Vadnais Heights, Minnesota
Discover the heart of Minnesota’s northeast suburbs — a thriving community with rich French Canadian history, diverse culture, and an exceptional quality of life.
📍 Coordinates: 45.0575° N, 93.0739° W
Incorporated as Village: 1957 | City Status: 1974 | Ramsey County, Minnesota
Visit Huff & Puff DispensaryHistory of Vadnais Heights
From French Canadian settlement to modern suburb
The City of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota traces its heritage to the 1840s, when French Canadian families — the Bibeaus, Vadnaises, Garceaus, and Morrisettes — became the first known European settlers in the area. The land they homesteaded sat along the shores of what would come to be called Vadnais Lake, named after Jean Vadnais, who arrived around 1846.
When Minnesota achieved statehood in 1858, the territory became part of White Bear Township. For nearly a century, the area remained a quiet, rural landscape of farms and lakeside homes. As the Twin Cities metropolitan region expanded after World War II, suburban development reached northeast Ramsey County, and residents voted to incorporate as the Village of Vadnais Heights in 1957, when the population was approximately 2,000.
Growth accelerated through the 1960s and 1970s with the expansion of Interstate 35E and Interstate 694, along with the installation of municipal water and sewer systems. In 1974, the Minnesota Legislature officially changed Vadnais Heights from a village to a city. A City Center plan developed in the 1980s and major infrastructure improvements to County Road E near I-35E in the 1990s spurred commercial growth, establishing the shops, restaurants, and service businesses residents enjoy today.
Today, Vadnais Heights is recognized as a STAR City for economic development, home to over 12,900 residents, and known for its blend of preserved natural areas, thriving business community, and suburban convenience. Huff & Puff Dispensary is proud to call Vadnais Heights home, serving the community from 1142 Co Rd E East.
French Canadian families Bibeau, Vadnais, Garceau, and Morrisette settle along the lake shores.
Jean Vadnais arrives; Vadnais Lake later named in his honor.
Minnesota achieves statehood; area becomes part of White Bear Township.
Residents vote to incorporate as the Village of Vadnais Heights (pop. ~2,000).
Expansion of I-35E and I-694 brings suburban growth to the area.
Minnesota Legislature changes Vadnais Heights from village to city.
City Center plan spurs commercial development along County Road E.
Major infrastructure improvements to County Road E near I-35E.
U.S. Census records population of 12,912 residents.
Population estimated at 13,108; designated a STAR City for economic development.
Demographics
Statistical overview of Vadnais Heights
12,912
2020 Population
39.6
Median Age
$98,685
Median Household Income
5,610
Households
Racial Composition
- White: 72.6%
- Asian: 8.2%
- Hispanic/Latino: 7.2%
- Black/African American: 6.0%
- Two or More Races: 10.2%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.7%
Age Distribution
- Under 15: 19.0%
- 15 to 24: 8.0%
- 25 to 44: 29.9%
- 45 to 64: 23.5%
- 65 and over: 19.6%
- Median Age (Male): 37.5 | Female: 42.6
Housing
- Total Housing Units: 5,730
- Owner-Occupied: 79.6%
- Renter-Occupied: 20.4%
- Median Property Value: $363,100
- Median Gross Rent: $1,455/month
- Average Household Size: 2 persons
Education & Employment
- Bachelor’s Degree: 29.4%
- Master’s or Doctorate: 15.0%
- Some College: 22.8%
- High School Diploma: 22.2%
- Employed Population: 6,793
- Poverty Rate: 3.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census & American Community Survey
Government & Politics
City leadership and municipal services
City Hall
- Address: 800 East County Road E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
- Phone: (651) 204-6000
- Website: cityvadnaisheights.com
- Council Meetings: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM
- Broadcast: Live on Channel 16 and online
Mayor & City Council
- Mayor Mike Krachmer — (651) 645-4138
- Council Member Katherine Doll Kanne — (320) 905-3606
- Council Member Erik Goebel — (262) 902-3614
- Council Member Kelly Jozwowski — (651) 323-3962
- Council Member Jerry Moynagh — (651) 470-8873
Elections are non-partisan; Mayor serves 2-year terms, Council 4-year terms.
