The first permanent settlers in what would become the city of Long Lake came from Cumberland County in Pennsylvania during May 1855. They called their settlement Cumberland Town. The first post office in 1856 was named Tamarack to recognize the tamarack swamps in the western United States. Among the first structures were a sawmill, a general store, and a schoolhouse. The railroad reached the settlement in 1868, bringing further expansion.
The Minnesota Fruit Growers Association began in 1898 in Long Lake, focusing on the promotion of strawberry and raspberry production. These berries were a regional specialty and were shipped as far as Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota.
Long Lake was incorporated in 1906. Its population was 1,768 in the 2010 census and an estimated 1,840 in 2017. The city is in Hennepin County.
When are the best times to visit Long Lake, MN?
With Minnesota's four-season climate, the best times to visit Long Lake are in the summer months of June, July, and August. The city enjoys highs in the 70s most of the summer, rising to the low 80s for a time in mid-July, and warm-weather activities are common. Hotel rates will be at their highest, but you can save a little if you travel in May or September to catch the early warmth of late spring or take advantage of the last bit of summer, with only a slight drop in daytime temperatures.
While a summer trip would bring you the beauty of the city in full bloom, May boasts lilac blossoms and fruit trees flowering and September hails the beginning of fall colors. October can bring beautiful colors to the area as well but will have cooler temperatures, with highs dropping into the low 50s by the end of the month. This month could see lower hotel rates.
The weather is cold the rest of the year, with temperatures dropping quickly in November and settling into the 20s in December through February before finally starting to rise in March. Lows reach single digits in January. During this time, Long Lake seems an unlikely destination for travelers from warmer places. But if you're traveling for a skiing adventure or need to be in the area for business in winter, you could score great room rates while still finding interesting activities in and around Long Lake.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Long Lake, MN:
Long Lake, MN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. rate patterns by star rating class in Long Lake, MN. Browse these line graphs to calculate the least expensive time to make a reservation in Long Lake for upcoming travels.
What are some luxury hotels in Long Lake, MN?
4 Star Average Prices: $139.63
Right in Long Lake, you'll find AmericInn by Wyndham Hotel and Suites Long Lake, which is near two golf courses. Your room will be equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, a flat-screen television, a work desk, free bottled water, and free internet access. Upgrade to a suite for amenities such as a separate bedroom, a hot tub, and a fireplace. You can relax and rejuvenate thanks to the hotel's indoor pool and spa tub. The hotel also provides a business center and complimentary breakfast.
For a truly luxurious hotel experience, you need only drive 4 miles to Wayzata to stay at The Hotel Landing, a four-star hotel 15 minutes from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. Your room will feature a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, a flat-screen television, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.
Visit the spa for a pampering massage. The hotel operates a health club and a 24-hour business center and provides free newspapers in the lobby. You can enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant, grab a drink at the bar, or get room service during limited hours. Outdoors, take a relaxing stroll through the garden. A shuttle will take you to nearby destinations for a fee.
What are some budget hotels near Long Lake, MN?
3 Star Average Prices: $124.02
The budget-friendly Red Roof Inn Minneapolis Plymouth is in Plymouth, 6 miles from Long Lake and 11 miles from Target Field in Minneapolis where the Minnesota Twins play. Your spacious room will come with a refrigerator, a microwave, a 32-inch flat-screen television, a work desk, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides coffee and tea in common areas.
Also in Plymouth, you can get a good deal at the more upscale Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West, which is 11 miles from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Rooms feature premium bedding, sofa beds, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions, and free wired and wireless internet access. A full-service spa provides massages and facials. You'll also enjoy outdoor tennis courts, a health club, and an indoor pool. A complimentary shuttle takes guests to places up to 10 miles away.
The hotel has two restaurants and a bar and provides room service during limited hours. You can also buy snacks at the coffee shop. A free reception takes place on select days for guests to socialize. The hotel also provides a 24-hour business center and free newspapers in the lobby.
2 Star Average Prices: $130.52
Where are the best budget hotels near Long Lake, MN?
Seniors, AAA members, government employees and members of the military can get discounts at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Center by Wyndham Plymouth. This is an ideal hotel for a family, as it has two indoor swimming pools and a waterslide. You can also get some exercise in the fitness center or take care of some work in the business center. Your room will have a refrigerator, a microwave, a flat-screen television, and free Wi-Fi. The Green Mill Restaurant is on-site, and you can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free breakfast is served each morning.
