Top 15 Stunning Lakes to Visit in Minnesota

Known as the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’, it should be of no surprise that Minnesota’s vast number of lakes is one of its most significant attributes. In fact, there are an impressive 11,842 lakes in the state, along with over 6,500 natural rivers.

With such a multitude of lakes in Minnesota, the options are virtually limitless. Furthermore, it can be challenging to determine which ones particularly stand out from the rest. Below is a list of the 15 most remarkable lakes in Minnesota:

1. Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis

This urban lake is the most tranquil among Minneapolis’ lakes and is also renowned for its beauty. Lake of the Isles is bordered by a pathway that is perfect for walking and cycling.

A road also circumvents the lake, providing an appealing route for scenic drives. In winter, visitors can enjoy ice skating on the lake’s surface.

At the center of the lake, two wooded islands serve as protected wildlife sanctuaries, viewable only from a distance. The western shore is home to several magnificent stately residences.

2. Lake Vermilion, Saint Louis County

This freshwater lake is located in northeastern Minnesota. It ranks as the fifth largest lake in the state, covering a surface area exceeding 15,000 hectares.

Lake Vermilion attracts visitors not only from Minnesota but also from various regions across the nation and beyond. Its reputation for excellent fishing, particularly for muskie and walleye, draws a large crowd.

In the 1940s, the National Geographic Society recognized Lake Vermilion as one of the most picturesque lakes in the country—a distinction that remains evident, especially at dawn.

3. Lake Harriet, Minneapolis

Situated in the southwestern part of the city, Lake Harriet frequently hosts special events. The lake itself serves as a cherished recreational facility.

Walking and cycling trails encircle the lake, and many individuals utilize the water for sailing. The two beaches at Lake Harriet particularly attract visitors during hot summer weekends.

A band shell located on the northern aspect of the lake provides live entertainment and refreshments. Additionally, a pavilion allows guests to escape the sun while admiring the beautiful waters.

4. Lake Pepin, Goodhue & Wabasha County

This naturally occurring lake represents the largest portion of the Mississippi River. Lake Pepin is shared with the adjoining state of Wisconsin, although the Minnesota side features more substantial development.

Three marinas are found on the Minnesota flank of the lake, with the only operational lighthouse along the Mississippi River positioned at the entrance to one of the marinas (Lake City Marina).

The Frontenac State Park borders the lake’s shoreline, providing opportunities for birdwatching, camping, and hiking. Fishing is generally rewarding in Lake Pepin, with species such as walleye, crappie, northern pike, channel catfish, and bluegill easily caught here.

5. Lake Calhoun, Minneapolis

The largest lake in Minneapolis forms part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Lake Calhoun is a picturesque park that is surrounded by parkland and encircled by cycling and walking trails.

This 163-hectare urban lake houses three beaches, all offering swimming facilities. Additional recreational pursuits include windsurfing, canoeing, and kayaking.

The adjoining Lake Calhoun Park presents picnic areas, volleyball nets, and athletic fields, in addition to being home to the renowned Lake Calhoun Sailing School.

6. Mille Lacs Lake, Mille Lacs, Aitkin & Crow Wing Counties

Translating to ‘thousand lakes’ in French, Mille Lacs Lake is situated approximately 160 kilometers north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. It ranks as the second largest lake in the state, albeit shallow, with a maximum depth of just 13 meters.

Mille Lacs Lake hosts the Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuge, composed of two small islands. This refuge offers a habitat for numerous bird species, including the threatened common terns.

This lake is a favored summer destination, providing opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and swimming. It also ranks as a prime fishing location, where various species such as walleye, muskie, northern pike, burbot, and jumbo perch can be found.

7. Lake Superior, Saint Louis County

The far western corner of this Great Lake extends into Minnesota. This section, known as the North Shore, is celebrated for its rocky cliffs, forested hills, and cobblestone beaches.

A multitude of attractions line the lake’s shoreline, including the breathtaking North Shore Scenic Drive. The Superior National Forest borders the Canadian border and is favored for camping.

Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing can be enjoyed on Lake Superior during the warmer months. In winter, activities include ice fishing and skating on the lake.

8. Rainy Lake, Koochiching County

Rainy Lake is incorporated in the Voyageurs National Park located in the northern region of Minnesota. Notably, the lake is also shared with the Canadian province of Ontario, although the national park itself is solely within U.S. territory.

This expansive freshwater lake is renowned for outstanding recreational fishing, housing northern pike, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, and bass. To facilitate this, numerous fishing cabins, fishing resorts, and boat-in camping areas are available.

In the winter months, visitors can partake in activities such as ice fishing, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are also designated snowmobiling trails.

9. Gull Lake, Cass & Crow Wing Counties

This expansive lake covers over 4,000 hectares and boasts a well-developed shoreline. Despite this, it remains immensely popular, dotted with numerous cabins, resorts, and residences.

Gull Lake stretches 24 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 24 meters. It supports approximately 35 species of aquatic life, resulting in a substantial fish population.

Preferred activities on the lake include water-skiing, canoeing, paddling, boarding, and, naturally, fishing. For those who prefer to stay dry, options such as golfing, tennis, horseback riding, or mountain biking are also available.

10. Leech Lake, Cass County

Located in north-central Minnesota, Leech Lake is completely surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest. It is recognized as the third largest lake in the state and serves as a reservoir for the county.

Leech Lake is home to 11 distinct islands and features a shoreline comprised of numerous bays, making it an ideal fishing destination, particularly for walleye and perch.

Summer activities include swimming, water-skiing, and canoeing, while trails around the lake are suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. In winter, visitors can explore over 600 kilometers of snowmobiling trails.

11. Lake Itasca, Clearwater County

This small glacial lake is situated approximately 450 meters above sea level at the edge of Itasca State Park. Although not particularly deep, with a maximum depth of around 11 meters, it is an excellent location for fishing.

Popular fish species in Lake Itasca include northern pike, walleye, panfish, and bass, while the corresponding park is ideal for birdwatching. During the winter season, the lake serves as a prime location for ice fishing.

Other activities available on Lake Itasca include canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in nature can opt for hiking, biking, or horseback riding along the park’s trails.

12. Lake Bemidji, Beltrami County

Lake Bemidji is another glacially-formed lake in Minnesota, located in the northern region of the state within Lake Bemidji State Park.

This lake is a sought-after recreational destination, providing opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Additionally, a beach along the northern shoreline features picnic tables, grills, a volleyball court, and public restrooms.

Surrounding the lake is an extensive trail network, some of which are designated cycling paths. In winter, the trails cater to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

13. Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis

Another urban lake, Lake Nokomis is situated in the southern part of the city, near the airport. This oval-shaped lake encompasses a total area of 83 hectares, with its shoreline bordered by lush vegetation.

Visitors can access two sandy beaches along the lake’s shores, perfect for swimming on hot days. One beach features concessions, a walking path, and a restaurant, while the other remains more natural.

In winter, the frozen surface of the lake transforms into a public ice skating rink, serving as the venue for the U.S. pond hockey championships.

14. Burntside Lake, Saint Louis County

Burntside Lake features over 100 islands, most of which are inhabited. On the shore of this 2,889-hectare lake sit two resorts and a summer camp.

The western boundary of the lake is part of the stunning Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. While fishing is popular throughout the lake, specific areas are more renowned for it.

Golden shiners, lake trout, bluegill, rainbow smelt, walleye, and smallmouth bass are among the fish species found in the lake.

15. Lake Phalen, Saint Paul

This urban lake is located in the Saint Paul suburb of Maplewood, just northeast of the city center. The lake is enveloped by 200 hectares of parkland, drawing more than 500,000 visitors each year.

Lake Phalen is a favored fishing locale, with common catches including walleyes, tiger muskies, and northern pike. Sailing and boating are other popular activities enjoyed on this lake.

It is the only site in the city that permits swimming, while an 18-hole golf course and an exquisite Chinese garden line the lake’s five-kilometer shoreline.