County Government
- County: Ramsey County, Minnesota
- County Seat: Saint Paul, MN
- Phone: (651) 266-7500
- Website: ramseycountymn.gov
School Districts
- White Bear Lake Area Schools (ISD 624)
4855 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 407-7500 - Mounds View Public Schools (ISD 621)
4570 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
(651) 621-6000
Companies & Economy
Business community and economic development
Vadnais Heights boasts a diverse and growing local economy, strategically positioned at the intersection of Interstate 35E, Interstate 694, U.S. Highway 61, and County Highways 96 and 49. This prime location provides businesses with direct access to downtown Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and the broader Twin Cities metro area. Key industries in Vadnais Heights include manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
The Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation (VHEDC), a private 501(c)(4) non-profit established in 1984, plays a central role in attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses. The VHEDC partners with Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (MN DEED), and local school districts to offer workforce training, career pathways, and small business support through programs like Open to Business.
H.B. Fuller Company
Global manufacturer of industrial adhesives, sealants, and chemical products. Major employer in Vadnais Heights.
Address: 1200 Willow Lake Blvd, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
IntriCon Corporation
Designer and manufacturer of miniature and micro-miniature body-worn medical and audio devices.
Address: 1260 Red Fox Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112
Vadnais Square Shopping Center
Bustling retail hub featuring a mix of stores, restaurants, and professional services.
Address: County Road E & Labore Rd, Vadnais Heights, MN
VHEDC
Vadnais Heights Economic Development Corporation — supports business growth and workforce development since 1984.
Address: 800 E County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Huff & Puff Dispensary
Vadnais Heights' trusted cannabis dispensary — premium products, knowledgeable staff, and community-first values.
Address: 1142 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Open to Business Program
Free technical assistance and financing for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities.
Address: Via VHEDC — (651) 204-6000
Colleges & Universities
Higher education near Vadnais Heights
Vadnais Heights residents have access to a wide range of higher education institutions, from two-year community colleges to nationally recognized research universities. The northeast metro’s central location makes commuting to any Twin Cities campus convenient.
Century College
Public 2-Year Community & Technical College
Serves nearly 16,400 students annually. Programs range from career-technical degrees to transfer courses. Just minutes from Vadnais Heights. Honored by VHEDC with the 2018 Partnership Award.
Address: 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Bethel University
Private 4-Year Liberal Arts University
Founded in 1871, Bethel enrolls approximately 3,600 students. Located in neighboring Arden Hills, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in a Christian liberal arts tradition.
Address: 3900 Bethel Dr, Arden Hills, MN 55112
University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Private 4-Year Christian University
Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a Christ-centered learning environment in nearby Roseville.
Address: 3003 Snelling Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113
Metropolitan State University
Public 4-Year University
Primarily serves working adults with flexible scheduling. Multiple campuses in St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Address: 700 E 7th St, Saint Paul, MN 55106
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Public Research University (Big Ten)
Minnesota’s flagship university and one of the most comprehensive in the country. Home of the Golden Gophers. Located approximately 20 minutes from Vadnais Heights.
Address: 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Saint Paul College
Public 2-Year Community & Technical College
Offers AAS degrees, diplomas, and certificates across numerous career and technical fields in downtown Saint Paul.
Address: 235 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102
History of Minnesota
The North Star State — Land of 10,000 Lakes
Minnesota, the 32nd state admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858, takes its name from the Dakota Sioux word "Mni Sota" meaning "sky-tinted water." Located in the Upper Midwest of the United States at approximately 46.7296° N, 94.6859° W, Minnesota spans 86,936 square miles and is famously known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" — though the actual count exceeds 11,800.
Before European contact, the region was home to the Dakota (Sioux) and Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) peoples for thousands of years. French explorers and fur traders, including Pierre Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers, were among the first Europeans to reach the area in the 1650s. The Minnesota Territory was established on March 3, 1849, carved from portions of the Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri territories.
The state capital is Saint Paul, situated just 15 minutes south of Vadnais Heights. Minnesota is home to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area (the "Twin Cities"), the 16th largest metro in the United States with over 3.7 million residents. The state is known for its Fortune 500 companies (including Target, UnitedHealth Group, 3M, and Best Buy), world-class healthcare (Mayo Clinic in Rochester), and robust educational institutions including the University of Minnesota.
Minnesota’s professional sports teams include the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Wild (NHL), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), and Minnesota United FC (MLS). Major venues include U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and Target Field.
