Stephanie is a cherished member of the Sampling America writing team, dedicated to crafting captivating narratives that transport readers to thrilling adventures across the country and beyond.
Many people will know that Minnesota is famous for being the land of 10,000 lakes. However, it can be challenging to figure out which lakes are the best and which ones you should visit.
Follow along to find the best lakes in Minnesota. Discover stunning outdoor destinations you and your family can visit for fishing, boating, swimming, and more.
Big Sand Lake
Big Sand Lake is precisely what the name would suggest; it’s famous for its sandy shores and crystal clear water while being nestled in the beautiful Minnesota wilderness.
The quiet lake is popular with locals as it only has two lodges on the entire shoreline, making it difficult to score a reservation. However, when visiting this quaint lake for the day, you can look forward to plenty of water activities like knee-boarding, jet skiing, and waterskiing.
Boyer Lake
This stunning lake in Deckner County boasts over 383 acres of stunning views. The area isn’t as simple as just one lake; there are multiple small islands, bays, and peninsulas. It’s the perfect place to jump on a kayak or a paddleboard to explore the scenic surroundings.
The lake also has a large boat ramp available to the public, so you can look forward to launching your boat in the autumnal forest to fish during the fall season.
Lake Itasca
Lake Itasca is fed by glacial runoff, making it a stunningly cold lake nestled in the mountains. It’s also home to plenty of fish for the angler in your life, such as walleye, northern pike, and bass.
Lake Itasca State Park is the oldest state park in the state. It offers the perfect destination for hiking, camping, and enjoying a fun summer vacation.
Lake Bemidji
Located in Northern Minnesota, Lake Bemidji is one of the best places to stop to enjoy the untouched natural lands.
Although this relatively remote lake is perfect for outdoor rollicking, it still hosts plenty of amenities, making it comfortable for families of all sizes to hook up a camper or a trailer. The sandy beach offers a stunning place to rest and enjoy the water and the sun. Hiking around the lake is an incredible expedition.
Burntside Lake
Hosting more than 100 small islands on this massive lake, the area is well known for its log cabins and vacation homes. If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a charming cabin on this amazing lake, you can look forward to fishing the abundant schools of rainbow smelt, rock bass, and walleye.
The lake also hosts a fun summer camp for school-aged kids, making this area the perfect place for people of all ages to visit and enjoy.
Lake Superior
Minnesota sits on the world’s largest freshwater lake, one of the Great Lakes. Lake Superior is famous for its cobblestone beaches, forested hills, and craggy cliffs.
There are many popular destinations around this lake, including the pink rock beach of Park Point. Families can enjoy plenty of water sports, like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.
Lake Pepin
Lake Pepin is often discussed as the birthplace of water skiing, which makes this area the perfect place to partake in this thrilling activity.
Ice fishing during the winter months is also incredibly popular here. If you find yourself traveling through this icy state, consider getting invited to a day of ice fishing. It can seem cold and uncomfortable, but most people fish in small huts with insulation, which makes it comfortable.
Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka translates to “big waters” in Sioux and is a traditional home of Indigenous Americans. Today, the lake is still a stunning outdoor area to be enjoyed by all.
The lake is full of interesting inlets to explore by boat, kayak, or paddle board. Fishing is also open to the public here.
Lake Vermilion
This lake has a long and exciting history. It has played home to the Objiway tribe as well as French fur traders in the 17 and 1800s.
The lake has since been labeled the best lake in the U.S. and should be seen to be believed. The area is surrounded by stunning rocky shores and untouched wilderness. It’s the perfect backdrop to a fun day on the boat or a picnic on the beach with the family.
Leech Lake
Like many other lakes in Minnesota, Leech Lake is a popular fishing spot, full of healthy fish populations. Just a three-hour drive away from the Twin Cities, Leech Lake is a massive lake with 11 islands and multiple inlets.
Just next to the lake, guests can enjoy offshore activities like horseback riding, hiking, and trail riding. This lake is a popular summer destination for locals, so it’s definitely worth it for the avid traveler to check out.
Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is another massive lake stretching through Minnesota and Canada. Located in the northernmost area of the state, Lake of the Woods offers plenty of private respite from hectic everyday life.
The lake boasts over 14,000 small islands and has 65,000 miles of shoreline. There are endless possibilities for wonderful summer activities here.
Rainy Lake
Located in Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake shares a border with Ontario. This popular vacation destination is full of fish ready to be caught by new and seasoned anglers.
The lake is also well-known for its fabulous lake side cabins ready for a whole family to enjoy.
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