Premium Cannabis Dispensary Serving Gem Lake
Gem Lake, Minnesota
Discover Gem Lake — a quiet, tight-knit Ramsey County community with rural charm, natural beauty, and convenient access to Huff & Puff Dispensary for all your cannabis needs.
📍 Coordinates: 45.0678° N, 93.0306° W
Incorporated: June 30, 1959 | Ramsey County, Minnesota
Visit Huff & Puff DispensaryGem Lake, MN
Gem Lake is a city in Ramsey County, Minnesota, United States. Incorporated on June 30, 1959, Gem Lake was formerly part of White Bear Township with 95% of voters supporting the incorporation. The city is named after the 17-acre Gem Lake at its center and had a population of 528 at the 2020 census. Covering just 1.14 square miles, Gem Lake is one of the smallest cities in Ramsey County, known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, rural character, and commitment to preserving its natural environment along the U.S. Route 61 corridor.
Huff & Puff Dispensary
Your neighborhood cannabis destination
Huff & Puff Dispensary is the closest premium cannabis dispensary to Gem Lake, located just minutes away at 1142 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110. As a fully licensed dispensary under Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management regulations, we serve Gem Lake residents with premium cannabis flower, THC edibles, vape cartridges, pre-rolls, tinctures, topicals, concentrates, glass pipes, and hookahs from Minnesota's most trusted cultivators.
Whether you're a Gem Lake local or just passing through on Highway 61, our knowledgeable staff delivers expert guidance, competitive prices, and a welcoming environment. Browse our menu to order ahead for quick pickup. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm. Cash only — ATM on site. Call us at (651) 502-2296.
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History of Gem Lake
From White Bear Township to independent city
The land now occupied by Gem Lake, Minnesota was originally home to the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples, who used the area for hunting and harvesting long before European settlement. European-American settlers began arriving in the 1850s, attracted by the fertile land and proximity to the Mississippi River and Saint Paul.
In 1858, the year Minnesota achieved statehood, the area became part of White Bear Township. For a century, the land remained primarily agricultural with scattered lakeside homes. By the mid-20th century, as suburban development accelerated across the Twin Cities, Gem Lake residents sought to preserve their community's rural character and maintain local control over zoning and development.
On June 30, 1959, residents voted overwhelmingly — with 95% approval — to incorporate as the City of Gem Lake, separating from White Bear Township. The city was named after the 17-acre Gem Lake at its center. Today, Gem Lake balances its rural heritage with a growing commercial corridor along U.S. Highway 61, while maintaining its tight-knit community spirit and natural beauty. Huff & Puff Dispensary proudly serves Gem Lake residents from nearby Vadnais Heights.
Dakota and Ojibwe peoples use the area for hunting and harvesting.
European-American settlers arrive, attracted by fertile land near Saint Paul.
Minnesota achieves statehood; area becomes part of White Bear Township.
Gem Lake incorporates as a city with 95% voter approval (pop. ~400).
Population reaches 418; 139 households. Median income: $64,167.
Population grows to 393; median age rises to 49.5 years.
U.S. Census records population of 528 — a 34.4% increase from 2010.
Estimated population: 534. Median household income: $119,621.
Demographics
Statistical overview of Gem Lake
528
2020 Population
49.5
Median Age
$119,621
Median Household Income
155
Households
Racial Composition
- White: 96.6%
- Asian: 2.1%
- Two or More Races: 0.9%
- Black/African American: 0.4%
- Hispanic/Latino: 0.4%
Education & Employment
- High School Diploma or Higher: 96.3%
- Bachelor's Degree: 45.0%
- Graduate/Professional Degree: 18.7%
- Unemployment Rate: 2.1%
- Labor Force Participation: 71.3%
- Poverty Rate: 1.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census & American Community Survey
Government & Politics
City leadership and municipal services
City Hall
- Address: 4200 Otter Lake Road, Gem Lake, MN 55110
- Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30am - 12:30pm
- Website: gemlakemn.org
- Council Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM
City Officials
- Mayor: Gretchen Artig-Swomley
- City Clerk: Melissa Lawrence
- Congressional District: Minnesota's 4th (Rep. Betty McCollum)
- State Senate: District 36 (Heather Gustafson)
- State House: District 36B (Brion Curran)
County Government
- County: Ramsey County, Minnesota
- County Seat: Saint Paul, MN
- Phone: (651) 266-7500
School District
- White Bear Lake Area Schools (ISD 624)
4855 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
(651) 407-7500
Companies & Economy
Business community along Highway 61
Despite its small size, Gem Lake has a growing commercial corridor along U.S. Highway 61, providing convenient services for residents and commuters. The city's strategic location between White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights offers direct access to Interstate 35E and the broader Twin Cities metro.
Hy-Vee
Full-service grocery store serving Gem Lake and surrounding communities along Highway 61.
Address: Highway 61, Gem Lake, MN 55110
AutoNation Ford
Major automotive dealership and service center on the Highway 61 commercial corridor.