Transportation & Public Transit
Getting around Vadnais Heights and the Twin Cities
Vadnais Heights is strategically located at the crossroads of multiple major highways, making it one of the most accessible communities in the northeast Twin Cities metro. Public transit, park-and-ride facilities, and specialized transportation services ensure connectivity for all residents.
Major Highways
- Interstate 35E — North-south corridor connecting Vadnais Heights to downtown Saint Paul and Duluth
- Interstate 694 — East-west beltway linking to I-35W, I-94, and the entire metro
- U.S. Highway 61 — Historic route running through the city toward White Bear Lake and the North Shore
- County Highway 96 — Key east-west arterial through Vadnais Heights
- County Highway 49 (Rice Street) — Major north-south corridor to Saint Paul
Metro Transit Bus Routes
- Route 62 — Shoreview, Little Canada & St. Paul (Rice Street)
- Route 223 — Rosedale Mall, Little Canada & Maplewood Mall
- Route 262 — Lino Lakes, Shoreview & St. Paul (Rice Street)
- Route 265 — White Bear Lake, Maplewood & St. Paul
- Route 270 — Mahtomedi, Maplewood & Minneapolis
- Route 275 — Forest Lake, Lino Lakes, Vadnais Heights & St. Paul (stops at I-35E Park & Ride)
Park & Ride
- I-35E & County Road E Park & Ride
- Capacity: 300 parking spaces
- Served by: Metro Transit Route 275
- Connection: Any bus route into St. Paul connects to the Green Line Light Rail
Specialized Transit
- Transit Link — Dial-a-ride small bus service for areas without regular route coverage. Reservations required.
- Metro Mobility — Shared public transit for certified riders with disabilities or health conditions.
- Newtrax — Non-profit weekly transportation for adults with disabilities and seniors in the Northeast Metro.
- Metro Transit Carpooling — Free carpool matching tool for commuters.
Arts & Culture
Cultural venues and community spaces
Vadnais Heights Commons
Over 10,000 sq ft event venue with expansive windows, high ceilings, and skylights. Hosts weddings, corporate events, community gatherings, cultural events, and the annual Vadnais Heights Days festival.
Address: 655 E County Road F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Phone: (651) 204-6000
Coordinates: 45.0612° N, 93.0738° W
White Bear Center for the Arts
Community arts center offering classes, workshops, and exhibitions across visual arts, ceramics, painting, photography, and more. Just minutes from Vadnais Heights.
Address: 4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: (651) 407-0597
Coordinates: 45.0850° N, 93.0065° W
Vadnais Heights Heritage Center
Local history museum showcasing the French Canadian origins and suburban development of Vadnais Heights through exhibits, artifacts, and historical archives.
Address: 800 E County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Phone: (651) 204-6000
Coordinates: 45.0575° N, 93.0739° W
St. Mary of the Lake Church
Built in the early 1900s, this historic church is recognized for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and architectural significance in the community.
Address: 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: (651) 429-7771
Coordinates: 45.0640° N, 93.0115° W
Vadnais Heights Community Theater
Local theater group staging several productions annually, ranging from classic plays to modern musicals. Performances held at Vadnais Heights Commons.
Address: Vadnais Heights Commons, 655 E County Rd F
Phone: (651) 204-6000
Coordinates: 45.0612° N, 93.0738° W
Vadnais Heights Historical Society
Dedicated to preserving and sharing the city's French Canadian history through events, publications, lectures, and a curated collection of local artifacts.
Address: 800 E County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Phone: (651) 204-6000
Coordinates: 45.0575° N, 93.0739° W
Parks & Outdoors
Over 100 acres of active parkland and natural areas
The City of Vadnais Heights maintains over 100 acres of active parkland, including play equipment, sports fields, hockey and pleasure rinks, basketball and tennis courts, and miles of trails. The crown jewel is the 1,252-acre Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, operated by Ramsey County in cooperation with the city.
Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park
1,252 acres of woods and lakes. Includes Sucker Lake, East Vadnais Lake, and West Vadnais Lake. Miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and shoreline fishing. Open daily 5am–11pm.
Address: 4500 Rice St, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Sucker Lake Trail (Loop)
Popular 2.6-mile easy loop trail ideal for birding, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Scenic lake views and diverse wildlife. Takes approximately 51 minutes to complete.
