Explore the top things to do in Forest Lake and the Twin Cities

Located along I-35, the Country Inn & Suites, Forest Lake, MN offers easy access to some of the best things to do in the area. Get a great night’s rest in one of our spacious hotel rooms, and then test your mettle at local golf courses like Castlewood and Forest Hills. You can learn about animal rescue operations and come face-to-face with wolves, cougars, and birds of prey at the Wildlife Science Center. For a day trip with the family, visit the Minnesota History Center or some of the many other popular attractions in St. Paul, the state’s capital city. If you’re interested in Swedish heritage, don’t miss the fascinating historical buildings of the Gammelgården Museum.

Select what to see in a map

  • Culture
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature
  • Shopping

Castlewood Golf Course

2.49 mi / 4.01 km from the hotel
More than 85 years old, this public golf course offers a relaxing afternoon on the links. Challenge yourself on nine well-crafted holes that measure 3,043 yards from the white tees.

Eko Backen

5.93 mi / 9.54 km from the hotel
A popular venue for rustic weddings, Eko Backen also hosts team-building events and offers two world-class Hydrotube waterslides for group activities.

Gammelgården Museum

9.93 mi / 15.98 km from the hotel
Discover what life was like for Swedish immigrants settling in Minnesota during the 1800s. You can take a self-guided tour of the historical buildings, including the oldest Lutheran church building in the state, before visiting the unique gift shop.

Lake 5 Theatre

1.48 mi / 2.38 km from the hotel
Locally owned, this Forest Lake movie theater hosts the latest blockbusters at affordable rates. Thursday night specials occasionally include free admission to classic movies.

Lindstrom Antique Mall

10.89 mi / 17.52 km from the hotel
Housed in a building now more than a century old, Lindstrom Antique Mall offers more than 9,000 square feet of antique shopping and fascinating historical finds.

Wildlife Science Center

7.5 mi / 12.07 km from the hotel
Founded to protect endangered wolves, the Wildlife Science Center now also offers educational programs for all ages. Public tours on Saturdays give people a chance to meet rescued animals, such as red wolves, cougars, and bobcats.

National Sports Center

13.48 mi / 21.7 km from the hotel
This expansive facility, known as the world’s largest amateur sports-and-meeting complex, features 100,000 square feet of indoor training space, 52 soccer fields, and professional ice rinks.

Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours

19.26 mi / 31 km from the hotel
Take a leisurely cruise down the St. Croix River and learn more about the area’s unique rock formations, including the river’s namesake. Daily excursions last from 45 to 80 minutes, and specialty cruises are available.