Best Lakes Near Minneapolis, MN
50 lakes within 50 miles of Minneapolis ranked by water quality grade.
Minneapolis sits in a lake-rich part of the upper Midwest: 50 graded lakes within reach, average grade A. Sweeney-Twin Lake (A) leads the cluster.
The lakes below are sorted by overall letter grade. If you have a specific activity in mind — swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing — the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.
| Lake | Distance | County | Grade | Depth | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeney-Twin Lake | 3.7 mi | Hennepin | A | - | 0 |
| Sweeney Lake | 3.7 mi | Hennepin | A | 28 ft | 12 |
| Lost Lake | 8.2 mi | Hennepin | A | 6 ft | 0 |
| Snail Lake | 9.5 mi | Ramsey | A | 30 ft | 11 |
| Rogers Lake | 9.6 mi | Dakota | A | 8 ft | 7 |
| East Vadnais Lake | 9.9 mi | Ramsey | A | 58 ft | 15 |
| Laddie Lake | 10.2 mi | Anoka | A | 4 ft | 0 |
| Turtle Lake | 10.3 mi | Ramsey | A | 28 ft | 15 |
| Sunfish Lake | 10.8 mi | Dakota | A | - | 0 |
| Pomerleau Lake | 11.1 mi | Hennepin | A | 26 ft | 5 |
| Bush Lake | 11.3 mi | Hennepin | A | 28 ft | 12 |
| Birch Lake | 13 mi | Ramsey | A | - | 0 |
| Holland Lake | 14.4 mi | Dakota | A | 55 ft | 6 |
| Otter Lake | 14.8 mi | Ramsey | A | 21 ft | 12 |
| O'Brien Lake | 15 mi | Dakota | A | - | 0 |
| White Bear Lake | 15.3 mi | Washington | A | 83 ft | 18 |
| Riley Lake | 15.8 mi | Hennepin | A | 49 ft | 11 |
| Olson Lake | 15.9 mi | Washington | A | 15 ft | 11 |
| Jane Lake | 16.8 mi | Washington | A | 39 ft | 11 |
| Pine Tree Lake | 17.5 mi | Washington | A | - | 8 |
| Lac Lavon Lake | 17.8 mi | Dakota | A | 32 ft | 9 |
| Minnewashta Lake | 17.9 mi | Carver | A | 70 ft | 14 |
| Cate'S Lake | 18.4 mi | Scott | A | - | 0 |
| Elmo Lake | 18.6 mi | Washington | A | 140 ft | 13 |
| Round Lake | 18.7 mi | Anoka | A | - | 0 |
| Wood Pile Lake | 18.7 mi | Washington | A | - | 0 |
| St Joe Lake | 18.9 mi | Carver | A | 52 ft | 10 |
| Master Man Lake | 19 mi | Washington | A | - | 0 |
| Sunset Lake | 19.2 mi | Washington | A | 17 ft | 11 |
| Grass Lake | 19.6 mi | Anoka | A | - | 0 |
| Courthouse Lake | 20.6 mi | Carver | A | 57 ft | 10 |
| Brickyard Lake | 20.7 mi | Carver | A | 43 ft | 0 |
| Netta Lake | 20.8 mi | Anoka | A | - | 0 |
| Fireman'S Lake | 21 mi | Carver | A | 23 ft | 8 |
| Marion Lake | 22 mi | Dakota | A | 21 ft | 14 |
| Lily Lake | 22.1 mi | Washington | A | 51 ft | 10 |
| Howard Lake | 22.4 mi | Anoka | A | - | 12 |
| Edith Lake | 22.6 mi | Washington | A | 43 ft | 0 |
| Piersons Lake | 23.5 mi | Carver | A | 40 ft | 14 |
| West Boot Lake | 24.5 mi | Washington | A | 34 ft | 8 |
| Big Carnelian Lake | 24.7 mi | Washington | A | 66 ft | 12 |
| White Rock Lake | 24.8 mi | Washington | A | - | 0 |
| East Boot Lake | 24.8 mi | Washington | A | 27 ft | 7 |
| Little Carnelian Lake | 24.9 mi | Washington | A | 68 ft | 10 |
| Clear Lake | 25.2 mi | Washington | A | 27 ft | 6 |
| Big Marine Lake | 25.2 mi | Washington | A | - | 0 |
| Mays Lake | 25.4 mi | Washington | A | 25 ft | 0 |
| Square Lake | 25.6 mi | Washington | A | 68 ft | 9 |
| Twin Lake | 25.9 mi | Washington | A | - | 0 |
| Halfbreed Lake | 25.9 mi | Washington | A | 34 ft | 10 |
Top-Rated Lakes Near Minneapolis
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Minnesota's top lakes, each with its grade
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes are near Minneapolis?
There are 50 graded lakes within 50 miles of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 50 of these have an A water quality grade (excellent).
What are the best lakes near Minneapolis for fishing?
32 lakes near Minneapolis have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine good water quality grades with diverse fish populations. 32 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 best-rated lakes in the area.
Top-rated places to stay near Minneapolis
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.