Oakdale, MN
- About the city
- Geography
- Climate and weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Museums and Cultural Centers
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
Oakdale is a suburban city in Washington County, Minnesota, east of St. Paul. It is a residential community with access to parks and nature preserves.
About the city
Official status and administrative affiliation
- Official name: Oakdale, Minnesota .
- Oakdale is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, United States. It is an eastern suburb of Saint Paul and is part of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area . Washington County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Minnesota, known for its blend of suburban communities, rural landscapes, and access to the St. Croix River.
Historical names and nicknames
- The name "Oakdale" was suggested by Arthur Stephen at the first town meeting on November 1, 1858, and it was named for a grove of oak trees near the original town site .
- The area was originally organized as Oakdale Township in 1858, which was much larger, spanning 36 square miles .
Date of foundation and age
- The area was first settled in 1848 . Oakdale Township was organized in 1858 .
- The modern city of Oakdale was incorporated much later, on March 12, 1968, following the consolidation of Oakdale and Northdale Townships . It officially became a city in 1974 . The city is therefore a little over 55 years old in its current form.
Geographic location and coordinates
- Geographic coordinates: Approximately 44°59'14"N 92°57'57"W .
- Oakdale is located in Washington County, about 12 km (7.5 miles) northeast of downtown Saint Paul and 24 km (15 miles) east of Minneapolis . It lies entirely within the eastern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area .
- The city's elevation is approximately 322 meters (1,056 feet) above sea level .
- It is a suburban city situated on a relatively flat to gently rolling plain characteristic of the region.
Type of city and economic specialization
- Oakdale is primarily a residential suburb and a growing commercial and retail center for the eastern metro area .
- The city is home to the world headquarters of Glassbridge (formerly Imation) . Many residents are employed by the nearby 3M company headquarters in neighboring Maplewood .
- The recent opening of the Metro Gold Line bus rapid transit (BRT) has spurred new residential and commercial development, including apartment buildings and restaurants, near its stations in Oakdale .
Population and demographics
- The population of Oakdale was 28,303 at the 2020 census, making it the 36th largest city in Minnesota .
- It is classified as a small city, but it is one of many that form the large Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area.
- The city has experienced steady growth since its incorporation, with the population nearly quadrupling between 1970 and 2020 .
- The population is diverse, with a significant Asian community (8.2% in 2010) and a growing African American population .
"City's business card" (in short)
Oakdale is a family-oriented suburb east of St. Paul, offering residents and visitors a mix of peaceful nature preserves, community parks, and convenient access to the Twin Cities via new rapid transit. It's a community built on its oak-savanna history, now focused on providing quality of life with outdoor recreation at its core.
Geography
Water bodies (rivers, lakes)
- Tanners Lake: Historically, this lake was the center of a significant winter industry where residents would cut ice to be stored and sold for food preservation during the summer . Today, it is a recreational spot for the community.
- Tartan Reservoir: Located within the city, this water body offers opportunities for fishing and is part of the local park system .
- Mississippi River: While not within the city limits, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a major natural landmark located about a 30-minute drive from Oakdale . This expansive park along the Mississippi River offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
Climate and weather
Climate type and general characteristics
Oakdale has a humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers . There is significant seasonal variation in temperature.
Average temperatures by month
- The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and average lows of 17°C (63°F) .
- The coldest month is January, with average high temperatures around -6°C (21°F) and average lows of -16°C (3°F) .
- The annual average daily temperature is about 7°C (45°F) .
Precipitation and humidity
- The average annual precipitation is high, around 1307 mm (51.5 inches), which includes rain and snow .
- The wettest month is June, with an average of 232 mm (9.1 inches) of precipitation .
- The driest month is January, with an average of 34 mm (1.3 inches) of precipitation .
- Snowfall is common from November through March, with the peak snow months being January and February, where snow can make up nearly 50% of the monthly precipitation .
Seasonality and best time to visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up quickly from cool to warm, but this is also a period of significant rainfall .
- Summer (June-August): The weather is warm to hot and humid, with the highest amount of rainfall, particularly in June. This is the best time for enjoying water-based activities at nearby lakes and parks .
- Fall (September-November): Temperatures cool down from warm to cold. September and October offer pleasant weather for hiking, especially with the fall colors at places like Lake Elmo Park Reserve .
- Winter (December-February): Very cold with significant snowfall. The city's parks transform for winter activities like sledding and ice skating .
Landmarks
Oakdale Nature Preserve
This is a key natural area within the city, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a serene pond . The preserve's trail system is perfect for hiking and birdwatching, allowing visitors to explore the natural surroundings and learn about local wildlife . It is one of the highlights of the area for outdoor enthusiasts .
Central Park
Central Park is a vibrant community hub, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces for picnics and games . The park often hosts community events. In the winter, it becomes a popular spot for sledding and ice skating .
Nearby: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Located about a 15-minute drive away in St. Paul, this is a major regional attraction . It is a free attraction featuring a variety of animals, beautiful gardens, and a tropical conservatory, making it a great family-friendly destination .
Nearby: Lake Elmo Park Reserve
About a 20-minute drive from Oakdale, this park reserve offers a beautiful setting for swimming at a beach, picnicking, and hiking on its trails . It is particularly scenic in the fall when the leaves are changing color .