Address: Highway 61, Gem Lake, MN 55110
Gem Lake Hills Golf Course
Local golf course and recreational facility offering a scenic experience for golfers in the northeast metro.
Address: Gem Lake, MN 55110
Newtrax, Inc.
Non-profit transportation provider for adults with disabilities and seniors in the Northeast Metro.
Address: 3700 Highway 61 N Ste 100, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Huff & Puff Dispensary
Gem Lake's closest premium cannabis dispensary — just minutes away in Vadnais Heights. Premium flower, edibles, vapes, and more.
Address: 1142 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, MN 55110
Black Sea Restaurant
Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine restaurant located in the Gem Lake commercial district along Highway 61.
Address: Highway 61, Gem Lake, MN 55110
Colleges & Universities
Higher education near Gem Lake
Gem Lake residents benefit from proximity to some of Minnesota's finest educational institutions, all within a short drive along Highway 61 or I-35E.
Century College
Public 2-Year Community & Technical College
Just minutes from Gem Lake. One of Minnesota's largest community colleges serving nearly 16,400 students annually with career-technical and transfer programs.
Address: 3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Bethel University
Private 4-Year Liberal Arts University
Founded in 1871 in neighboring Arden Hills. Approximately 3,600 students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Address: 3900 Bethel Dr, Arden Hills, MN 55112
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Public Research University (Big Ten)
Minnesota's flagship university, approximately 20 minutes from Gem Lake. Home of the Golden Gophers.
Address: 100 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Metropolitan State University
Public 4-Year University
Primarily serves working adults with flexible scheduling. Multiple campuses in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Address: 700 E 7th St, Saint Paul, MN 55106
Transportation & Public Transit
Getting around Gem Lake and the Twin Cities
Major Highways
- U.S. Highway 61 — Primary route running through Gem Lake, connecting to White Bear Lake and Duluth
- Interstate 35E — Nearby north-south corridor to downtown Saint Paul
- Interstate 694 — Nearby east-west beltway linking the metro
- Elevation: 945 feet (288 meters) above sea level
Transit Services
- Transit Link — Dial-a-ride small bus service for areas without regular route coverage
- Metro Mobility — Shared transit for certified riders with disabilities
- Newtrax, Inc. — Non-profit transportation for adults with disabilities and seniors
- Metro Transit — Bus routes available in neighboring White Bear Lake and Vadnais Heights
Parks, Landmarks & Recreation
Natural beauty and nearby attractions
While Gem Lake is a small community focused on preserving its natural character, residents enjoy the 17-acre Gem Lake at the city's center and have easy access to outstanding parks and cultural venues in surrounding communities.
Gem Lake (the Lake)
The city's namesake — a serene 17-acre lake at the center of the community. Surrounded by residential properties and natural areas that define Gem Lake's peaceful character.
Coordinates: 45.0678° N, 93.0306° W
Gem Lake Hills Golf Course
Local golf course offering a scenic and accessible golfing experience for residents and visitors in the northeast metro.
Gem Lake, MN 55110
Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park
1,252-acre Ramsey County park just west of Gem Lake. Miles of hiking and biking trails, shoreline fishing, picnic shelters, and diverse wildlife.
4500 Rice St, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127
Tamarack Nature Center
320-acre nature preserve in neighboring White Bear Township with wetlands, forests, trails for hiking and birdwatching, day camps, and orienteering classes.
5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110
White Bear Center for the Arts
Community arts center just minutes from Gem Lake offering classes in painting, pottery, photography, and drawing for all ages.
4971 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Lakeshore Players Theatre
Founded in 1953 in nearby White Bear Lake. One of Minnesota's oldest community theaters, producing multiple shows annually.
4820 Stewart Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Additional Local Resources
Community services and essential contacts
Gem Lake City Hall
Municipal services, licensing, public safety, and community development. Open Mon-Thu 7:30am-12:30pm.
Address: 4200 Otter Lake Road, Gem Lake, MN 55110
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
Provides law enforcement services to Gem Lake. Non-emergency dispatch available 24/7.
Address: 425 Grove St, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 266-9333
Ramsey County Library - Shoreview
Nearest library branch serving Gem Lake residents. Books, digital resources, programs, and meeting rooms.
Address: 4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126
Phone: (651) 724-6006
White Bear Lake Area Schools
School district serving Gem Lake students from elementary through high school.
Address: 4855 Bloom Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Phone: (651) 407-7500
Newtrax, Inc.
Non-profit weekly transportation for adults with disabilities and seniors in the Northeast Metro.
Address: 3700 Highway 61 N Ste 100, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Gem Lake News
City newsletter keeping residents informed about events, city updates, and community news. Published by the City of Gem Lake.
Address: Gem Lake, MN 55110
Visit Huff & Puff Dispensary Near Gem Lake
Just minutes from Gem Lake via Highway 61. Stop by 1142 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights or order ahead for quick pickup.