LIFE IN CHISAGO COUNTY

Chisago County is an East Central Minnesota destination known for its beautiful lakes, scenic river communities, growing cities, and strong connection to Minnesota's Swedish heritage. Located northeast of the Twin Cities, the county offers a wide variety of lifestyles, from established neighborhoods and lake communities to rural acreage, waterfront properties, and small-town living.

Established in 1851, Chisago County has a rich history shaped by the St. Croix River, early farming communities, and generations of Swedish immigrants whose influence can still be seen throughout the region today. Communities such as Lindstrom, Chisago City, Center City, and Taylors Falls continue to celebrate that heritage through local traditions, architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Outdoor recreation is one of the county's defining features. The Chisago Lakes area includes 11 recreational lakes with more than 6,000 acres of water, while the St. Croix River provides opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, and scenic exploration. Residents also enjoy Interstate State Park, Wild River State Park, county parks, and regional trails that make it easy to experience the area's natural beauty throughout the year.

Each community within Chisago County offers something unique. North Branch provides convenient Interstate 35 access and growing neighborhoods, the Chisago Lakes communities are known for waterfront living and Swedish heritage, while Taylors Falls and the St. Croix River communities combine historic charm with outdoor adventure. This variety gives buyers the flexibility to choose a community that best fits their lifestyle.

Chisago County is an East Central Minnesota destination known for its beautiful lakes, scenic river communities, growing cities, and strong connection to Minnesota's Swedish heritage. Located northeast of the Twin Cities, the county offers a wide variety of lifestyles, from established neighborhoods and lake communities to rural acreage, waterfront properties, and small-town living.

Established in 1851, Chisago County has a rich history shaped by the St. Croix River, early farming communities, and generations of Swedish immigrants whose influence can still be seen throughout the region today. Communities such as Lindstrom, Chisago City, Center City, and Taylors Falls continue to celebrate that heritage through local traditions, architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Outdoor recreation is one of the county's defining features. The Chisago Lakes area includes 11 recreational lakes with more than 6,000 acres of water, while the St. Croix River provides opportunities for paddling, fishing, hiking, and scenic exploration.

Residents also enjoy Interstate State Park, Wild River State Park, county parks, and regional trails that make it easy to experience the area's natural beauty throughout the year.

Each community within Chisago County offers something unique. North Branch provides convenient Interstate 35 access and growing neighborhoods, the Chisago Lakes communities are known for waterfront living and Swedish heritage, while Taylors Falls and the St. Croix River communities combine historic charm with outdoor adventure. This variety gives buyers the flexibility to choose a community that best fits their lifestyle.

At a Glance

Housing

Established neighborhoods, lake homes, waterfront properties, townhomes, rural acreage, hobby farms, and new construction.

Communities

Home to North Branch, Lindstrom, Chisago City, Center City, Taylors Falls, Rush City, Wyoming, Stacy, Harris, Shafer, and surrounding townships.

Schools

Multiple public school districts serving communities throughout the county, including Chisago Lakes, North Branch, Rush City, and Forest Lake Area Schools.

Outdoor Recreation

Eleven recreational lakes, the St. Croix River, state parks, county parks, trails, and year-round outdoor activities.

Arts & Culture

Swedish heritage, Franconia Sculpture Park, historic communities, and local traditions throughout the county.

Location

Convenient access to the Twin Cities via Interstate 35, Highway 8, and Highway 95.

CHISAGO FAQs

What is Chisago County, Minnesota known for?

Chisago County is known for its lakes, the St. Croix River, Swedish immigrant heritage, state parks, regional trails and historic communities. Popular destinations include Interstate State Park, Wild River State Park, Franconia Sculpture Park and the Chisago Lakes area.

When was Chisago County established?

Chisago County was established in 1851, seven years before Minnesota became a state. The county was officially organized on September 1, 1851.

What does the name Chisago mean?

The name Chisago comes from the Ojibwe word “Ki Chi Saga,” which Chisago County translates as “Fair and Lovely Lakes.”

What is the population of Chisago County?

The United States Census Bureau estimated Chisago County’s population at 59,142 residents as of July 1, 2025. The county had 56,621 residents at the time of the 2020 Census.

What is the county seat of Chisago County?

Center City is the county seat of Chisago County. The county seat was originally located in Taylors Falls, moved to Chisago City in 1865 and moved to Center City in 1875.

Is Chisago County the same as Chisago City?

No. Chisago City is one city within Chisago County. The county also includes Center City, Harris, Lindstrom, North Branch, Rush City, Shafer, Stacy, Taylors Falls, Wyoming and several rural townships.

What cities are located in Chisago County?

Chisago County includes Center City, Chisago City, Harris, Lindstrom, North Branch, Rush City, Shafer, Stacy, Taylors Falls and Wyoming.

Are there lake homes in Chisago County?

Yes. Chisago County offers lake homes, seasonal properties, homes with lake access and vacant waterfront land. The Chisago Lakes area alone includes numerous recreational lakes used for boating, fishing, paddling and other activities.

What state parks are located in Chisago County?

Chisago County is home to Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls and Wild River State Park near Center City. Both provide access to the St. Croix River and offer outdoor recreation.

Does Chisago County have walking and biking trails?

Yes. The county includes the 21 mile Sunrise Prairie Regional Trail and developing portions of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail. These trails connect several communities and provide opportunities for walking, biking and other recreation.

Is Chisago County convenient to the Twin Cities?

Chisago County is located northeast of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metropolitan area. Interstate 35, Highway 8 and Highway 95 provide access between county communities, the northern Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.

What types of homes are available in Chisago County?

Chisago County real estate may include city homes, newer construction, townhomes, lake homes, river properties, rural residences, hobby farms, wooded acreage and vacant land. Property types vary significantly between Interstate 35 communities, the Chisago Lakes area and the St. Croix River communities.

Want to move to CHISAGO County?

Amy Grafenstein has helped buyers and sellers throughout Central Minnesota since 2001. Her approach combines local market knowledge, honest guidance, and a personalized plan designed around your real estate goals.