and Perkins Avenue N; Hiking trail and 9-target disc golf course. Leashed dogs OK

Little Carnelian Park:

On 113th Street N., west of Stonebridge Trail; Trail provides walking access to Little Carnelian Lake. No lifeguard on duty. Dogs prohibited.

Otto Berg Park:

Next to Town Hall, bordered by Highway 96, Norell Avenue and Stonebridge Trail; Pavilion, picnic tables, playground, softball field, basketball and volleyball courts. Dogs prohibited.

Vadnais Heights Bear Park:

465 Bear Avenue S; Basketball hoop, picnic area, playground, ballfields, soccer fields and tennis courts.

Berwood Park:

780 Berwood Avenue; Playground equipment, tennis courts, and trails.

Bridgewood Park:

4224-1/2 Bridgewood Terrace; Basketball hoop, picnic tables, playground equipment and tennis courts. Community Park: 641 East County Road F; Basketball hoop, hockey rink, open skating, picnic tables, picnic shelter, playground equipment, ballfields, soccer/football fields, tennis courts and trails.

Elmwood Park:

3892 Elmwood St.; Picnic tables

Parks & Nature

and playground equipment.

Greenhaven Park:

4470 Greenhaven Drive.; Picnic tables and playground equipment.

Heritage Park:

4345 Heritage Court; Picnic tables, Trails.

Kohler Meadows Park:

365 County Road F East; Picnic area, playground, ballfields, soccer fields, tennis courts and trails.

Lily Pond Park:

325 Lily Pond Lane; Picnic tables, playground equipment, ballfields and trails.

Morningside Park:

4485 Morningside Drive; Picnic tables and ballfields.

Oak Creek Park:

485 Oak Creek Drive S.; Picnic tables and playground equipment.

Vadnais School:

3645 Centerville Road; Basketball hoop, playground equipment, ballfields and soccer/football fields.

Westfield Park:

520 Westfield Lane; Basketball hoop, hockey rink, open skating, picnic tables, playground equipment, ballfields, soccer/football fields, tennis courts and trails.

Wolters Park:

1351 Wolters Boulevard; Picnic tables, playground equipment and trails.

White Bear Lake

Bossard Park:

3765 Bellaire Ave; 17 acres west of Bellaire Avenue and south of

Cedar Avenue. Softball and soccer fields, picnic area and playground, sledding hill.

Cottage Park

Nature Preserve:

Across from Lions Park at White Bear Avenue and Cottage Park Road. Benches to enjoy the view of White Bear Lake.

Ebba Park:

3450 Ebba St.; Picnic tables, softball field and playground.

Hidden Hollow Park:

4150 Myrle Ave; Nine acres between Bellaire and Myrle avenues with picnic tables, Dog Walk

Jack Yost Park:

1856 Florence St.; Playground, Picnic Area, Baseball Fields, dog walk

Lakeview Park:

2165 Lakeview Ave; Boat dock, canoe landing, fishing dock, picnic area.

Lakewood Hills:

2110 Orchard Lane; Four baseball fields, picnic area, shelters, fireplace, fishing, hiking trails, skateboard park, playground and disc golf course.

Lions Park:

4410 Lake Ave. S; Picnic area with shelters, restrooms, fishing dock, canoe rack.

Matoska Park:

4810 Lake Ave. N; Historic Geist Gazebo, picnic area, restrooms, boat and canoe launch, sailboat marina, Seventh Street dock for swimming and a dog beach. Speiss landing marker commemorates Gerry Speiss’ sail across the Atlantic in his 10-foot boat.

Parks & Nature

McCarty Park:

1799 Elm St; Child play structures and picnic area.

Memorial Beach:

4980 Lake Ave. N; Picnic tables, restroom, outdoor shower and drinking fountain.

Podvin Park:

1700 9th Street; Softball, soccer and football fields, picnic area, shelters, restrooms, playground, ice rinks with warming house, skateboard park and basketball court.

Railroad Park: 4752 Hwy 61; Gazebo, flower gardens, benches and history monument

Ramaley Park: 1883 Park Street; Playground, restrooms, ice rink and ballfields.

Rotary Nature Preserve:

4840 White Bear Parkway; Pavilion, picnic tables, park lights, trails, restrooms, dog walk

Spruce Park: 3653 McKnight Road; Playing

fields, playground equipment, basketball court, picnic tables, ice rink with warming house.

Stellmacher Park:

3930 Linden St; Picnic area, shelter, playground equipment, baseball field, Basketball court and sledding hill.

Varney Lake Park: 2051 Orchard Lane; Dog-walking area.

