The Best Lakes in Minnesota
Whether you are looking for a place to visit, a weekend getaway, or something more, there are a number of lakes in Minnesota that offer something to suit your needs. Read on to learn about the top lakes in Minnesota, and plan your vacation today.
Lake of the Isles
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lake of the Isles is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state. The lake is part of the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, a series of five lakes southwest of downtown Minneapolis.
In the 1940s, Lake of the Isles was considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Today, it is part of the Chain of Lakes Regional Park.
There are many things to do at Lake of the Isles. You can enjoy the scenic drive, enjoy a picnic, and participate in various outdoor activities.
Lake of the Isles is also a good place to see fall foliage. You can view the beautiful skyline from the lake and there are many hiking and biking trails around the lake. It is a popular destination for ice skating in the winter.
There are also several carry-in canoe or kayak locations on Lake of the Isles. It is an excellent place for fishing, but is not recommended for swimming.
There are many ways to get to Lake of the Isles, including biking, taking a light rail train, or by bus. In addition, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and bicycles.
Lake Minnetonka
Located in Minnesota, Lake Minnetonka is one of the most popular lakes in the state. It’s also a great place to enjoy some fun on the water, or just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a seasoned angler, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy here.
The lake is one of the largest in the state, boasting more than 100 miles of shoreline. There are also dozens of islands to explore. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, consider renting a boat for a day or two. You’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities including scuba diving, fishing, and jet skiing.
The lake is also a great place to take a boat cruise. Many boat rentals are available for a reasonable rate. During the summer, you’ll find lots of people out enjoying the sun, water, and sand. You’ll also find a number of festivals and events.
You’ll also find plenty of shopping and restaurants. There are many lakeside resorts, as well as independent bookstores.
There are also some fun events and festivals that take place on the lake. There’s the Lake Minnetonka Spirit of the Lakes Festival, and James J. Hill Days.
Lake Pepin
Located on the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, Lake Pepin is a spectacular natural lake. Almost 30 miles long and three miles wide, this lake offers plenty of activities for all ages.
Known as a great smallmouth bass fishery, this lake also offers plenty of other species of fish. You can fish for walleye and northern pike as well.
The lake is also a popular destination for boaters, sailors, and bird watchers. The area has scenic overlooks where you can park and take in the beautiful view of the lake. There are also several marinas to choose from. During the summer, the lake is dotted with sailboats and houseboats.
The shoreline is rip-rapped, making it ideal for feeding smallmouth bass. You can find the lake monster known as Pepie at the bottom of Maiden Rock. A peregrine falcon nests in a tree nearby.
The lake is also known for its back country. Visitors can find lodging at bed and breakfasts and restaurants. It is also a popular place for water skiing. During the winter months, you can find ice fishers.
Lake Vermilion
Located in northeastern Minnesota, Lake Vermilion is a great destination for a fishing trip. You will find a variety of fish, including walleye, northerns, smallmouth bass, tullibee, and bluegills. You can also find trophy pike.
The best time to go fishing on Lake Vermilion is in the spring and summer months. Walleye tend to hang out in the shallows in the early months of the year, but as the weather gets warmer, they move deeper into the lake.
During the summer, you can find muskies and bass hanging out in shallow waters along the main shoreline or in the drop-offs. You can also find northern pike at depths of around twenty or thirty feet.
The best way to fish Lake Vermilion is to slip bobber or jig. You can also troll crankbaits and cast metal baits to shallower structures.
You can also target muskies by trolling crankbaits near the shoreline and in the main basin. The lake’s northern pike are similar to the muskies, and they are usually found at depths of twenty to fifty feet.
Lax Lake
Located in northeastern Minnesota, Lax Lake is a lake that was once a logging town. Today it is a popular fishing hole. You can enjoy some great fishing as well as other Minnesota attractions while you are here.
The largest Northern Pike sampled in 2014 was 39 inches. The average size of the fish was within the range of previous investigations. The largest Bluegill sampled in Lax Lake measured 9 inches.
The Lax Lake Largemouth Bass is one of the largest fish in the lake. The mean weight was above average for the lake. The average length was 14 inches. It is not a good idea to fish Lax Lake without consulting local resources. The best time to fish Lax Lake is during the fall.
The Lax Lake Black Crappie is another fish to watch. Its reproduction can lead to a boom and bust period. Its population tally isn’t as impressive as it once was. Its size and growth rate are not as impressive as other lakes in the northeastern part of the state.
Kabetogama Lake
Whether you’re looking to catch a trophy walleye, take a hike, or just relax on the shores of a pristine lake, Lake Kabetogama is the perfect destination. It’s one of the best lakes in Minnesota and it’s a great destination for a family vacation.
Lake Kabetogama has an amazing variety of fish and wildlife. Many species of fish inhabit the water including northern pike, walleye, suckers, and bluethroat.
There are several shoreline resorts to choose from. The Kabetogama Lake shoreline resorts offer boat rentals, lodging, and safe docking for your own boat. Boats of all types are welcome on the lake. Boat launch ramps are located at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, Mahaffey’s Moosehorn Resort, and the Wooden Frog Campground.
For a more remote getaway, visit the Kettle Falls Hotel. This hotel offers 12 completely remodeled rooms. Rooms are furnished with antiques and single or double beds. The hotel is located 15 miles from the nearest road. It’s a remote spot on the Minnesota-Canadian border.
The Kettle Falls Hotel is located at the Pines of Kabetogama Resort, which is also located in Voyageurs National Park. It offers fishing equipment, cabin rentals, and a floating waterpark.
Rainy Lake
Located in the northeastern part of Minnesota, Rainy Lake is part of the international boundary between Minnesota and Canada. This beautiful lake offers a variety of outdoor activities. Its wide array of fish species makes it one of the most popular lakes for fishing.
The northern pike population in Rainy Lake is well-structured, with good natural reproduction. There is also a population of brown bullhead and yellow bullhead.
Walleye are another popular fish species in Rainy Lake. They head to shallow water in late spring and summer, where they feed on structures. They are also found on the top of reefs in early July. Throughout the lake, there are many boat-in camping sites, fishing cabins and resorts.
The area around Rainy Lake is also home to several Indian reservations. The region is also the location of several hydroelectric power houses. These include Boise Paper, H2O Power Limited Partnership, and Sturgeon Falls Generating Station.
Rainy Lake is a very popular fishing destination for both recreational and commercial fishermen. During the summer months, walleye head to shallow areas and feed on structures. The lake also has a large population of northern pike, bass, crappie, muskellunge, and white sucker.
Bde Maka Ska
Located just southwest of downtown Minneapolis, Bde Maka Ska is one of the most popular lakes in the Twin Cities. This 401-acre lake offers plenty of outdoor activities and a nice, relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a fun day with the family or a romantic retreat, there’s something to suit your needs.
Lake Bde Maka Ska has three great beaches. It’s also surrounded by parkland, making it perfect for picnicking, volleyball and athletic fields. It’s also home to sailing and canoeing. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board operates a boat concession. They also offer kayak and paddle board rentals.
The lake is also popular for fishing. Minneapolis Park and Recreation lists the lake as one of the best places for fishing walleye and northern pike. The lake is also good for fishing bluegill. The lake has a maximum depth of 87 feet.
In early 2018, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources changed the name of Lake Calhoun to Bde Maka Ska. This name change was supported by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names.
