Orono Lake - Elk River

Located in Sherburne County, Minnesota

Orono Lake is a 300-acre lake located in Elk River, Minnesota. It is roughly 40 miles northwest of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

The closest location for emergency care is St. Cloud Hospital, 35 miles northwest. The Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport is 47 miles southeast.

Lake Fun in a County Park

Lake Orono is a wonderful place to settle down during all seasons! Whether you enjoy activities like kayaking, cruising on your pontoon boat, swimming, or fishing, there's never a dull moment on the water! Anglers can expect to catch bass, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie.

If fun on the water isn't your ideal way to have a good time, no worries, as there are plenty of things to do in the park surrounding the lake. This 28 park offers many amenities like an off leash dog park, a fishing pier, playground, and even WiFi.

Nearby Eats

After a long day outdoors, grab a bite to eat at nearby restaurants like Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Hajime Sushi, New Hong Kong Buffet, or Amore Ice Cream.

Visit St. Cloud

St. Cloud is a beautiful city filled with historical, cultural, and recreational activities to excite every visitor. From family-friendly sites to a night out on the town, this area is not one to miss.

Munsinger Gardens is a spectacular and beautiful garden next to the Mississippi River. These gardens are known for their shade-loving plants, including numerous hostas and ferns.

Stearns History Museum offers an extensive lineup of programs, events, and attractions for visitors about the history of people, places, and stories in Central Minnesota. Outside, there is an 80-acre nature park with walking trails, wildlife, and a skateboard park.

Beaver Islands Trail is a great spot for biking and hiking with excellent views of the Mississippi River.

The top-rated restaurants in the city are Coyote Moon Grille, Star of India, Granite City Food & Brewery, Olde Brick House, and White Horse.

Visit Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers many attractions, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art! Travel through 4,000 years of world history as you view more than 80,000 works of sculpture, photography, paintings, drawings, and prints.

The Mall of America offers great shopping and hosts over 40 million people annually. Nickelodeon Universe is an incredibly family-friendly amusement park in the mall and is split into two indoor amusement parks.

Another local favorite is the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. One of the crown jewels of the city’s park system, the garden is a top destination for tourists to enjoy art like the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry.

For outdoor recreation and scenic nature, check out Minnehaha Park. This is the oldest park in Minneapolis and boasts 193 acres, numerous scenic trails, limestone bluffs, a 53-foot waterfall, picnic pavilions, bike rentals, and an off-leash dog park.

After a long day of exploring the city, grab a bite to eat at one of the world-famous restaurants! Some local favorites include Spitz, Red Cow North Loop, Alma, and the Hen House Eatery.

Why Orono Lake?

If you're seeking a cozy lake environment that's not too far away from the action, you've found the perfect match in Orono Lake!