Safest Lakes to Swim Near Duluth
Minnesota
5 lakes within driving distance of Duluth, Minnesota pass our swim-safety screen — grade A/B water, low algae, and public access. 0 have direct bacteria (E. coli) testing on record. Filtered for grade A or B water quality, low algae (chlorophyll-a under 15 µg/L), and public access. Always check local advisories on the day you swim.
A moderate cluster of 5 graded lakes lies within reach of Duluth, averaging a grade of A. Third Lake (A) is the cleanest of the set.
The swimming-specific ranking layered on top of the letter grade is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the swimming use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Swim Safety | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Third Lake | Carlton | A | Low algae | 19.7 mi | 8.5 ft | - |
| 2 | Big Lake | Carlton | A | Low algae | 25.7 mi | 10 ft | 25 ft |
| 3 | Park Lake | Carlton | A | Low algae | 28.5 mi | 7 ft | 16 ft |
| 4 | Nichols Lake | St. Louis | A | Limited data | 29.7 mi | 5.1 ft | 31 ft |
| 5 | West Twin Lake | St. Louis | B | Low algae | 23.2 mi | 6.2 ft | 18 ft |
Other activities near Duluth
Where to stay near Duluth
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Duluth — book a place close to the best-rated lakes in the area.
Top-rated places to stay near Duluth
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Duluth?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Duluth — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.