Life in the Lake Communities
From summer lake days to winter ice fishing, fall color drives to spring farmers markets — here's what makes Mahtomedi, White Bear Lake, and the St. Croix River valley such special places to call home.
There's always something happening
in our neighborhoods.
After years of living in Mahtomedi and serving clients across these lake communities, I've come to appreciate that it's not just the homes that make this area special — it's the lifestyle. Manitou Days and the Fourth of July fireworks wrapped up spectacularly, Wannigan Days in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls was a great time last weekend, and now the weekly rhythms of summer are in full swing: farmers markets on Saturday and Friday mornings, Marketfest Thursday evenings in downtown White Bear Lake, RiverFest kicking off this week, the Polk County Fair coming up this weekend, outdoor movies under the stars, and long evenings on the water. Here's what's happening right now and what to look forward to throughout the year.
Late July in the lake communities.
Manitou Days and the Fourth of July just wrapped — the fireworks over White Bear Lake were spectacular. Wannigan Days in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls was a blast last weekend. Now the weekly rhythms are in full swing: farmers markets, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, RiverFest starts this week, and the Polk County Fair is coming up. Here's what's on the calendar right now.
Mahtomedi Area Farmers' Market
Every Saturday through late September, the Mahtomedi Area Farmers' Market sets up at Veterans Memorial Park from 8:00 AM to noon. Local produce, artisan baked goods, handmade crafts, and that unbeatable Saturday-morning community buzz — it's the kind of place where you run into three neighbors before you finish your coffee. Sweet corn season is in full swing right now.
Learn moreMarketfest in White Bear Lake
Thursday evenings through the end of July, downtown White Bear Lake comes alive with Marketfest — over 130 merchandise and food vendors, live music on two stages, and families filling the streets from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Now in its 36th year, it's one of the signature summer traditions in the east metro. The final Marketfest of the season is July 30, featuring the Environmental Resources Expo — a great chance to learn about sustainability and meet local organizations. If you're thinking about moving here, Marketfest is the perfect preview of the community spirit you'd be part of.
Learn moreHudson RiverFest — This Week!
Hudson's St. Croix RiverFest runs July 22–25 — a multi-day "party with a purpose" featuring river clean-ups, educational demos along the St. Croix, puppet shows, movie night, community band concerts, live music, food, and partner organization booths. It draws visitors from across the valley and is one of those "only in Hudson" experiences that make the Wisconsin side of the river so appealing. Free to attend.
Learn morePolk County Fair — Coming Up!
The annual Polk County Fair runs July 23–26 in St. Croix Falls, WI — just a scenic 30-minute drive from Hudson through the St. Croix River valley. It features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, entertainment stages, tractor pulls, and good old-fashioned county fair food. A perfect family outing and a wonderful way to experience the rural Wisconsin community spirit that makes this area special.
Movies in the Park — Polar Lakes Park
Free outdoor movie nights at Polar Lakes Park in White Bear Lake — bring lawn chairs or a blanket, grab concessions, and enjoy a family-friendly film under the stars. The park opens at 7:00 PM with music and pre-movie activities, and the show starts at dusk. Upcoming: Mary Poppins (Jul 25), plus more screenings in August.
Learn moreMusic in the Park — Bridgewood Park
Live music comes to Bridgewood Park in White Bear Lake on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:00 PM. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner from a nearby spot, and enjoy a midweek evening of community and live tunes in one of the area's prettiest parks. This Wednesday!
Concerts in the Park & Food Truck Friday
Mahtomedi Community Education brings live music to Wedgewood Park throughout the summer. Food Truck Friday events round out the schedule with local food vendors and that relaxed small-town vibe — perfect for a Friday evening with the family.
Learn moreLake Days & Boating Season
White Bear Lake's 2,400+ acres are at their best right now. Tally's Dockside offers pontoon, kayak, and paddleboard rentals alongside weekly live music. The Black Bear Yacht Racing Association runs Tuesday and Saturday races all summer, and the White Bear Sailing School runs youth camps through August. It's peak season on the water.
White Bear Lake Farmers Market
Every Friday through late October, 8:00 AM to noon on Clark Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets in downtown White Bear Lake. Over 50 vendors bring fresh produce, honey, maple syrup, jams, wild rice, baked goods, local meats, and artisan products — a perfect start to your weekend.
Learn moreHudson Farmers Markets
Hudson has two weekly markets running now: the Saturday Farmers Market on Carmichael Road (50+ vendors, 8:00 AM to noon) and the Thursday Farmers Market at Plaza 94 (7:30 AM to noon). Both are great spots for fresh produce, local meats, and baked goods — and a reason to explore downtown Hudson.
