Imagine a hidden gem. Sunfish Lake is tucked away between bustling cities. It is a place you may have never heard of. That’s perfectly fine with the residents of Sunfish Lake.
Sunfish Lake is a small residential community. Its area is 1.7 square miles. The population is around 520 people. It lies just 5 miles south of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Let’s dive into what makes Sunfish Lake so unique. Since its incorporation in 1958, Sunfish Lake aimed to maintain a rural atmosphere. They wanted large lots and minimal disturbance to nature. New constructions need a minimum of 2.5 acres of buildable land.
Most of Sunfish Lake is heavily wooded. It features moraine topography with slopes and wetlands. There are also three small private lakes. Residents rely on wells and septic systems. The city does not provide sewer and water services.
The city government is surprisingly simple. There are two city employees. One is a City Administrator/Clerk. The other is a City Treasurer. Consultants provide other necessary professional services. Neighboring cities handle police and fire protection. They also take care of building inspection services. Independent contractors maintain the roads.
Sunfish Lake boasts two passive parks. These are Musser and Harmon parks. The Russ Wahl Wetlands also exists here. These parks offer walking trails and benches. These are for residents who want to enjoy nature outside their yards.
Sunfish Lake contains three lakes. The biggest is Sunfish Lake. It spans 55 acres. Here you can enjoy clean water. Swimming, kayaking, and fishing are popular. Hornbeam and Horseshoe lakes are smaller. All three lakes are private. There are no public access points, boat launches, or public beaches. Motorized boats and jet skis are not allowed.
Property owners have cared for Sunfish Lake. But the lake’s bottom sediments hold phosphorous pollutants. These pollutants come from past land uses. This may include the four farms that once operated here.
Improving the water quality of Sunfish Lake means reducing the release of phosphorous from the sediments. An alum treatment could seal the phosphorous at the bottom of the lake. This would reduce algae growth.
The city of Sunfish Lake wants to address the sediment pollution. They are also looking for financial help. Treating the lake with alum could cost as much as $50,000.
The Metropolitan Council supports Sunfish Lake’s Comprehensive Plan. This plan aims to maintain this island of green space. They hope to do so forever.
Despite its secluded feel, Sunfish Lake is close to urban amenities. It is only 12 minutes to downtown St. Paul. The airport is 15 minutes away. Minneapolis is about 20 minutes away.
Ninety percent of Sunfish Lake residents are college educated. Their incomes rank among the highest in Minnesota. Residents value their privacy. But they also enjoy community events. These include a Halloween party and a chili cook-off.
The pride of St. Paul, Minnesota Twin Joe Mauer is a Sunfish Lake resident. With a career batting average of .308 he is probably enjoying his time here.
Sunfish Lake remains a unique and desirable place to live. It blends rural tranquility with urban convenience. It’s a community that cherishes its natural environment. It is committed to preserving its unique character for future generations.