Best Lakes Near Minneapolis, MN, 50 Lakes Within 50 Miles

50 lakes within 50 miles of Minneapolis have nutrient and algae readings on record. Sweeney Lake in Hennepin County leads the set on measured water quality, with about 6.9 ft of clarity. 26 of the 50 have a recorded public access point.

Minneapolis sits in a lake-rich part of the upper Midwest: 50 measured lakes within reach. Sweeney Lake carries the lowest nutrient and algae readings of the cluster.

The lakes below are sorted on measured water quality. If you have a specific activity in mind, swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing, the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.

Lakes Within 50 mi

With Clarity Readings

With Fish Data

Public Access

Lake	Distance	County	Clarity	Depth	Fish
Sweeney Lake	3.7 mi	Hennepin	6.9 ft	28 ft	12
Lost Lake	8.2 mi	Hennepin	3.2 ft	6 ft	0
Snail Lake	9.5 mi	Ramsey	11 ft	30 ft	11
Rogers Lake	9.6 mi	Dakota	6.6 ft	8 ft	7
East Vadnais Lake	9.9 mi	Ramsey	—	58 ft	15
Laddie Lake	10.2 mi	Anoka	—	4 ft	0
Turtle Lake	10.3 mi	Ramsey	7.5 ft	28 ft	15
Sunfish Lake	10.8 mi	Dakota	9.7 ft	-	0
Pomerleau Lake	11.1 mi	Hennepin	10.3 ft	26 ft	5
Bush Lake	11.3 mi	Hennepin	13 ft	28 ft	12
Birch Lake	13 mi	Ramsey	5.9 ft	-	0
Holland Lake	14.4 mi	Dakota	27.9 ft	55 ft	6
Otter Lake	14.8 mi	Ramsey	11.5 ft	21 ft	12
O'Brien Lake	15 mi	Dakota	18 ft	-	0
White Bear Lake	15.3 mi	Washington	14.4 ft	83 ft	18
Riley Lake	15.8 mi	Hennepin	11.5 ft	49 ft	11
Olson Lake	15.9 mi	Washington	11.2 ft	15 ft	11
Jane Lake	16.8 mi	Washington	13 ft	39 ft	11
Pine Tree Lake	17.5 mi	Washington	8.5 ft	-	8
Lac Lavon Lake	17.8 mi	Dakota	12.1 ft	32 ft	9
Minnewashta Lake	17.9 mi	Carver	11.5 ft	70 ft	14
Cate'S Lake	18.4 mi	Scott	5.6 ft	-	0
Elmo Lake	18.6 mi	Washington	11.1 ft	140 ft	13
Round Lake	18.7 mi	Anoka	8.9 ft	-	0
Wood Pile Lake	18.7 mi	Washington	10 ft	-	0
St Joe Lake	18.9 mi	Carver	8.4 ft	52 ft	10
Master Man Lake	19 mi	Washington	4.5 ft	-	0
Sunset Lake	19.2 mi	Washington	9.5 ft	17 ft	11
Grass Lake	19.6 mi	Anoka	4.3 ft	-	0
Courthouse Lake	20.6 mi	Carver	18.9 ft	57 ft	10
Brickyard Lake	20.7 mi	Carver	15 ft	43 ft	0
Netta Lake	20.8 mi	Anoka	11.3 ft	-	0
Fireman'S Lake	21 mi	Carver	10.7 ft	23 ft	8
Marion Lake	22 mi	Dakota	7 ft	21 ft	14
Lily Lake	22.1 mi	Washington	10.5 ft	51 ft	10
Howard Lake	22.4 mi	Anoka	3.3 ft	-	12
Edith Lake	22.6 mi	Washington	8.2 ft	43 ft	0
Piersons Lake	23.5 mi	Carver	9.9 ft	40 ft	14
West Boot Lake	24.5 mi	Washington	14 ft	34 ft	8
Big Carnelian Lake	24.7 mi	Washington	14.5 ft	66 ft	12
White Rock Lake	24.8 mi	Washington	7.5 ft	-	0
East Boot Lake	24.8 mi	Washington	15 ft	27 ft	7
Little Carnelian Lake	24.9 mi	Washington	20 ft	68 ft	10
Clear Lake	25.2 mi	Washington	14 ft	27 ft	6
Big Marine Lake	25.2 mi	Washington	12 ft	-	0
Mays Lake	25.4 mi	Washington	11 ft	25 ft	0
Square Lake	25.6 mi	Washington	17 ft	68 ft	9
Twin Lake	25.9 mi	Washington	13 ft	-	0
Halfbreed Lake	25.9 mi	Washington	5.2 ft	34 ft	10
Charlotte Lake	26.3 mi	Wright	17.1 ft	46 ft	10

Get updates on lakes near Minneapolis

New clarity and algae readings for lakes within driving distance. Unsubscribe anytime.

Cleanest Lakes Near Minneapolis

Sweeney Lake

3.7 mi · Hennepin County · 6.9 ft clarity

Lost Lake

8.2 mi · Hennepin County · 3.2 ft clarity

Snail Lake

9.5 mi · Ramsey County · 11 ft clarity

Rogers Lake

9.6 mi · Dakota County · 6.6 ft clarity

East Vadnais Lake

9.9 mi · Ramsey County

Laddie Lake

10.2 mi · Anoka County

Plan a lake trip in Minnesota

The State of Minnesota's Lakes

Minnesota's cleanest lakes, ranked on agency measurements

Minnesota Fishing Guide

Fish species and the cleanest lakes across Minnesota

Lake Fishing Forecast

Species activity outlook by water temperature and season

Minnesota Lake Trips

Where to stay at Minnesota's top lakes, each with its readings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes are near Minneapolis?

There are 50 lakes with water-quality readings on record within 50 miles of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 26 of them have a recorded public access point and 48 have a clarity reading.

What are the best lakes near Minneapolis for fishing?

33 lakes near Minneapolis have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine favourable water-quality readings with diverse fish populations. 33 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.

Where to stay near Minneapolis

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Minneapolis — book a place close to the cleanest lakes in the area.

Top-rated places to stay near Minneapolis

Prices for Oct 16–18, 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 Minneapolis?

Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Minneapolis — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.