Learn moreHudson Summer Concerts at the Bandshell
Free summer concerts at Hudson's Lakefront Park Bandshell run every Thursday evening through August at 7:00 PM, with beautiful St. Croix River views as the backdrop. Pair it with dinner at one of downtown Hudson's restaurants and you've got the perfect date night — or a great way to get a feel for the community if you're house-hunting on the Wisconsin side.
Learn moreTaylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours
Celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, cruising through the dramatic St. Croix River gorge past towering basalt cliffs and the famous Dalles of the St. Croix. Anniversary cruises run on select dates through November 1 with special celebrations, live music, and historical photos.
Learn moreCooper's Kitchen & Spirits — Now Open
A brand-new restaurant that opened this spring at 1190 County Road J in White Bear Township, taking over the former MC's Taco & Tequila space. Already drawing crowds with its warm atmosphere and creative menu — worth checking out if you're exploring the area.
Peak season on the water
We're in the heart of summer right now. Manitou Days and the Fourth of July fireworks just wrapped, Wannigan Days in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls was a blast, and now the weekly rhythms take over: Mahtomedi's Saturday farmers market, Marketfest Thursday evenings, outdoor movies at Polar Lakes Park, Hudson RiverFest this week, Polk County Fair in St. Croix Falls, and long evenings on the water. This is when the lake communities are at their absolute best.
- Marketfest (Thursdays through Jul 30)
- Mahtomedi Farmers' Market (Saturdays)
- Hudson RiverFest (Jul 22–25)
- Polk County Fair — St. Croix Falls (Jul 23–26)
- Movies in Polar Lakes Park (Jul 25, Aug 8, Aug 22)
- White Bear Lake Farmers Market (Fridays)
- Taylors Falls Boat Tours — 120th Anniversary
Golden hues and hometown charm
September through November brings spectacular fall color to the St. Croix River valley. The Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival draws 80+ artists to Hudson's Lakefront Park, the North Hudson Pepper Festival celebrates the area's pepper-growing heritage with a grand parade, harvest markets pop up across the valley, and the Run for the Apples brings the community together.
- Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival (late Sep)
- North Hudson Pepper Festival (Sep)
- Afton Fine Art & Makers Market (Sep 27–28)
- Run for the Apples (Oct)
- Scare in White Bear 5K (Oct)
- Harvest Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
Cozy community vibes
December through March, the lake communities embrace winter. The Festival of Trees kicks off the holidays, ice fishing villages pop up on White Bear Lake, the Hudson Winter Farmers Market keeps the community connected, and the Hudson Hot Air Affair in February brings a burst of color — and hot air balloons — to the winter sky.
- Festival of Trees (Nov–Dec)
- Ice Fishing Tournaments
- Hudson Hot Air Affair (Feb)
- Hudson Winter Market
- Afton Alps Day Trips
The calendar never slows down.
These communities are full of life all year — we're in the thick of summer now, but there's always something to look forward to. Here's what locals anticipate across the seasons.
Spring Apr–May
- Hudson Farmers Market opens (May)
- White Bear Sailing School season begins
- Community plant sales & garden tours
- Spring cleanup & dock installation season
- Trails reopen at Afton State Park
- Mahtomedi Community Ed spring programs
Summer Jun–Aug
- Marketfest (Thursdays, Jun 18 – Jul 30)
- Mahtomedi Farmers' Market (Saturdays, Jun 27 – Sep 26)
- White Bear Lake Farmers Market (Fridays, Jun 26 – Oct 31)
- Wannigan Days (Jul 17–19, Taylors Falls & St. Croix Falls)
- Hudson RiverFest (Jul 22–25)
- Polk County Fair (Jul 23–26, St. Croix Falls)
- Movies in Polar Lakes Park (Jul 25, Aug 8, Aug 22)
- Hudson Summer Concerts at the Bandshell (Thursdays, Jun–Aug)
- Concerts in the Park at Wedgewood Park (Mahtomedi)
- Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours — 120th anniversary (through Nov 1)
- White Bear Sailing School & Black Bear Yacht Racing
Fall Sep–Nov
- Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival (late Sep, Hudson)
- North Hudson Pepper Festival (Sep)
- Afton Fine Art & Makers Market (Sep 27–28)
- Peak fall color along the St. Croix bluffs
- Run for the Apples (Oct, White Bear Lake)
- Scare in White Bear 5K (Oct, Memorial Beach)
- Harvest festivals & farmers markets
- Community pumpkin patches & corn mazes
Winter Dec–Mar
- Festival of Trees (White Bear Lake, Nov–Dec)
- Ice fishing tournaments on White Bear Lake
- Cross-country skiing on Gateway State Trail
- Hudson Hot Air Affair (Feb) — balloons & winter fun
- Hudson Winter Farmers Market at Phipps Center
- Holiday lights & downtown carriage rides
- Afton Alps day trips (30 min away)
Outdoor Recreation
Where the locals eat & gather.
