Overview
Visiting Oakdale, MN in Washington County, Minnesota places you near Browns Beach (16.3 km), Interstate Bridge (16.5 km), Island Lake Park (16.5 km), with regional access via St. Paul Downtown Airport (8.1 km) (elevation 0 m (0 ft), pop. 28,080). Travelers stop in Oakdale for classic American main-street dining, state & national park scenic byways, and signature dishes from Minnesota.
Local Food & Regional Specialties — Oakdale
1. Signature Regional Dishes
In Oakdale (Washington County, Washington County), local tables feature: Signature Minnesota dishes—Juicy Lucy cheese-stuffed burger, Minnesota wild rice soup & walleye pike, and Swedish meatballs, lefse & tater tot hotdish.
2. Craft Pours, Wines & Roasters
Around Oakdale and across Washington County, local beverage lists highlight: Regional pours and beverages in Minnesota: North Shore craft lagers & wild-rice ales, alongside independent American craft breweries, local roasters, and regional vineyards.
3. Farmers Markets & Local Specialties
At farmers markets and specialty shops in Oakdale (Washington County), look for: Local specialties across Minnesota: Honeycrisp apple crisp & lingonberry tarts, farmers-market seasonal produce, and regional smokehouse or bakery traditions.
4. American Dining & Tipping Rhythm (18–20%)
Classic Minnesota dining—hearty diner or café breakfasts, casual lunch counters and food trucks ($12–$20), and evening neighborhood restaurants where 18%–20% table-service tipping and state/local sales tax apply at checkout. In a mid-sized city like Oakdale (pop. 28,080), visitors will find independent coffee roasters, craft taprooms, regional steakhouses or seafood shacks, and weekend growers markets showcasing Washington County producers.
Getting There & Local Transit
Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport (MSP), Metro Transit light rail, Amtrak Empire Builder & Borealis at St. Paul Union Depot, and I-35/I-94. From Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Duluth (MSP Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport & Amtrak Empire Builder / Borealis), major Interstate corridors, Amtrak/regional transit, and airport shuttles connect directly to Oakdale (St. Paul Downtown Airport (8.1 km)) and neighboring cities across Washington County.
Primary Transit & Airport Hub: St. Paul Downtown Airport (8.1 km).
What to See & Do — Oakdale
- Nearby Landmarks & Points of Interest: Browns Beach (16.3 km) · Interstate Bridge (16.5 km) · Island Lake Park (16.5 km) · Island Lake (16.8 km) · Sixth Street Historic District (16.9 km)
- Local Districts & Neighborhoods: Greater East Side
- Downtown & Historic Main Street of Oakdale: Explore the central courthouse district, independent diners, local coffee roasters, and weekly farmers markets.
- State Parks & Scenic Byways (Washington County): Drive or hike scenic overlooks, riverfronts, and trailheads surrounding Oakdale (0 m (0 ft)).
Nearby US Cities & Towns near Oakdale
Explore the 5 closest neighboring US cities and towns to Oakdale by straight-line distance:
- Maplewood, MN (2.6 km)
- Woodbury, MN (4.4 km)
- North Saint Paul, MN (5.9 km)
- Lake Elmo, MN (7.7 km)
- South Saint Paul, MN (9.6 km)
Best Time to Visit
Jun–Oct. Browse all cities in Minnesota or search the complete directory of 10,714 US cities & towns.