Address: Trailhead on County Road F, east of Rice Street
Community Park
Central hub for city events including Vadnais Heights Days. Features playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and the adjacent Vadnais Heights Commons.
Address: 641 E County Road F, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Berwood Park
Open fields, playgrounds, and walking paths in a quiet residential neighborhood. Popular for family outings and casual recreation.
Address: Berwood Ave, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Bridgewood Park
Large playground and open spaces, popular with local families for casual picnics and outdoor play.
Address: Bridgewood Dr, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Gervais Mill Park
Once the site of a historic mill, this park now features walking trails and informative plaques detailing the area's French Canadian milling history.
Address: Gervais Mill Rd, Vadnais Heights, MN
Vadnais Heights Dog Park
Spacious, fenced-in off-leash area for dogs. Features separate sections for large and small dogs.
Address: Near Community Park, Vadnais Heights, MN
Vadnais Heights Skate Park
Equipped with ramps, rails, and obstacles for skateboarders and BMX riders of all skill levels.
Address: Near Community Park, Vadnais Heights, MN
Vadnais Heights Trail System
Extensive network of paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and running. Connects neighborhoods to parks and regional trails including the Highway 96 Regional Trail.
Address: Multiple access points throughout the city
Famous Landmarks
Historic sites and community treasures
Vadnais Lake
The city's namesake lake, named after French Canadian settler Jean Vadnais (c. 1846). Surrounded by protected land and miles of walking trails. Part of the Saint Paul Regional Water Services watershed.
Coordinates: 45.0580° N, 93.0880° W
Sucker Lake
Known for its clear waters and scenic views. Ideal for kayaking, shoreline fishing, and relaxation. Watercraft is prohibited to protect water quality. Part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park.
Coordinates: 45.0540° N, 93.0670° W
Vadnais Heights City Hall
Modern civic center serving as the hub for municipal services, city council meetings, and community engagement since the city's incorporation.
Address: 800 E County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Coordinates: 45.0575° N, 93.0739° W
Gervais Mill Historic Site
Site of a historic water-powered mill from the settlement era. Now a public park with interpretive plaques honoring the area's early French Canadian milling and agricultural heritage.
Address: Gervais Mill Rd, Vadnais Heights, MN
Coordinates: 45.0490° N, 93.0680° W
I-35E & County Road E Interchange
The commercial heart of Vadnais Heights. The 1990s infrastructure improvements here transformed the area into a thriving retail and services corridor, making it the economic engine of the city.
Address: I-35E at County Road E, Vadnais Heights
Coordinates: 45.0560° N, 93.0760° W
St. Mary of the Lake Church
Historic early-1900s church serving the broader Vadnais Heights-White Bear Lake community. Known for stunning stained glass windows and architectural beauty.
Address: 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Coordinates: 45.0640° N, 93.0115° W
Additional Local Resources
Community services and essential contacts
Vadnais Heights Fire Department
Full-service fire department providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and community education.
Address: 3595 Arcade St, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Phone: (651) 204-6060
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
Provides law enforcement services to Vadnais Heights. Non-emergency dispatch available 24/7.
Address: 425 Grove St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 266-9333
Vadnais Heights Public Library
Part of the Ramsey County Library system. Offers books, digital resources, community programs, meeting rooms, and children's activities.
Address: Served by Ramsey County Library — Shoreview Branch, 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
Phone: (651) 724-6006
Vadnais Heights Sports Center
Year-round hub for ice skating, hockey, and recreational activities. Home to local youth hockey leagues and open skating sessions.
Address: Community Park, Vadnais Heights, MN
Phone: (651) 204-6000
Vadnais Heights Farmers Market
Weekly summer market featuring local produce, handmade goods, baked items, and live entertainment. A beloved community tradition.
Address: Community Park, 641 E County Rd F
Phone: (651) 204-6000
U.S. Post Office – Vadnais Heights
Full-service USPS location serving Vadnais Heights residents and businesses. ZIP code: 55127.
Address: 893 E County Rd E, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Phone: (800) 275-8777
Visit Huff & Puff Dispensary in Vadnais Heights
Proudly serving Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities. Stop by our location at 1142 Co Rd E East or order ahead for quick pickup.