A few of the restaurants and gathering spots I always recommend to clients moving into the area. These are places where you'll run into neighbors — and feel right at home. The list grows as new spots open up, so check back often.
A neighborhood favorite on 4th Street with a great burger menu, craft cocktails, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that captures the White Bear Lake community spirit.
A White Bear Lake institution known for hearty American classics, weekend brunch, and a lively atmosphere that keeps locals coming back. A go-to recommendation for anyone new to the area.
A polished-casual spot in Washington Square serving elevated comfort food, craft beer, and cocktails. Perfect for date night or catching up with friends in downtown White Bear Lake.
A White Bear Lake institution serving breakfast and lunch with legendary baked goods, hearty comfort food, and that small-town diner warmth that keeps the coffee flowing and conversations going. The kind of place where everyone knows your name (or will by your second visit).
A charming bakery and cafe on 5th Street known for fresh-baked goods, creative sandwiches, and a cozy neighborhood vibe. The kind of spot where the morning pastry and coffee are always spot-on.
A beloved local bakery and cafe known for creative breakfast dishes, fresh-baked pastries, and a cozy atmosphere. The kind of weekend brunch spot that keeps you coming back.
A welcoming neighborhood cafe on County Road E with great coffee, fresh food, and a relaxed atmosphere. A favorite for morning coffee runs and casual weekday lunches.
Right in the heart of Mahtomedi on Mahtomedi Avenue — a laid-back local tavern with comfort food, cold drinks, and that small-town neighborhood feel that makes Mahtomedi special.
A cozy local coffee shop on Mahtomedi Avenue — the kind of spot where regulars are greeted by name and the espresso is always strong. Grab a latte before the farmers market or settle in with a book on a rainy afternoon.
Lakefront dining at its best — sitting right on the water with views of White Bear Lake. Seasonal outdoor seating, casual American fare, and sunset drinks that make summer feel endless.
A Hudson gem on 2nd Street serving Cuban and Caribbean-inspired dishes in a vibrant, colorful setting. One of the most-loved restaurants in the St. Croix River valley — worth the drive across the bridge.
A vibrant Hudson favorite on 2nd Street serving bold, flavor-packed dishes with a creative twist. Great cocktails, a welcoming atmosphere, and consistently one of the top-rated dining spots on the Wisconsin side.
Right on the scenic St. Croix River with a sprawling outdoor patio. Perfect for sunset views, cold drinks, and watching the boats go by. A must-visit when you're exploring the Hudson area.
A beloved Hudson staple serving up hearty smoked BBQ, cold drinks, and a laid-back roadhouse vibe. The kind of place where portions are generous and everyone feels like a regular.
A lively Hudson spot on 2nd Street with a well-deserved reputation for great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and one of the best patios in town. A popular gathering place for locals — exactly the kind of place you want to discover when you're house-hunting on the Wisconsin side.
An upscale lakeside dining experience right on the shores of White Bear Lake. Known for Italian-inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list, and waterfront views that make every meal feel like an occasion.
A brand-new restaurant that opened this spring in the former MC's Taco & Tequila space. Already drawing crowds with its warm atmosphere, creative menu, and full spirits bar — a welcome addition to the White Bear area dining scene.
It's not just a house.
It's a lifestyle.
When you're buying a home in these lake communities, you're not just getting four walls and a roof — you're getting access to a way of life that's hard to find anywhere else in the Twin Cities metro. Lake access, top-rated schools, tight-knit neighborhoods, and four distinct seasons of activities. Right now, in late July, the lake communities are at their absolute best — RiverFest is happening this week, the Polk County Fair is this weekend, Marketfest continues, and the farmers markets are overflowing with sweet corn and fresh produce. And it only gets better from here.
As a Mahtomedi resident myself, I don't just sell homes here — I live the lifestyle. I know which neighborhoods have the best lake access, which streets are quietest for families, and which pockets offer the best value. That's the kind of local insight you can't get from a website.
Quick Community Facts
- ISD 832 Schools Top-rated district serving Mahtomedi with strong academics and community involvement.
- 2,400+ Acre Lake White Bear Lake offers premier boating, fishing, and water recreation all summer.
- 20 Minutes to St. Paul Lake community tranquility with easy access to downtown, airports, and metro amenities.
- Low Crime, Strong Community Safe neighborhoods where people look out for each other — the real Mahtomedi advantage.
Ready to make these communities home?
Whether you're exploring the area for the first time or you already know you want to live here, I'd love to help you find the perfect place. Let's talk about what you're looking for.