• Request CMA
• Refer a Friend
• Request Customized List of Homes

Sunfish Lake

Sunfish Lake is one of the Twin Cities most distinctive towns: with a population of just over 500 people spread out over 1.5 square miles, the town seeks to preserve its rural character, small town charm and rural atmosphere.

As such, since the town became an official village in the 1950’s, Sunfish Lake homes have featured large lot sizes and absolutely minimal disturbance of the beautiful natural environment as possible. The city features three private lakes, including, most notably, Sunfish Lake in the center of the town. Most of the city is heavily wooded, featuring glacial ridges and a number of small ponds.

The city has a very distinctive feel to it. To quote Sunfish Lake’s own city government, “We are a small community proud of our heritage and committed to the preservation of our pristine rural character. We cherish our privacy yet know we are part of a thriving Dakota County and the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area. With these partnerships in mind, we strive to preserve that unique spirit which is Sunfish Lake, Minnesota.”

Sunfish Lake is home to just under 200 households and is one of the wealthiest towns in America. As such, the majority of its homes feature large ranch-like homes with open spaces and beautiful nature-preserve-like backyards. With the exception of four churches, the city is entirely residential – there is no commercial development, nor any government, in the sense that there are no city employees or direct city services. Its limited government services results in low city taxes, which, combined with the city’s commitment to preserving its undisturbed natural beauty, attracts its wealthy residents and homeowners.

But don’t let its privacy and rural feel betray you: the city is just five miles south of St. Paul. Thus Sunfish Lake residents enjoy an almost unimaginable combination of rural peace and urban excitement just a short drive away. Sunfish Lake’s commitment to its rural residential areas ensures that residents and homeowners will continue to be able to enjoy the city’s beautiful, spacious environment despite being only a few minutes away from the excitement of downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. All the excitement of the city – music and concerts, sporting events, shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues and more – are just a few miles down the road from any Sunfish Lake house or home.

Thus, despite the fact that the city is entirely residential, all the conveniences of urban and suburban life are just a short drive away – including Minnesota’s great public school system.

Sunfish Lake is an extraordinary place to live – its beautiful environment and steadfast commitment to the preservation of that natural environment makes it a beautiful place to call home. It’s convenient location five miles south of the Twin Cities makes buying a home in Sunfish Lake a great idea for almost anyone.

Sunfish Lake Schools

Residents of Sunfish Lake have access to a number of fantastic Minnesota schools. Because Sunfish Lake is, with the exception of a few churches, entirely residential, Sunfish Lake homeowners and their families attend schools in nearby West St. Paul. Schools in the district include the following:

• Mendota Elementary School
• Somerset Elementary School
• Heritage Middle School
• Friendly Hills Middle School
• Henry Sibley High School

For more information on Sunfish Lake’s school district and on individual schools, visit http://www.rschooltoday.com/se3bin/clientschool.cgi?schoolname=school157.

Sunfish Lake Hotspots

Restaurants

1. Beirut Lebanese Restaurant & Deli: Beirut Lebanese Restaurant & Deli is a Sunfish Lake and West St. Paul favorite – top notch Middle Eastern food, friendly service, live music, and belly dancers make the restaurant definitely an experience to check out.
2. Buon Giorno: Buon Giorno features authentic Italian food and wine – the wine selection is fantastic. Fresh food at the pasta bar and deli and affordable prices make this a great spot for lunch (or any other meal).
3. I Nonni: I Nonni is a more upscale Italian restaurant with delicious food and friendly service in a relaxed romantic atmosphere. Authentic food and a great wine list, as well as a comfortable and romantic setting, makes I Nonni a great spot for dinner for Sunfish Lake residents.
4. Cherokee Tavern: Wonderful American cuisine, friendly service and agreeable prices make Cherokee Tavern a great place for steak, fish, burgers and more.
5. The Fireside Lounge Bar & Restaurant: Great food, low prices, strong drinks, quick service and a fun bar atmosphere makes the Fireside a great place for going out with friends or family.

Entertainment

1. Ordway Center of the Performing Arts: The Orway is the Twin Cities’ center for the arts. Everything from operas and musicals to concerts can be had with a short drive.
2. Joke Joint Comedy Club: Joke Joint is a fun comedy club located right in nearby Lilydale and features cheap beer and American food as well as hilarious stand up and more.
3. Dodge Nature Center: Featuring pond dipping, apple orchards, bee hives, prairies, hills and more, Dodge Nature Centers fantastic activities for families and people of all ages.
4. Twin City Jazz & Swing: Quality swing bands, jazz trios, dance bands, pianists, Latin music and more makes for a great night of live music.
5. AMC Showplace 16: The local movie theatre features a number of screens in a great location. Cleanliness and a friendly staff are added bonuses.

Leisure

1. Dodge Nature Center: Featuring pond dipping, apple orchards, bee hives, prairies, hills and more, Dodge Nature Centers fantastic activities for Lilydale families and people of all ages.
2. Science Museum of Minnesota: The Science Museum features endless days of fun and learning for any age. Interactive exhibits and educational playtime. Dinosaurs and mummies come to life and electricity and more are made interesting and spectacular for any visitor.
3. Thompson Oaks Golf Course: Thompson Oaks offers a very well-manicured course of moderate difficulty right in nearby West St. Paul. The clubhouse staff are friendly and informative and the course conveniently close to home.
4. Southview Country Club: The Club offers a beautiful golf course as well as meeting spaces and restaurants, all on a well-maintained area on a lake.
5. West St. Paul Ice Arena: The ice arena is open year round and offers ice hockey as well as recreational free skating.

Churches

1. Augustana Lutheran Church ELCA
2. Bethel Baptist Church
3. St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
4. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
5. St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church

Sunfish Lake Community Events

As a small, tightly knit community, Sunfish Lake homeowners and residents host a number of events throughout the year to foster that sense of community and truly make the small-town charm shine. A few highlights throughout the year include the following events:

• The Sunfish Lake Holiday Party, a celebration for Christmas and the holidays accompanied by holiday cheer and festivity
• The Arbor Day Green Fair at Harmon Park

In addition to these two events, Sunfish Lake hosts a number of other events, with more information available at http://www.sunfishlake.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=13&Itemid=8.

Sunfish Lake Parks and Lakes

As its name might suggest, Sunfish Lake is home to a number of recreational opportunities and beautiful scenery, including its parks and lakes. Despite its small size, Sunfish Lake is home to a number of parks, including the following:

• Musser Park
• Sunfish Lake Park

In addition to these parks, there are a couple other parks within the city limits, in addition to the city’s dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the area.

And as its name suggests, Sunfish Lake is also home to a number of lakes, including the following:

• Sunfish Lake
• Hornbeam Lake
• Horseshoe

In addition to these three lakes, there are a number of smaller lakes and ponds scattered throughout Sunfish Lake.