Best Lakes for Kayaking Near Minneapolis
Minnesota
30 kayaking lakes within driving distance of Minneapolis, 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).
| # | Lake | County | Grade | Distance | Clarity | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Bear Lake | Washington | A | 15.3 mi | 15 ft | 83 ft |
| 2 | Jane Lake | Washington | A | 16.8 mi | 15 ft | 39 ft |
| 3 | Big Carnelian Lake | Washington | A | 24.8 mi | 46.8 ft | 66 ft |
| 4 | Square Lake | Washington | A | 25.6 mi | 17 ft | 68 ft |
| 5 | Charlotte Lake | Wright | A | 26.3 mi | 17.1 ft | 46 ft |
| 6 | Bass Lake Pump Site | St. Croix | A | 30.7 mi | 29.6 ft | 33 ft |
| 7 | Big Lake | Sherburne | A | 34.5 mi | 17.5 ft | 48 ft |
| 8 | Birch Lake | Wright | A | 37.2 mi | 15 ft | 52 ft |
| 9 | Upper Maple Lake | Wright | A | 38.3 mi | 18 ft | 76 ft |
| 10 | Lower Pine Lake | Polk | A | 38.7 mi | 68.9 ft | 102 ft |
| 11 | Pine Lake | Polk | A | 39.2 mi | 42.7 ft | 34 ft |
| 12 | Swede Lake | Polk | A | 40 mi | 44.3 ft | 32 ft |
| 13 | Little Long Lake | Hennepin | A | 21.7 mi | 19 ft | 45 ft |
| 14 | Piersons Lake | Carver | A | 23.5 mi | 10 ft | 40 ft |
| 15 | Big Lake | Sherburne | A | 34.6 mi | 13.5 ft | 48 ft |
| 16 | Ann Lake | Sherburne | A | 37.2 mi | 11.6 ft | 26 ft |
| 17 | Sandy Lake | Sherburne | A | 37.3 mi | 14.1 ft | 41 ft |
| 18 | Ida Lake | Wright | A | 38.5 mi | 13.3 ft | 60 ft |
| 19 | East Twin Lake | Anoka | B | 27.3 mi | 10.7 ft | 68 ft |
| 20 | Mccarron Lake | Ramsey | B | 7.6 mi | 11.5 ft | 57 ft |
| 21 | Snail Lake | Ramsey | B | 9.5 mi | 11 ft | 30 ft |
| 22 | Bush Lake | Hennepin | B | 11.3 mi | 14 ft | 28 ft |
| 23 | Otter Lake | Ramsey | B | 14.8 mi | 11.7 ft | 21 ft |
| 24 | Riley Lake | Hennepin | B | 15.8 mi | 12.6 ft | 49 ft |
| 25 | Lac Lavon Lake | Dakota | B | 17.8 mi | 12.8 ft | 32 ft |
| 26 | Minnewashta Lake | Carver | B | 17.9 mi | 11.5 ft | 70 ft |
| 27 | Elmo Lake | Washington | B | 18.6 mi | 11.2 ft | 140 ft |
| 28 | Zumbra-Sunny Lake | Carver | B | 20.4 mi | 10.1 ft | 58 ft |
| 29 | Big Carnelian Lake | Washington | B | 24.7 mi | 14.5 ft | 66 ft |
| 30 | West Hunter Lake | Sherburne | B | 33.8 mi | 17.2 ft | - |