Located in east-central Minnesota, Pine City provides entertainment for the entire family. The city sets the stage for a wide variety of activities, thanks to the area's many lakes, rivers, parks and museums. Whether you enjoy swimming, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, biking or just relaxing, you can do it in Pine City.
If you're a water baby at heart, you'll find plenty to do. Cross Lake, a 938-acre lake east of the city, and Pokegama Lake, which encompasses 1,536 acres west of the city, make for good fishing locations for sturgeon, crappie and catfish. Those over 16 must have a fishing license, which you can purchase at various locations including the Pine City County License Center, at 809 Main St. S, and the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 950 11th St. SW. Exploring the Snake River at your own pace in a canoe or kayak is another possibility. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at an hourly rate from Snake River Outfitters, which has five different start and drop-off points along the river and a shuttle service.
For an educational experience in Pine City, visit the North West Company Fur Post, which gives you a glance into the lives of people and businesses during the fur trade that was key to Minnesota's history. The Rural School Museum off of Hillside Avenue is another site that shares the area's history. This one-room schoolhouse from the 1900s is open to the public on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The many city parks in Pine City are sure to keep the little ones busy and give you a moment to relax. You'll find Robinson Park downtown, and Dragon's Den Park is on the grounds of Pine City Elementary School. Both feature picnic areas and playgrounds. West Side Park on Sixth Avenue also features these amenities, along with a basketball court, a swimming beach, grills and a skateboard park.
Whether you enjoy camping, biking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing or horseback riding, you can do it in the 34,000-acre St. Croix State Park, which adjoins Chengwatana State Forest, just east of Pine City. The 29,000 acres of this forest contain reservable campsites as well as 26 first-come, first-served campsites for last-minute campers. Fishing enthusiasts must have a fishing license, and equestrians must carry a horse trail pass issued by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
