Best Lakes for Kayaking Near Mankato
Minnesota
5 kayaking lakes within driving distance of Mankato, Minnesota, ranked by water quality and kayaking-specific filters. Filtered for grade A, B, or C water quality, public access, and ideal paddling size (30-3,000 acres).
A moderate cluster of 5 graded lakes lies within reach of Mankato, averaging a grade of B. Fish Lake (A) is the cleanest of the set.
The kayaking-specific ranking layered on top of the LakeGrade rubric is what produces the list below: a grade-good lake that does not also support the kayaking use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish Lake | Le Sueur | A | 17.1 mi | 11.8 ft | 55 ft |
| 2 | Roemhildts Lake | Le Sueur | B | 15.2 mi | 10.2 ft | 60 ft |
| 3 | Beaver Lake | Steele | B | 37.4 mi | 9.5 ft | 27 ft |
| 4 | Frances Lake | Le Sueur | C | 15.3 mi | 6 ft | 60 ft |
| 5 | Volney Lake | Le Sueur | C | 22.7 mi | 5.5 ft | 67 ft |
Other activities near Mankato
Where to stay near Mankato
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Mankato — book a place close to the best-rated lakes in the area.
Top-rated places to stay near Mankato
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 Mankato?
Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Mankato — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.