St. Croix Valley
St. Croix Valley
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2025
STILLWATER | BAYPORT | OAK PARK HEIGHTS | LAKE ELMO
Lake Elmo balances growth and greenery
Lake Elmo, once a city of farmland, is the fastest-growing city in the state. Residents have seen developments going up around the city over the past several years, transforming the landscape.
Still, Lake Elmo is home to 25 regional, community, and neighborhood parks, covering more than 2,600 acres. Lake Elmo Park Reserve is the largest, offering activities year-round.
Sunfish Lake Park is a 278-acre natural area and a symbol of the rural character of Lake Elmo, with nine miles of trails for walking or skiing. That park is also home to Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, which hosts informative programs, summer camps, and a nature day.
The community gathers for several
Lake Elmo City Center 3880 Laverne Ave. N., Lake Elmo 651-747-3900 lakeelmo. gov
events to celebrate the city’ s robust history. More than 400 children and families decorate bikes, scooters, and tractors to walk or ride in the Fourth of July parade followed by an ice cream social in the park. The annual Huff‘ n’ Puff Days softball tournament in August is sponsored by the Lake Elmo Jaycees. The four-day competition is the largest of its kind in the state.
Lake Elmo’ s“ Old Village” has the downtown charm many cities strive for, including a post office and library. Locally grown produce and handmade gifts can be found at a weekly farmers market which runs from June until September. The historic area includes offerings from unique retail shops and small businesses to nationally recognized five-star dining.
The City Council conducts regular council meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Lake Elmo City Council
• Mayor Charles Cadenhead CCadenhead @ lakeelmo. gov
• Nick Dragisich ndragisich @ lakeelmo. gov
• Matt Hirn mhirn @ lakeelmo. gov
• Jeff Holtz Jholtz @ lakeelmo. gov
• Nick Kragness nkragness @ lakeelmo. gov
Community Guide | St. Croix Valley | 2025 | 7