Taking a weekend trip is sometimes necessary for many reasons such as celebrating a birthday, needing time to get away and recharge, or just for plenty of fun.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway spot, then you should put Forest Lake at the top of that list.

You might be asking yourself, what is there to do in Forest Lake? Well, there's plenty of awesome places to stay, things to do, and delicious restaurants to eat at. When the weekend ends you probably won't want to leave and go back to regular life!

Keep reading for the ultimate guide on the seven amazing reasons you should visit Forest Lake.

1. Head to the Beach

One beautiful place to visit during your trip to Forest Lake is Lakeside Park that has a plethora of activities for you and the entire family. You can spend some time on the shore and soak up rays on the sun. On the other hand, if you're really looking for an adventure, then you could go swimming or even head to the marina with your boat.

If you're planning a weekend trip with your children, then you could pack your lunch and sit at the picnic tables to enjoy lunch right by the water. They also have a playground that your children can play on all day if they get tired of being in the water.

2. Take an Apple Orchard Trip

Are you planning a trip to Forest Lake during the fall time? If so, then you can take a trip to Pine Tree Apple Orchard. This apple orchard offers deliciously grown apples and strawberries that you will love to sink your teeth into.

There are also plenty of other fun activities you can do on your trip to Pine Tree Apple Orchard. You can hop on a wagon, pick your own pumpkin, or even make your way through a corn maze. Don't forget their delicious treats and goodies! You can choose from their caramel apples, fresh cider, or even homemade bakery products.

3. Great Accommodations

In recent years, ditching the hotel and staying right in someone else's house or apartment has become very trendy with sites like Air B&B. When you book your trip to Forest Lake you may want to have the convenience of staying in your very own apartment for the weekend. There are tons of beautiful apartments you could rent and stay at while you're visiting Forest Lake.

The best thing about staying in an apartment or home instead of a hotel is that you get to experience more of what Forest Lake has to offer. You can take a walk around the neighborhood and even get a glimpse into the community. Who knows? You might even decide that Forest Lake is the perfect place for you and your family to live and grow!

4. Have a Bowling Night

If you're looking for a fun activity, you've got two choices. Ham Lake Lanes and Splitrocks both have 24 lanes of pure nostalgia.

You can dine at their full-service restaurant or have a drink at the bar. Make sure you bring some extra cash so you can spend some time in their arcade or pro shop if you love bowling.

On the other hand, if you're not into bowling there are still things that you can do. Check out their volleyball or softball leagues!

5. See a Movie

Sometimes you may want to wind down when it comes to your weekend trip to Forest Lake, and what better way to do that than seeing a movie? Forest Lake Theater 5 is just a short ride from downtown and offers the latest releases. You will also find rows of comfortable high back chairs so you can sit back and relax.

Heading to the movies is a great idea if you're looking to go on a date night or even spend time with your kids. Don't forget to get your popcorn and soda! This movie theater offers all of your favorite classic movie snacks.

6. Enjoy a Delightful Meal

Stella's 97 is a great place for everyone to enjoy a great meal because of its broad menu. Another iconic restaurant in Forest Lake is the Old Log Cabin. Both places make their food from scratch and are reasonably priced. With their friendly service and waitstaff, you'll always see a smiling and friendly face.

Don't forget about Stella's happy hour! You can get two for one drinks and a reduced price on their appetizers.

7. See Some Nature

Forest Lake is filled with tons of nature and beautiful wildlife that you won't want to miss. There are lots of parks and trails nearby to explore, but the best place to see everything is nearly 14 miles away. The Tamarack Nature Center is 320 acres of all nature located right inside the Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. The cool thing is that you can go all year round to play, explore, and even learn something new.

At Tamarack Nature Center you'll find plenty of trails and boardwalks so you can journey through all of the wild nature. You'll see pirates, bonds, forests and so much more as you make your way through the nature center.

Another fun thing to do is to become a volunteer! Volunteers at Tamarack Nature Center can assist with the care of animals, help with programs, or tend to the gardens.

What Are You Waiting For? Come to Forest Lake

There's no time to wait! Book your weekend getaway to Forest Lake right away! You'll find tons of wonderful things to do, places to eat, and especially great places for you and your family to stay.

When it comes to your weekend getaway to Forest Lake you might even realize that you never want to leave. If so, then we've got you covered! Check out all of the awesome apartments we have for rent in Forest Lake as well as around Minnesota.