There's a reason why Minnesota is referred to as the Land of 10,000 Lakes — this incredible state is home to a jaw-dropping number of bodies of freshwater, which can make it difficult to choose which lakefront destination to visit next. There are Minnesota lakes for every type of traveler, including those that want to spend all of their time fishing and families who want to enjoy some fun in the refreshingly cool waters. Surprisingly, many of the top lakes in Minnesota are actually considered to be year-round destinations, as ice fishing, snowshoeing and other wintertime activities are incredibly popular among locals and visitors alike.
Below, we detail the nine best lakes in Minnesota, no matter when you want to visit this vast and beautiful state:
1. Lake Minnetonka
- Located: Near the Twin Cities
- Best for: Families seeking a lively summer vacation destination that includes boating, fishing and more.
The name Lake Minnetonka may imply that this is one, large lake, but in reality, this body of water is a chain of lakes that connects more than a dozen lakeside towns. Its convenient location just north of Minneapolis and St. Paul makes it one of the most popular vacation destinations for local residents and tourists.
Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the fact that there are plenty of hiking and biking trails that wind around Lake Minnetonka, giving them the ability to stay active while soaking up the incredible views that surround them. Families, in particular, consider this to be one of the best lakes in Minnesota because there is no shortage of restaurants, activities and kid-friendly attractions.
Lake Minnetonka is particularly popular during the busy summer travel season, when it's warm enough to enjoy boating and swimming. There are designated swimming areas around the lake that are open seasonally, and many people also enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding in these cool and calm waters.
2. Minneapolis Chain of Lakes
- Located: Near Minneapolis
- Best for: Travelers searching for local charm and an authentic atmosphere during their lake vacation.
Vacationers who are spending time in Minneapolis will find that some of the top lakes in Minnesota are located right in the city's vibrant downtown area. The infamous Minneapolis Chain of Lakes includes five lakes — Harriet, Brownie, Cedar, Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles — and each lake offers its own distinct experience. For instance, Bde Maka Ska is a favorite among tourists, due to the abundance of family-friendly amenities there, including a beach, biking path, picnic area, volleyball court and boat rentals. On the other hand, most locals head to Lake Harriet, which is an excellent sailing destination that is not usually crowded with tourists.
Offering a scenic escape from the sights and sounds of the city, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a must-visit destination if you plan to spend time in the Twin Cities.
3. Lake Superior
- Located: in Duluth and along the northwestern border of Minnesota
- Best for: Adventurous travelers who appreciate scenic views and immersive outdoor experiences.
Of all the Minnesota lakes that are scattered throughout the state, none are quite as mighty or impressive as Lake Superior. As the largest of all the Great Lakes, the Lake Superior shoreline looks more like an ocean than a body of fresh water. Known for its vigor and strength, Lake Superior is a sight to behold, with many visitors finding that they are completely captivated by the wild waves that crash onto the rocky, northern shores.
Adventure-seekers often find themselves in Duluth or other small towns along this northern stretch of Minnesota, where they can enjoy the many hiking trails that wind along the Lake Superior shoreline. In some areas, there are boat tours available that allow visitors to experience the waters of Lake Superior for themselves.
Lake Superior is notoriously unpredictable, so swimming and boating is not recommended for inexperienced travelers, particularly when the winds or waves are high. To learn more about this lake while you are in Duluth, consider booking a self-guided audio tour that will take you to popular scenic overlooks and provide you with information about the lake as well as its history.
4. Mille Lacs Lake
- Located: in the East-Central Region of Minnesota in Mille Lacs County
- Best for: Travelers looking for an all-sports lake that can be enjoyed throughout the entire year.
Conveniently located just a short drive from Minneapolis, Mille Lacs Lake has become known as a treasured year-round destination. In the summer, the calm waters of this round, inland lake are perfect for boating, fishing and swimming, making it an idyllic family vacation destination. When winter arrives in earnest and the lake freezes over, Mille Lacs Lake becomes one of the best ice fishing spots in the state. There is always a flurry of activity in this area, allowing visitors to easily find hotels, shopping and dining options.
5. Lake Itasca
- Located: in South Clearwater County
- Best for: Adventurous travelers and families who want to experience the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River.
Lake Itasca has become a bucket-list destination for solo travelers, couples and families, because this Minnesota lake is the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. Thousands upon thousands of travelers come to this lake each year in order to have the chance to say that they dipped their toes in the startlingly cool waters that trickle down into the Mississippi River.
There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking along the nearby trails, and the calm waters of Lake Itasca are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Travelers will find that there are rentals available for their use. Of course, one of the best things to do is walk across the Mississippi River — some areas of the river have small boulders that can be used to navigate across the river, while there are other areas with small plank bridges. As always, exercise caution and determine whether conditions are safe for you and your party before you attempt to cross the Mississippi on your own.
6. Bear Island Lake
- Located: Near Ely
- Best for: Travelers who want to spend their time fishing and boating
Found in Bear Island State Forest, Bear Island Lake is a quintessential Minnesota lake. Lined by pine trees and featuring impossibly clear blue waters, this lake is often frequented by campers and travelers who want to enjoy the peaceful quiet of the region. This year-round destination offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking and canoeing during the summer months, while the winter brings in travelers who enjoy hunting, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
7. Lake Vermilion
- Located: in Northeastern Minnesota
- Best for: Avid fishermen who want to soak up the beauty of the northern landscape while they cast a line.
Featuring a seemingly-impossible 340 miles of shoreline, Lake Vermilion is the longest of all the Minnesota lakes and is home to 365 islands. It is one of the northernmost destinations in Minnesota, allowing visitors to truly escape the stress and realities of daily life as they immerse themselves in their natural surroundings. Best reserved for outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to enjoy a rugged and rustic lakefront vacation, Lake Vermilion offers endless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking and wildlife watching. If you are looking for a place to go where you don't have to have a schedule, and you won't be surrounded by throngs of other travelers, this is the best lake in Minnesota for you.
8. Gull Lake
- Located: Near Brainerd
- Best for: Families and couples seeking a quiet place to soak up the natural beauty of Minnesota
Centrally located in the heart of the state, Gull Lake is a large and lively lake that has become a treasured family vacation destination. In fact, many Minnesotans have summer cabins located around the lake's shoreline. In the summer, you will find boats and jet-skis zooming around the lake, particularly during the ever-popular holiday weekends. In the winter, ice fishing is incredibly popular. In fact, Gull Lake hosts an ice fishing festival each year that has become a beloved tradition in Brainerd.
9. Lake of the Woods
- Located: in Northern Minnesota
- Best for: Travelers who are in search of scenic beauty and an abundance of year-round fishing opportunities.
Spanning more than 950,000 acres, Lake of the Woods is a massive lake that stretches beyond Minnesota into two Canadian provinces. Famously known as the northernmost point in the continental United States, Lake of the Woods is a rustic destination that is best for adventurous travelers who are ready to immerse themselves in their natural surroundings. It's a favorite among avid fishermen, who know that they will enjoy a high catch rate no matter what time of year they visit. Those that visit during the harsh winter months will be rewarded with excellent conditions for ice fishing. There may be few amenities located near Lake of the Woods, but the serene atmosphere and unparalleled natural beauty eclipse the need for additional attractions.
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