Veterans Memorial Park: 4520 Highway 61; Fishing pier, foot bridge, picnic area, benches

West Park: 2350 11th St; Beach, restrooms, picnic tables, ballfield, park shelter and playground.

Weyerhauser Park: 1705 Ninth St; Baseball fields and restrooms.

Willow Marsh Reserve: 1710 Fair Oaks; 15-acre park.

White Bear Township

Apple Tree Park: 4399 Oakmede Lane; Playground and basketball court.

Anderson Park: 1188 Anderson Lane; Half-acre of undeveloped park.

Bellaire Beach:

2499 South Shore Blvd; Picnic area, shelter, swimming beach and swings.

Bellaire Park:

2560 County Rd. F; Trails, picnic areas, inline skating, sliding hill.

Birch Park:

2150 Overlake Avenue; Playground, picnic equipment and small ballfield.

Brandlwood Park: 5801 Meadowview Drive; Playground, picnic area, skating rink and an open field.

Columbia Park: 1756 Hwy. 96 East; Playground, ballfield, skating rink, tennis courts, picnic shelter and soccer field.

Deer Meadow Park:

2625 Parkview Drive; Facilities include a paved trail, a picnic shelter, a playground and open space

Eagle Park: 5485 Township Drive; Playground, picnic equipment, shelter, skating rink and tennis court

Four Seasons Park: 5287 Hugo Road; Playground, tennis courts, picnic shelter and ballfield.

Many of the trails are still used in the winter months.

Paul Dols

Parks & Nature

Fox Meadow Park:

4230 White Bear Parkway; Playground, picnic shelter and open field.

Garden Creek Park: 5383 Portland Ave; Playground equipment, ice skating rink and picnic area.

Garley Park:

5560 Peterson Road; Small ballfield.

Gilder Park:

2626 Suzanne Circle; Playground equipment, sledding hill and basketball court.

Longville Park:

5300 Portland Ave; Baseball field, tennis courts, picnic shelter and area, trails and benches.

Mead Park:

5130 Dillon St; Playground, baseball field, skating rink, picnic shelter and horseshoe pit.

Manor Park:

2569 Stacker Blvd; Playground equipment.

Meadowlands Park:

4600 Stoddart Circle; Playground, passive trails and benches.

Moon Lake Park: 4701 Greenhaven Dr; Trails.

Otter Park:

5868 Otterview Trail. Playground and sledding hill.

Polar Lakes Park:

1280 Hammond Road; Two baseball fields, two multi-use fields, lighted soccer fields, playground, picnic shelters and amphitheater/ stage.

Red Pine Park:

5860 Red Pine Blvd; Playground, ice skating, basketball court and sledding hills.

Rutherford Park: 2673 Lake Ave; Benches.

Sandterra Park: 5891 Pintail Ln; Trails.

Walhof Park: 5335 Reed Place; Playground.

Willernie

Willernie Park:

Corner of Stillwater Road and Dartmoor Road; Basketball and playground.

Wyoming

Ashton Park:

Galen Drive, 261st Street and Flint Trail; Playground equipment and picnic tables.

Banta Park:

Fondant Avenue south of 250th Street; Playground, ballfield, pavilion, picnic and grill

Blue Spruce Park:

End of 262nd Street.; Playground equipment, picnic table and basketball court

Centennial Park:

Two blocks from City Hall at Fenwick Avenue and 270th Street; Picnic area, grill and shade trees.

Comfort Park:

25578 Iris Ave; Walking trail, bridges, play area, picnic table and Disc Golf

Comfort Lakes Access:

260th Street; Boat access and parking.

Fireside Park:

251st Street and Elk Trail; Playground, Groomed winter trail

Goodview Park:

Goodview Ave south of 262nd Street; Picnic shelter with grills, playground, trails, soccer fields, tennis courts and State of the art

Skateboard Park

Hawk Meadows Trail:

Near 255th Street and Grenada Avenue; Hiking trails and groomed winter trails

Lions Park:

End of 263rd Street; Pavilion, Picnic and grills, ballfield, basketball hoop, playground and groomed winter trail

Swenson Park:

26929 Flintwood Avenue; Playground, ice rink with warming house, tennis courts, ballfields with bleachers.

Sunrise Trail:

Paved bike trail runs between I-35 and Highway 61 from Forest Lake to North Branch. 18.5 Miles

Tolzmann Park:

274th Street and Finland Avenue; Softball field, pavilion, sand volleyball, playground equipment, paved trail.

Town Hall Park:

7665 Wyoming Trail; Softball field, playground, picnic tables, bleachers.

Verges Memorial Park:

258th Street and Goodwin Road; Playground, basketball court, sand volleyball.

