Best Lakes for Swimming Near Minneapolis
Minnesota
30 swimming lakes within driving distance of Minneapolis, Minnesota, ranked by water quality and swimming-specific filters. 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.
| # | 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 | Netta Lake | Anoka | A | 20.8 mi | 11.3 ft | - |
| 7 | Little Long Lake | Hennepin | A | 21.7 mi | 19 ft | 45 ft |
| 8 | Piersons Lake | Carver | A | 23.5 mi | 10 ft | 40 ft |
| 9 | Big Marine Lake | Washington | A | 25.2 mi | 11.5 ft | - |
| 10 | East Twin Lake | Anoka | B | 27.3 mi | 10.7 ft | 68 ft |
| 11 | Mccarron Lake | Ramsey | B | 7.6 mi | 11.5 ft | 57 ft |
| 12 | Snail Lake | Ramsey | B | 9.5 mi | 11 ft | 30 ft |
| 13 | Bush Lake | Hennepin | B | 11.3 mi | 14 ft | 28 ft |
| 14 | Otter Lake | Ramsey | B | 14.8 mi | 11.7 ft | 21 ft |
| 15 | Riley Lake | Hennepin | B | 15.8 mi | 12.6 ft | 49 ft |
| 16 | Lac Lavon Lake | Dakota | B | 17.8 mi | 12.8 ft | 32 ft |
| 17 | Minnewashta Lake | Carver | B | 17.9 mi | 11.5 ft | 70 ft |
| 18 | Elmo Lake | Washington | B | 18.6 mi | 11.2 ft | 140 ft |
| 19 | Round Lake | Anoka | B | 18.7 mi | 8.2 ft | - |
| 20 | St. Joe Lake | Carver | B | 18.9 mi | 10.5 ft | 52 ft |
| 21 | Zumbra-Sunny Lake | Carver | B | 20.4 mi | 10.1 ft | 58 ft |
| 22 | Big Carnelian Lake | Washington | B | 24.7 mi | 14.5 ft | 66 ft |
| 23 | Owasso Lake | Ramsey | B | 8.1 mi | 7.5 ft | 37 ft |
| 24 | Wabasso Lake | Ramsey | B | 8.7 mi | 13 ft | 66 ft |
| 25 | Turtle Lake | Ramsey | B | 10.3 mi | 7.5 ft | 28 ft |
| 26 | Blackhawk Lake | Dakota | B | 11.7 mi | 6.9 ft | 12 ft |
| 27 | Fish Lake | Hennepin | B | 12.4 mi | 8.7 ft | 49 ft |
| 28 | Ann Lake | Carver | B | 16.1 mi | 9.2 ft | 45 ft |
| 29 | Crooked Lake | Anoka | B | 16.5 mi | 7.4 ft | 26 ft |
| 30 | Minnetonka Lake | Hennepin | B | 17.1 mi | 9.5 ft | 113 ft |