Top 4 Lakes around Oak Park Heights

The region is known for the wide sections of the St. Croix River, often referred to as Lake St. Croix, and clear water lakes like Square Lake. Other popular spots include Eagle Point Lake Bridge, which offers scenic views between Eagle Point Lake and Lake Elmo, and Lake McKusick Boardwalk, a tranquil spot for hiking and fishing.

Square Lake, located about 7 miles north of Stillwater, is celebrated for having some of the clearest waters in Minnesota. It's a popular destination for scuba divers and swimmers, featuring a beautiful 950-foot sand beach at Square Lake Park.

Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly amenities. Square Lake Park provides a sand beach, changing rooms, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills. The Eagle Point Lake Bridge and Lake McKusick Boardwalk are also noted as family-friendly spots for enjoying views and light activities.

The St. Croix River (Lake St. Croix) is known for walleye, sauger, smallmouth bass, northern pike, catfish, and sturgeon. Square Lake offers outstanding fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and rainbow trout. Other popular angling lakes include White Bear Lake (largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye) and Bald Eagle Lake (muskellunge, walleye, largemouth bass, panfish).

The St. Croix River (Lake St. Croix) offers ample opportunities for kayaking. Square Lake is also very popular for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding due to its clear waters and accessible shoreline.

Yes, Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers over 20 miles of trails, ranging from natural surfaces to paved paths, through diverse landscapes including lakes, ponds, and forests. The Lake McKusick Boardwalk is also a tranquil spot suitable for hiking. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Oak Park Heights.

Square Lake is a popular spot for winter activities, with its parking lot cleared for ice fishing access. Northern pike exceeding 20 pounds have been caught by winter spearers there.

Yes, the Stillwater Overlook (also known as Stillwater Overlook South or the Lake St. Croix Overlook) on Lookout Trail in Oak Park Heights offers stunning panoramic views of the St. Croix River Valley. This historic site, developed between 1938 and 1939, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A new public boat launch at the St. Croix Crossing bridge site in Oak Park Heights provides convenient access to the St. Croix River, featuring a two-lane ramp and 35 parking spots for vehicles with trailers. Square Lake also has a motorized boat launch with 12 trailer spaces. Bald Eagle Lake offers public access within Bald Eagle-Otter Lake Regional Park, including a boat launch.

The area offers various cycling routes. You can find options like the 'Stillwater Lift Bridge – St. Croix Crossing Bridge loop' which is an easy route. For more detailed information and routes, check out the cycling guide for Oak Park Heights.

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from tranquil swimming and scuba diving in clear waters to active boating and excellent fishing. The scenic views, especially from spots like the Eagle Point Lake Bridge and the Stillwater Overlook, are also highly valued.

While not directly a lake feature, the 'St. Croix Boom Site Waterfall Trail' is an easy hiking route in the vicinity, offering a chance to experience a waterfall near the St. Croix River. You can find more details in the hiking guide for Oak Park Heights.