When the original settlers came to Forest Lake, it was a Chippewa & Sioux area. With the many lakes, it was a great area for hunting and fishing. This is what attracted the French settlers, soon to be followed by the Germans.

With its many fine lakes, Forest Lake became a favorite place for Minneapolis and St. Paul residents to build their summer homes. Cabins, resorts and summer homes dotted the shores of Forest Lake. With the advent of both the Great Northern Train and Highway 61, Forest Lake became a bustling town filled with visitors. Residents primary occupations were farming and tourism.

Gradually, the summer cabins were replaced by fine year-round homes. Today, Forest Lake holds about 95% permanent residences with a population of about 15,000.

Located only 20 to 25 minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Forest Lake, it still enjoys a large number of tourists, shoppers and visitors from a 50 mile radius, including Wisconsin.

This summer beach house was built to resemble the way it looked years ago. Today, lots of families use this beach for summer swimming lessons and mid-day picnics.

Forest Lake's City Hall, Police Station and Library are all housed in this modern facility, built to serve the rapidly growing area.

The new Fairview Regional Hospital serves the Forest Lake and Wyoming area. Fairview is one of the largest hospitals in the metro area.

Grade school in Wyoming, part of the Forest Lake District 831. This school also serves Scandia, Hugo, Lino and Stacy.