Chisago City Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Chisago City including places to visit, hiking/biking trails, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations and more.


Introduction to Chisago City

Chisago City is a charming city located in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. With a population of roughly 4,900, this small city offers a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a welcoming community. Top attractions in the area include museums, historical sites, hiking and biking trails, and local breweries.

List of Places to Visit in Chisago City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kolacky Days Museum - Explore the Czech heritage of Chisago City and the surrounding region at Kolacky Days Museum. Exhibits showcase traditional Czech costumes, tools and equipment, and historic photographs.
  • Swedish Immigrant Trail - This 23-mile-long trail commemorates the thousands of Swedish settlers who emigrated to Minnesota in the 19th century. Along the trail, visitors can see historic landmarks and buildings like the Scandia Creamery, Gammelgarden Museum, and the Shafer Historical Society.
  • North West Company Fur Post - Travel back in time to the late 18th century at the North West Company Fur Post. This living history museum depicts the early history of the fur trade and the role of the Ojibwe people in Minnesota’s early history.

Natural Attractions of Chisago City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fish Lake Regional Park - This 80-acre park boasts a beautiful swimming beach, fishing pier, picnic areas, and a playground. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails, which offer stunning views of Fish Lake.
  • Franconia Sculpture Park - This sprawling sculpture park covers 43 acres and showcases the work of over 100 artists. The park features both permanent and temporary installations, as well as opportunities for visitors to create their own art.
  • Interstate State Park - Located just a short drive from Chisago City, Interstate State Park offers hiking trails, scenic views, and geological wonders. Visitors can explore the park’s glacial potholes, cliffs, and waterfalls on foot or by bike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chisago City

  • Hardwood Creek Trail - This 10-mile trail follows an abandoned railroad bed and offers stunning views of wetlands, forests, and farmland. The trail is open year-round for hiking, biking, and winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
  • Ojiketa Regional Park Trails - This 275-acre park boasts over five miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and a fishing pier. Visitors can explore the park’s woodlands, wetlands, and lakeshore on foot or by bike.

Best Things to Do in Chisago City: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting at Winehaven Winery and Vineyard - Enjoy a tasting of locally produced wines at Winehaven Winery and Vineyard. The winery offers guided tours, tastings, and a beautiful outdoor seating area overlooking the vineyard.
  • Brewery Tours at Chisago Lakes Distribution - Discover the local craft beer scene on a brewery tour with Chisago Lakes Distribution. The tour includes visits to several local breweries and taprooms, as well as samples of local brews.
  • Boating on Green Lake - Rent a boat and explore the beautiful waters of Green Lake. Visitors can fish, swim, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chisago City

Day Activity
1 Visit the Kolacky Days Museum and enjoy lunch at the Coffee Talk Cafe
2 Hike the Hardwood Creek Trail and enjoy dinner at the Northern Lake Tavern
3 Take a brewery tour with Chisago Lakes Distribution and enjoy dinner at the Winehaven Winery and Vineyard
4 Explore Fish Lake Regional Park and enjoy lunch at Swedish Crown Bakery
5 Visit Franconia Sculpture Park and have lunch at the St. Croix Chocolate Company
6 Visit the North West Company Fur Post and enjoy dinner at the Chisago House
7 Go boating on Green Lake and enjoy dinner and drinks at The Bungalow Inn

Food and Drink Scene of Chisago City

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kolacky - A traditional Czech pastry filled with fruit or cream cheese. Try them at Coffee Talk Cafe in Chisago City.
  • Swedish Meatballs - A staple of Swedish cuisine, these meatballs are usually served over a bed of egg noodles with a creamy gravy. Try them at Ettlin’s Cafe in Forest Lake.
  • Goulash - A hearty beef stew, usually seasoned with paprika and served with bread or dumplings. Try it at Wagon Wheel Cafe in Forest Lake.

Local Beverages

  • Wine - Minnesota is home to a growing number of wineries, and Chisago City is no exception. Try locally produced wines at Winehaven Winery and Vineyard or Wild Mountain Winery.
  • Beer - Chisago City is home to several local breweries and taprooms, including Big Wood Brewery and Chisago Lakes Distribution.
  • Root Beer - A classic Minnesota beverage, root beer can be found at soda fountains and local restaurants throughout the state. Try it at the Northern Lake Tavern or the Chisago House.

Where to Stay in Chisago City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • AmericInn by Wyndham - This comfortable hotel offers a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
  • Lakes Inn at Dunrovin - This cozy bed and breakfast offers beautiful views of Green Lake, as well as comfortable accommodations and a delicious breakfast.
  • Wagon Wheel Inn and Suites - This affordable hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant and bar.

What to Buy in Chisago City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Kolacky Mix - Bring the taste of Chisago City home with you by purchasing a bag of kolacky mix at the Coffee Talk Cafe.
  • Local Crafts - Check out the Ojibwe beadwork and handmade pottery at the Shafer Museum of Natural History.
  • Wine and Beer - Bring home a bottle of locally produced wine or beer as a souvenir of your trip to Chisago City.

Local Culture and Customs of Chisago City

Chisago City has a rich cultural heritage, with strong Czech and Swedish influences. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, including attending the annual Kolacky Days festival and supporting local businesses.

Best Time to Visit Chisago City

The best time to visit Chisago City is in the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like boating, hiking, and swimming, as well as the many local festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chisago City

Do:

  • Do explore the rich cultural history of the area by visiting local museums and historical sites.
  • Do try the local cuisine, including kolacky pastries, Swedish meatballs, and goulash.
  • Do support local businesses by shopping at small, locally owned stores and restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage natural areas when enjoying outdoor activities.
  • Don’t forget to tip your servers at restaurants and bars.
  • Don’t ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chisago City

Chisago City is a relatively safe community, but visitors should take standard safety precautions like locking car doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight. In case of emergency, dial 911.

Health in Chisago City

Visitors should carry any necessary prescription medications with them and be aware of local health facilities in case of illness or injury. The nearest hospital is Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota.

Getting to Chisago City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chisago City

The nearest airport to Chisago City is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, which is located approximately 45 miles south of the city.

Bus Stations Near Chisago City

Greyhound offers bus service to nearby cities like Forest Lake and Wyoming.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Chisago City by car via Interstate 35 or via the Canadian Pacific Railway.

How to Get Around in Chisago City

Most attractions in Chisago City are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles or cars to explore the area, or take advantage of local taxi and rideshare services.

Where to Go Next from Chisago City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Saint Paul - Located just 40 minutes south of Chisago City, Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and home to a range of museums, galleries, and historic sites.
  • Duluth - Located three hours north of Chisago City, Duluth is a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Superior, known for its beautiful parks, gardens, and waterfalls.
  • Mall of America - Located 45 minutes south of Chisago City, the Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States, with over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment options.

Conclusion

Chisago City offers a blend of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and friendly hospitality. Whether you’re interested in exploring local museums and historical sites, hiking and biking through scenic trails, or trying locally produced wines and beers, Chisago City has something to offer every visitor.