Safest Lakes to Swim Near Mankato
Minnesota
4 lakes within driving distance of Mankato, 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.
Mankato is not lake-dense — only 4 graded lakes are within easy reach. The cleanest of those is Fish Lake (A).
The swimming-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 swimming use case is less useful than a grade-decent lake that does.
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Swim Safety | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fish Lake | Le Sueur | A | Low algae | 17.1 mi | 11.8 ft | 55 ft |
| 2 | Unnamed Lake | Blue Earth | B | Limited data | 3.3 mi | - | - |
| 3 | Roemhildts Lake | Le Sueur | B | Low algae | 15.2 mi | 10.2 ft | 60 ft |
| 4 | Unnamed Lake | Nicollet | B | Low algae | 12.2 mi | 5.6 ft | 35 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.