Dining & Lodging

Restaurants

Visitors starved for a good eating experience will have their fill in the northeast suburbs. If you’re hungry for high-class meals, Stillwater’s riverside and White Bear’s lake edge house sumptuous bistros. You don’t have to fork out a ton of cash to get a good meal, though. From Shoreview to Forest Lake, you can fill up on soups, salads, and sandwiches without emptying your wallet.

Those looking to expand their palette while they expand their stomachs will find themselves bowled over by the cultural options in Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties. Mexican cuisine in the area ranges from authentic taco hideaways to award-winning

bistros. Vietnamese kitchens prepare pho, simmering broth that will beguile your taste buds. Japanese restaurants offer slurp-able ramen bowls as well as intricate sushi rolls. Ethiopian dishes delight in North Saint Paul while a Pan-African spread satiates in Blaine. Italian eateries near Mahtomedi or by Woodbury serve both traditional and familiar—with either ice cream or gelato for dessert.

Of course, some crave standard American staples. From Hugo to Vadnais Heights, you’ll find a good bar and grill that’s light on the bill. Pizza— whether Neapolitan, Chicago, or New-York style—is waiting to be served to you and yours wherever you’re craving a slice.

No meal is complete, however, unless it’s paired with the right drink. Breweries near the St. Croix river and vineyards in Dellwood ensure that wherever you dine, you’ll have the right beer or wine.

After a night out on the town, visitors don’t have to say goodbye to amazing meals just yet—the northeast suburbs have delectable breakfast joints too. Cafes and coffee houses abound, so you can enjoy your weekday jumpstart or your weekend brunch. By the time you’ve finished tasting everything we have to offer, the only thing you’ll be hungry for is a return visit!

Restaurant patrons have a lot of choices when it comes to food and drinks in the northeast metro.

Paul Dols

Best Western, White Bear Country Inn and Rudy’s Redeye Grill

BEST WESTERN PLUS & WHITE BEAR COUNTRY INN

A warm Minnesota welcome awaits you at the BEST WESTERN PLUS White Bear Country Inn. Enjoy hometown hospitality, first class accommodations, award-winning food from Rudy’s Redeye Grill, an upscale, casual American restaurant offering two full bars, a classic indoor dining room, and a seasonal rooftop patio. Our hotel combines all of the amenities of a charming inn with the high standards of the Best Western Plus chain.

Our Hotel in White Bear Lake boasts “Minnesota Nice” service and state-ofthe-art services.

• Connected to Rudy’s Redeye Grill

• Spectacular Rooms and Suites

• Fireplace/Whirlpool Suites

• Indoor Saltwater Pool

• Exercise Room

• Complimentary Hot Breakfast

• 24 hour Business Center

• Weddings and events

• Meetings

RUDY’S REDEYE GRILL

Rudy’s creates a one-of-akind dining experience by combining award-winning food with great ambiance. Enjoy the summer months on Rudy’s Rooftop, a favorite local destination. Our White Bear Lake steakhouse and event venue are best known for our pan-fried walleye, Drunk ‘n Dirty Pork Chops, Bull Bites, charbroiled steaks, and amazing martinis.

Paul Dols

Index of Advertising

All American Roofing & Restoration ....................................63

Contact: 763-315-3911

Business type: Roofing & Siding

All Built Right Construction ............................... 63

Contact: 612-246-7079

Business type: Roofing & Siding

Anna’s Hallmark 35

Location: 1073 Hwy. 96 W., Shoreview

Contact: 651-482-1284

Business type: Retail

Bear Roofing & Exteriors .............................. 63

Contact: 651-407-1987

Business type: Roofing

Carbone’s Pizzeria & Pub 60

Location: 1350 Hwy 96 E., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-429-7609

Business type: Restaurant

Children’s Discovery Academy ......................................... 23

Location: 3665 Talmage Circle, Vadnais Heights

Contact: 651- 653-9871

Business type: Education

Jones Mulch Service 62

Contact: 612-501-1191

Business type: Landscaping

Krinkie’s Heating Air Plumbing ........................................ 62

Contact: 651-426-5220

Business type: Heating & Cooling, AC, Plumbing

Lake Area Dental ........................ 2

Location: 4801 Hwy. 61, Ste. 301, White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-762-8474

Business type: Health and Fitness

Lakeshore Players Theatre.............................36 & 39

Location: 4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-478-7427

Business type: Arts

L.C. Simon .......................... 16

Business type: Author

Maplewood Museum ........... 39

Location: 2170 County Rd D E, Maplewood, MN 55109

Contact: 651-748-8645

Business type: Education

Mathnasium ................................ 39

Location: 4715 Hwy. 61 N., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-888-2541

