A metal sculpture of a spreading oak greets visitors outside of Oakdale City Hall.

The presence of 3M in neighboring Maplewood creates opportunities in Oakdale for businesses that supply products or services to the company, such as the Pace Analytical Life Sciences laboratory.

Shelly Rowedder and Craig Savard, employees in Oakdale’s Public Works Department, work on rehabbing the horseshoe pits in Horseshoe Park.

Oakdale Nature Preserve features 2.7 miles of paved trails for walkers, bikers and people using wheelchairs. The preserve provides excellent habitat for birds, including the great horned owl (inset).

In recent years, Oakdale has attracted both “big box” and mid-sized commercial development that serves an area larger than just the city.

The Minnesota Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, located in Oakdale, is an eye-catching structure. For Mormons, temples are reserved for special forms of worship such as marriages and endowment ceremonies. This temple was dedicated in January 2000.