Comfort Inn Plymouth-Minneapolis in Plymouth offers senior, AARP, AAA, and government-military discounts. Rooms have refrigerators, microwaves, 32-inch LCD TVs, and wired and wireless internet access. An indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center will help you rejuvenate, or you can go outdoors to the picnic area and have a nice walk in the garden. Kids will enjoy the arcade and game room, and business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center. Guests can dine at Lucky's 13 Pub or have a drink in the on-site bar. Free breakfast is served each morning.
What are the best hotels near Long Lake, MN?
Home2 Suites by Hilton Plymouth, MN offers exemplary value for your money through upscale rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a clean contemporary design with bold, energizing pops of color. The suites feature kitchenettes equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, luxurious beds with premium bedding, sitting areas with sofa beds, flat-screen televisions, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Some suites have separate bedrooms. You'll enjoy the indoor pool, the 24-hour fitness center, and the fireplace in the lobby. If you need space to work, check out the 24-hour business center. Outdoors, you'll find a picnic area with grills.
At Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Minneapolis West, MN in Plymouth, you'll get a spacious room with great natural light, featuring a refrigerator, microwave, LCD television with premium channels, and free Wi-Fi. Take a dip in the indoor pool, relax in one of two spa tubs, head to the fitness center, or sit on the terrace. Dine at Grizzlys or get room service during limited hours. Free breakfast is served daily. The hotel provides a 24-hour business center and a free shuttle within 5 miles. In the lobby, you'll find coffee, tea, a fireplace, a library, and free newspapers.
What are the best things to do in Long Lake, MN?
Visit the West Hennepin County Pioneer Museum for a fascinating look at the history of western Hennepin County. The museum is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The main structure of the museum complex is the old Long Lake schoolhouse. The complex also includes the former Independence Town Hall, located west of Maple Plain, and the Wolsfeld Cabin, which stands on the grounds of Medina's city offices.
The Long Lake facility features four display rooms in upstairs classrooms. The Victorian Room displays a Victorian kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and parlor. The others are the General Store Room, the Textile Room, and the Music Room, which offers a 1900 classroom, vintage instruments, and a megalethoscope, a vintage optical device. The lower level houses a research facility for searching archives and a photo gallery showing early pioneer families. The archives close at 1 p.m. The museum is run by the West Hennepin County Pioneer Association, founded by the original settlers and is now operated by their descendants.
If you'd rather explore outdoors, head to Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area in Long Lake or Wood-Rill Scientific and Natural Area in neighboring Wayzata. Both sites offer excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and viewing birds and wildlife, as well as wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and other plant life. Wolsfeld Woods SNA, the first of the state's Scientific and Natural Areas, covers 220 acres. Wood-Rill covers 141 acres.
Don't forget to enjoy the city's namesake lake. At Nelson Lakeside Park downtown, you can take a boat onto Long Lake, go swimming at the beach, or have a picnic.
The small city of Long Lake is big on activities, both locally and in the surrounding area. Book your trip today and start planning your next adventure.
FAQs about hotels in Long Lake
What did travelers think of the city of Long Lake?
Below are reviews of the city of Long Lake, MN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Not far from Airport"
Score
5.0 / 5
Claudia R., from 17-May-2026
"The apple fritter at the grocery store"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nicole B., from 14-Feb-2026
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very nice small town atmosphere for suburban Minneapolis - lake is attractive and somewhat accessible, restaurant choices were varied which was refreshing.
Sandra W., from 12-Sep-2025
"Great Stay!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Good restaurant choices and full range of services nearby.
Earl G., from 17-May-2025
"Fun restaurants on the lake. Sculling meets. Cute."
Score
5.0 / 5
Fun restaurants on the lake. Sculling meets. Great Orono schools. Cute.
Jean S., from 14-May-2025
"Excellent!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Excellent!
Susan F., from 06-Oct-2024
"Staff was friendly room clean and comfy."
Score
5.0 / 5
Staff was friendly room clean and comfy. Beautiful area.
Arla A., from 17-Dec-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Long Lake, MN shown above is
4.6 out of 5 based on 7 reviews