Lilydale, MN

Tucked along the bluffs of the Mississippi River just south of Saint Paul, Lilydale is one of the smallest and quietest communities in the Twin Cities metro. Decades of river flooding eventually led residents to build up on higher ground, leaving the town perched along the ridge overlooking the water. Today, it feels like a peaceful, wooded retreat, made up mostly of quiet residential neighborhoods with expansive views of the river valley below.

Living here puts outdoor recreation right in your backyard. Down at the base of the bluff, Lilydale Regional Park and Pickerel Lake offer miles of paved trails, scenic biking paths toward Fort Snelling, and quiet spots for paddling or birdwatching. With quick access to Highway 13 and I-35E, you get the feel of a secluded nature enclave while staying just minutes from downtown Saint Paul and the airport.