Imagine a weekend where you hike shaded trails in the morning, the kids splash in a clear swim pond after lunch, and you’re home in time for dinner at a favorite local spot. If you’re craving more nature without giving up access to St. Paul and the east‑metro, Lake Elmo checks a lot of boxes. In this guide, you’ll get a local look at parks, water access, restaurants, everyday services, commute times, and a few buyer tips so you can decide if life here fits your routine. Let’s dive in.
Lake Elmo at a glance
Lake Elmo sits in Washington County on the east side of the Twin Cities, just south of I‑94 and a few miles east of I‑694. By car, you’re commonly about 14 to 18 miles from downtown St. Paul, often a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic and route. For a quick reference on distance, check the simple route estimate between Lake Elmo and St. Paul on TravelMath.
The city has grown quickly in recent years. The 2020 Census listed 11,335 residents, and the U.S. Census estimates about 14,161 as of July 1, 2024. You can see the current snapshot on Census QuickFacts. Regional planning points to continued growth through mid‑century, which shapes new housing and infrastructure investments. The Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050 vision offers context for that regional trajectory and local forecast work. Explore the high‑level goals on Imagine 2050.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve highlights
The heart of outdoor life here is the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, a regional gem of roughly 2,165 acres with woodlands, prairie, and a broad trail network. It includes a seasonal, sand‑bottom chlorinated swim pond, a boat launch and fishing pier, a modern campground, and areas for equestrian day rides. Get an overview and map on the city’s Lake Elmo Park Reserve page.
- Swim pond: Seasonal with lifeguard coverage that varies by date. The pond is chlorinated and managed for family swimming.
- Campground: Opens in spring and typically closes in mid‑October. Sites book up fast in peak months.
- Permits: Washington County requires a vehicle permit for park entry. Check current hours and fees on the county’s park information page.
Trails and winter sports
You’ll find multi‑use paved and natural‑surface trails for hiking and running in warm months, plus groomed cross‑country ski trails when the snow flies. The park also hosts a Nordic facility used for events, classes, and rentals during winter. Residents lean into year‑round use, which makes it easy to stay active close to home.
Camping and equestrian areas
If weekends under the stars are your thing, the modern campground offers a quiet base near trailheads. Parts of the reserve also include designated areas for horseback riding, which adds a unique dimension to the local trail scene.
Swim pond versus lake water
A key distinction: the county’s swim pond is a managed, chlorinated facility with seasonal lifeguards, designed for swimming families. Learn more about park features via Explore Minnesota’s Lake Elmo Park Reserve listing. That swim pond is separate from lake fishing, which comes with fish consumption advisories. See the “On the water” section below for details.
Sunfish Lake Park and nature programs
For a quieter, conservation‑focused outing, Sunfish Lake Park sits within the city and connects residents to volunteer‑led habitat work and education programs. The Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center hosts community events and trail stewardship activities. It’s a great spot for low‑key walks and nature learning close to many neighborhoods. Browse recent updates and program notes from local partners on the Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center site.
On the water: boating, fishing, and safety
Inside the park reserve, you’ll find a boat launch and shore fishing pier that make it easy to get on the water. The Minnesota DNR notes aquatic invasive species in Lake Elmo, so clean, drain, and dry your boat and gear to protect the lake. Most importantly, the DNR has a fish consumption advisory tied to PFAS (PFOS) levels in this and nearby east‑metro waters. If you plan to fish and eat your catch, review the latest guidance for Lake Elmo on the Minnesota DNR’s lake page before you go.
A practical reminder: the county’s chlorinated swim pond is a different, managed environment than the lake itself. Families who want to swim often use the swim pond, then enjoy lake views, paddling, or fishing with the advisory in mind.
Local favorites for food and fun
You will not find a sprawling restaurant district in Lake Elmo, but the places locals love feel special.
- Lake Elmo Inn: A long‑running, award‑recognized restaurant known for its Sunday brunch and special‑occasion dining. It is a local institution and a popular date‑night pick. Check menus and reservation details at the Lake Elmo Inn site.
- Lakewood Tavern: A casual neighborhood spot for a relaxed meal after the park.
- Royal Golf Club and Arnie’s: A golf and dining destination on Horseshoe Lake, built on the former Tartan Park site, drawing golfers and diners from around the region.
- Cimarron Golf Course: A convenient 9‑hole option in Lake Elmo.
- Lake Elmo Airport events: Seasonal fly‑ins and pancake breakfasts add a unique community flavor.
Seasonal markets and U‑pick
A big summer perk is easy access to locally grown produce.
- Lake Elmo Farmers Market: A seasonal Saturday market typically held at Lake Elmo Elementary. Dates can vary year to year, so confirm the schedule before you go.
- Blueberry Fields of Stillwater: A popular certified‑organic U‑pick blueberry outing a short drive away.
