There is one unique ZIP code in Forest Lake, Minnesota and it is 55025. Area code: 651.
1
ZIP codes
77.06
sq mi land
8.09
sq mi water
651
area code
Forest Lake, MN ZIP code map
About Forest Lake, MN
Forest Lake, Minnesota is a vibrant city located in Washington County, in the northeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area. Served by a single ZIP code — 55025 — the city offers a welcoming blend of small-town charm and suburban convenience that attracts families, outdoor enthusiasts, and commuters alike. With its namesake lake at its heart and a growing commercial corridor along Interstate 35, Forest Lake has established itself as one of the region's most desirable communities.
Location & geography
Forest Lake sits in Washington County in east-central Minnesota, positioned roughly 25 miles north of downtown Saint Paul along the Interstate 35 corridor. Neighboring communities include Hugo to the south, Chisago City to the north, Wyoming to the west, and Scandia to the northeast. The city's terrain reflects classic Minnesota lake country, encompassing 77.06 square miles of land and 8.09 square miles of water, with Forest Lake itself — one of the largest lakes in the metro area — serving as the geographic and recreational centerpiece of the community.
Community & economy
Forest Lake has a friendly, family-oriented character that balances outdoor recreation with a growing local economy anchored by retail, healthcare, and small businesses along Lake Street and Broadway Avenue. The city's proximity to the Twin Cities makes it a popular home base for professionals who commute south while enjoying a quieter, lakeside lifestyle. Community events, local schools within the Forest Lake Area School District, and a lively parks system give residents a strong sense of place and civic pride.
Transportation
Forest Lake is conveniently bisected by Interstate 35, which serves as the primary north-south artery connecting residents to Saint Paul and Minneapolis to the south and Duluth to the north. Minnesota State Highway 97 runs east-west through the area, linking Forest Lake to neighboring communities including Scandia and Wyoming. The nearest major commercial airport is Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, located approximately 40 miles to the southwest, while residents also have access to regional transit options connecting to the broader Twin Cities metro.
History
Forest Lake was formally established in the late 19th century, drawing early settlers attracted by the area's abundant lakes, timber, and fertile land in Washington County. The arrival of the railroad in the region spurred growth and helped transform the community from a small rural outpost into a recognized town with commercial activity centered around the lake. Over the decades, Forest Lake evolved from an agriculturally rooted settlement into a thriving suburban city, particularly as Twin Cities suburban expansion accelerated during the latter half of the 20th century.
Did you know?
Forest Lake is home to one of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities metropolitan area — Forest Lake itself spans several thousand acres and supports year-round recreation including ice fishing, boating, and swimming. Perhaps surprisingly for a city of its size, Forest Lake also serves as a regional retail and services hub for several surrounding rural communities in Washington and Chisago counties, drawing shoppers from a wide geographic area.
