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Best Lakes in Minnesota

20 top-rated lakes in Minnesota. Discover pristine lakes ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and peaceful waterfront relaxation.

Bde Maka Ska (Minneapolis, 4.7 from 4,446 reviews), Shady Oak Beach (Minnetonka, 4.5 from 545 reviews) and Lake Harriet (Minneapolis, 4.4 from 368 reviews) are the most-reviewed swimming lakes in Minnesota. The full ranking below covers 20 spots, ordered by how many people have reviewed them, each with photos, ratings and directions.

SwimmingFishingKayakingBoatingCamping

Top Lakes in Minnesota

Top 10 on the map

Locations approximate to pin

14.7(4,446)

Bde Maka Ska

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dog-friendly

Swimming, water sports & watercraft rentals, plus separate 3-mile loop paths for walkers & bikers.

24.5(545)

Shady Oak Beach

Public beach · Minnetonka, Minnesota

Community beach offering swimming & a high dive plus a playground, concessions & volleyball.

34.4(368)

Lake Harriet

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

This lake is surrounded by parks & features beaches, trails, boating, a bandshell & skyline views.

44.6(334)

Mille Lacs Lake

Lake · Minnesota

Large lake with shallow reef-top & deep-water angling of fish such as walleye, pike, muskie & more.

54.7(244)

Lake Nokomis

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

Man-made lake with boat & kayak rentals, plus swimming beaches, waterside parks & bike trails.

64.7(181)

Lake Minnetonka

Lake · Minnesota

14,000-acre lake & popular recreation area with boating, fishing & waterside restaurants.

74.5(164)

Rogers Lake

Lake · Mendota Heights, Minnesota

A lake in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

84.2(163)

Spoon Lake

Lake · Maplewood, Minnesota

A lake in Maplewood, Minnesota.

94.6(152)

Lake Phalen

Lake · Minnesota

Large, scenic lake for fishing, sailing & boating encircled by a paved 3-mi. bike trail.

104.8(141)

Lake Vermilion

Lake · Minnesota

Freshwater lake named after French fur traders' translation of a local native tribe's name.

4.8(133)

Lake of the Isles

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dog-friendly

Celebrated urban lake featuring an ice-skating rink, fishing pier, paved jogging paths & dog park.

4.5(92)

Crystal Lake

Lake · Minnesota

30-acre lake with picnic facilities, walking trails & fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill & pike.

4.8(81)

Gull Lake

Lake · Minnesota

Camping nearby

Vast lake & site of a popular ice-fishing contest, with a boat launch & many aquatic species.

4.5(74)

Bass Lake Park

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

A community gathering spot & green space with pickleball courts, a playground & a sun shelter.

4.4(54)

Lake George

Lake · Oak Grove, Minnesota

This small lake next to a park offers year-round recreation, from water skiing to ice fishing.

4.8(50)

Cedar Lake

Lake · Minneapolis, Minnesota

Surrounded by parks & natural areas, this river is a popular place for fishing, canoeing & kayaking.

4.8(43)

Bush Lake

Lake · Bloomington, Minnesota

This 172-acre lake features a swimming beach & a boat launch, plus canoeing & fishing.

4.7(26)

Pelican Lake

Lake · Minnesota

Easygoing recreational hub with a sandy beach, popular boating destination & shade trees.

4.2(23)

Silver Lake

Lake · Rochester, Minnesota

Urban lake offering paddle boating, canoe rentals, a skate park, playground & outdoor swimming pool.

4.8(21)

Lake Miltona

Lake · Minnesota

Camping nearby

Lake Miltona is a lake in Douglas County, in the U.S. state of Minnesota. Lake Miltona was named for Florence Miltona Roadruck, the wife of a pioneer who settled there.

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