Transport
Main airports in the city and region
- Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) : The major international airport serving the region, located approximately 22 km (14 miles) southwest of Oakdale . It is the largest and busiest airport in the Upper Midwest.
- Lake Elmo Airport (21D) : A smaller, general aviation airport located in nearby Lake Elmo, providing service for private and corporate aircraft .
- St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) : Another regional airport, closer to the city center of St. Paul, used for general aviation and corporate flights .
Public transport system
- Metro Transit (Bus) : Oakdale is served by the Metro Transit bus system, which connects it to the wider Twin Cities area. Key routes include the 219, which connects to the Maplewood Mall Transit Center .
- Metro Gold Line: Since March 2025, Oakdale is connected to St. Paul and Woodbury by the Metro Gold Line, Minnesota's first bus rapid transit (BRT) line that operates primarily in bus-only lanes . The Gold Line has stations in Oakdale (at Helmo Avenue and 10th Street North) and runs frequently, with buses every 10 minutes during peak times, providing a fast and reliable connection .
Major highways and roads
Oakdale is well-connected by several major highways:
- Interstate 94 (I-94) : Runs along the southern border of the city, providing a direct route east to Hudson, Wisconsin, and west to St. Paul and Minneapolis .
- Interstate 694 (I-694) : Runs along the northern border, forming part of the beltway around the Twin Cities .
- Minnesota State Highway 36: An important east-west route that runs through the northern part of the city .
- Minnesota State Highway 120 (Century Avenue) : Forms the city's western boundary .
- Hadley Avenue: Designated by the city as its "signature street" as it is the primary road running the length of the city .
Sport and Sports Legends
Local Athletes
While Oakdale may not be home to major professional sports franchises, it has produced talented athletes who have competed at high collegiate levels. One notable example is Abby Hausken, a graduate of North St. Paul High School. Hausken had an exceptional soccer career at Minnesota State University, where she became the all-time leader in minutes played (6,551) for the Mavericks. Her accolades include being named to the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II All-Central Region First Team and the All-NSIC First Team .
Parks and Recreation
Oakdale offers ample opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in sports and outdoor activities. The city manages numerous facilities, including basketball and tennis courts located on the 4000 block of Granada . For those who enjoy walking and hiking, the Oakdale Nature Preserve features miles of walking trails through its 200-acre green space . During the winter months, the Oakdale Discovery Center rents snowshoes, allowing visitors to explore the preserve even in the snow . Additionally, the Discovery Center has a free loan program for equipment like Nordic walking poles and even a tandem bike, encouraging active recreation .
Museums and Cultural Centers
Local Art and Nature
Oakdale’s cultural offerings are closely tied to its natural surroundings, with the Oakdale Discovery Center serving as a focal point . Located within the Oakdale Nature Preserve, the center features a rotating art gallery that showcases the creative work of local and regional artists, with exhibits changing every 4 to 8 weeks . This provides a accessible venue for experiencing the local art scene.
The Discovery Room and Exhibits
The Discovery Center also functions as a small, hands-on nature museum. It houses a Discovery Room with interactive exhibits, including touch tables, puzzles, and interpretive activities about local wildlife. Visitors can observe an aquarium with African Cichlids and other fish, as well as a working beehive viewable from inside the building . The center also offers educational programs and family-friendly activities like scavenger hunts, blending cultural and natural history education .
Historic Sites
For a glimpse into the area's past, the Historic Schoolhouse within the Oakdale Nature Preserve is opened for visits by the Washington County Historic Society on select Sundays during the summer, providing a link to the community's early educational history .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Colleges and Universities Nearby
Oakdale itself does not host a university campus, but it is exceptionally well-positioned within the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, offering residents easy access to a vast array of higher education options. There are 49 colleges and universities within a 50-mile radius of the city .
Some of the closest institutions include:
- Century Community and Technical College in nearby Woodbury (approximately 4 miles away), a public two-year college .
- Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul (about 6 miles away), a public four-year university .
- Saint Paul College, a public two-year community and technical college .
Major Research Universities
Within a short drive, students and residents can access some of the state's most prestigious universities. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities, located about 13 miles from Oakdale, is the largest in the area with nearly 55,000 students and is ranked as the #1 Best Public University in Minnesota . Other notable private institutions nearby include the University of St. Thomas, Macalester College, and Hamline University, all offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs .
Local School District
For primary and secondary education, Oakdale is served by the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District, which is known for its high academic standards and excellent schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 .
Healthcare Institutions
Local Medical Clinics
Oakdale is served directly by a clinic within the city limits. M Health Fairview Clinic – Oakdale, located at 1099 Helmo Ave N, provides outpatient, non-emergency care to the community. It offers preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services and is part of the larger M Health Fairview system .
Major Hospitals Nearby
For comprehensive hospital services, including emergency and specialized care, residents of Oakdale have access to world-class medical facilities in the broader Twin Cities metro area. One notable facility is North Memorial Health Hospital, located in Robbinsdale at 3300 Oakdale Ave N . This is an acute care hospital with a very high emergency department volume (60,000+ patients annually) and is affiliated with 876 clinicians . It provides a full range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and is a Medicare-certified hospital .
Additionally, as part of the M Health Fairview system, the M Health Fairview Clinic – Woodwinds in nearby Woodbury and the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital in Minneapolis are among the many specialized care options accessible to Oakdale residents .