Business type: Education

National Inventions ............. 39

Location: Metro Wide

Contact: 800-968-4332

Business type: Education

Northland Landscape & Construction ............................... 62

Contact: 651-746-4582

Business type: Landscaping

North Star Mini Storage 61

Locations: 3880 Labore Rd., Vadnais Heights 483 W. County Rd. E., Shoreview

Contact: 651-771-3880 (Vadnais Heights) 651-483-1100 (Shoreview)

Business type: Storage

Olson’s Sewer Service........... 4

Location: 17638 Lyons St. NE, Forest Lake

Contact: 651-464-2082

Business type: Sewer

Operatunity ................................. 35

Location:

Contact: 612-404-9265

Business type: Entertainment

Pine Tree Apple Orchard ... 6

Location: 450 Apple

Orchard Rd., WBL

Contact: 651-429-7202

Business type: Vineyard/ Orchard

Red Luna Taco Factory ..... 58

Location: 5960 Hwy. 61 N., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-788-7136

Business type: Restaurant

Index of Advertising

Red Luna Seasons................. 58

Location: 114 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi

Contact: 651-330-6001

Business type: Restaurant

Rudy’s Redeye Grill ................ 57

Location: 4940 Hwy 61 N., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-653-6718

Business type: Restaurant

SCH Services .............................. 62

Contact: 651-210-0061

Business type: Lawn Care

Schneider Custom Woodwork .................................... 62

Contact: 651-213-6638

Business type: Carpentry

Sigstad ............................................. 61

Location: 6586 Us-8 Forest Lake, MN

Contact: 651-462-5698

Business type: Carpet/ Flooring

Smokey’s Pub N’ Grill......... 59

Location: 552 Lincoln Dr., East Bethel

Contact: 651-464-6046

Business type: Restaurant

Index of Advertising

State Farm 4

Location: 568 South Lake

St., Forest Lake, MN 550252609

Contact: Jesse Johnson

651-464-7227

Business type: Insurance

St. Croix Casinos 12

Location: Turtle Lake, Danbury & Hertel

Contact: 1-800-846-8946

(Turtle Lake)

Business type: Entertainment

St. Jude of the Lake 16

Location: 700 Mahtomedi Ave, Mahtomedi

Contact: 651-426-3245

Business type: Education

Timberline Roofing and Contracting .................... 4 & 63

Contact: 651-287-3720

Business type: Roofing & Siding

Trollhaugen Outdoor

Recreation Area .......................... 6

Location: 2232 100th Ave., Dresser, Wis.

Contact: 715-755-2955

Business type: Recreation

Wargo Nature Center .......... 16

Location: 7701 Main Street, Lino Lakes, MN 55038

Contact: 763-324-3350

Business type: Education

White Bear Center for the Arts .............................36 & 39

Location: 4971 Long Ave., White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-336-8613

Business type: Arts

White Bear Eye Clinic ........... 67

Location: 4750 Washington Square, White Bear Lake

Contact: 651-429-3379

Business type: Health and Fitness

White Bear Lake Area Schools 3

Location: White Bear Lake, Birchwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Lino Lakes, Little Canada, Maplewood, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Township

Contact: 651-407-7500

Business type: Education

YMCA of the North .....39 & 68

Location: 2100 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake, MN

Contact: 651-777-8103

Business type: Camp

Your Boat Club......................45

Location: Minnesota

Contact: 612-208-1800

Business type: Boat Club

2022 of the Press White Bear Lake Vadnais Heights

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Great first introduction to camping — kids home each night. Day Camp is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn how to be more independent as they engage in fun social, physical, and educational activities.

YMCA SEASONAL ADVENTURES

Find adventure in every season with programs at the Y. Discover camps and adventure races to keep your kids and your family active all year round!

Y ADVENTURE LAB RACES

Get ready for some fun with Y Adventure Races. Held throughout the year, these races provide outdoor obstacle courses to get you moving and to connect with nature.

KIDAROD

Winter

Y MESS FEST

Spring

Ages 6+

Ages 5-99 years

BREAKAWAY KIDS TRI Ages 7-17 years

BREAKAWAY SPLASH AND DASH 4+ years

Summer

RESLINATOR

Fall

Y ADVENTURE LAB — UNLOCK IT!

Ages 5+

Head out on an adventure with the whole family on a self-guided, outdoor, scavenger hunt-like experience. Download the map online, follow the clues, and unlock letters to unscramble a keyword. Once you have the keyword, submit online and enter to win fun prizes!

Learn more and join the fun at ymcanorth.org/adventurelab