- Aamodt’s Apple Farm: A classic fall stop in the Stillwater area featuring apples, cider, and family activities.
Tip: Market and U‑pick hours change with the season and weather. Plan ahead, then pair your outing with a park hike or a brunch reservation.
Schools, services, and everyday errands
Most Lake Elmo addresses are served by Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834), including Lake Elmo Elementary, Oak‑Land Middle, and Stillwater Area High School for many homes. The district passed a 2023 bond to fund new and expanded facilities, including a replacement Lake Elmo elementary and additions at Oak‑Land Middle, to keep up with growth. For timelines and project updates, visit the district’s bond projects page. Attendance boundaries can change, so verify the assigned schools for any specific property.
For health care, residents typically use nearby campuses in Woodbury, Stillwater, and St. Paul based on specialty and urgency. Everyday shopping and dining within Lake Elmo are modest, but you are minutes from major retail and services in Woodbury, Oakdale, and Stillwater.
Getting around: commute and transit
Lake Elmo is primarily car‑oriented. Most residents commute along I‑94, I‑694, MN‑36, and county roads to job centers in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and the east‑metro. Driving distances to St. Paul are commonly 14 to 18 miles, often a 20 to 30 minute trip in typical conditions. For a quick check, see the TravelMath distance reference. Public transit within Lake Elmo is limited, and regional studies continue to explore future corridor improvements that could affect commutes over time.
Practical buyer tips: water, parks, and planning
As you compare homes, a few local details will help you make a confident decision.
- Water supply: Parts of the east‑metro rely on municipal systems while others use private wells. Because PFAS impacts regional groundwater in some areas, verify whether a home is on city water or a private well. The Minnesota 3M PFAS Settlement funded municipal water extensions in some Lake Elmo neighborhoods. Review project notes on the state’s 3M settlement project page.
- Fishing advisories: If you plan to fish and eat your catch, check the latest PFAS‑related consumption guidance on the Minnesota DNR Lake Elmo page. Advisories can change as new data becomes available.
- Swim pond logistics: The park’s swim pond is chlorinated and seasonal, with lifeguard coverage that varies by date. Confirm hours, opening and closing dates, and fees on the county’s park information page.
- Permits and reservations: A vehicle permit is required for park entry. Campground sites and picnic shelters book up quickly during peak season, so reserve early.
- School boundaries: Attendance areas can shift as new facilities open. Confirm assigned schools with the district and monitor updates on Stillwater’s bond projects page.
A simple Lake Elmo weekend
- Morning: Hit an easy loop at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, then let the kids cool off at the swim pond.
- Midday: Lunch at Lake Elmo Inn or a casual bite nearby, followed by a quick nap or backyard downtime.
- Afternoon: U‑pick blueberries in season, or a bucket‑list round at Royal Golf Club. If flying fascinates your crew, watch for a community event at the Lake Elmo Airport.
- Evening: Sunset stroll at Sunfish Lake Park and a relaxed dinner at home.
Why buyers choose Lake Elmo
- Outdoor access: The park reserve’s scale makes nature part of daily life.
- Space and setting: Many homes sit on larger lots or in newer neighborhoods with trail connections.
- Regional location: You are close to St. Paul and the east‑metro job centers while living in a softer, more natural setting.
- Ongoing investment: Growth brings new housing options and school facility improvements. See regional planning context on Imagine 2050.
Thinking about a move?
If Lake Elmo’s balance of parks, water, and convenience fits your lifestyle, let’s talk about next steps. From new construction to established neighborhoods near trailheads, you have good options. For clear guidance on water supply details, school boundary checks, and commute planning, connect with the Platinum Real Estate Team. We will help you compare neighborhoods, time your purchase, and move with confidence.
FAQs
How far is Lake Elmo from downtown St. Paul for a daily commute?
- By car you are typically 14 to 18 miles from downtown St. Paul, often a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on route and traffic; see the TravelMath reference for a quick check.
What should I know about PFAS and fishing on Lake Elmo?
- The Minnesota DNR posts PFAS‑related fish consumption advisories for Lake Elmo; review current guidance on the DNR lake page before eating your catch.
Is there a safe place for kids to swim in Lake Elmo?
- Yes, the county operates a seasonal, chlorinated swim pond with lifeguards at Lake Elmo Park Reserve; confirm hours and fees on the county’s park information page or the Explore Minnesota listing.
Which school district serves most Lake Elmo addresses?
- Many homes fall within Stillwater Area Public Schools (ISD 834); the district has active bond projects for new and expanded facilities, detailed on the district’s bond page.
Is Lake Elmo growing, and how could that affect housing?
- Census estimates show notable growth since 2020, and regional planning points to continued expansion; see Census QuickFacts and Imagine 2050 for context.
