Best Lakes for Swimming Near St. Paul
Minnesota
30 swimming lakes within driving distance of St. Paul, 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 | Jane Lake | Washington | A | 9.1 mi | 15 ft | 39 ft |
| 2 | White Bear Lake | Washington | A | 9.9 mi | 15 ft | 83 ft |
| 3 | Big Carnelian Lake | Washington | A | 18.6 mi | 46.8 ft | 66 ft |
| 4 | Square Lake | Washington | A | 19.7 mi | 17 ft | 68 ft |
| 5 | Bass Lake Pump Site | St. Croix | A | 22.8 mi | 29.6 ft | 33 ft |
| 6 | Bass Lake | St. Croix | A | 23.1 mi | 31.2 ft | - |
| 7 | Big Marine Lake | Washington | A | 20.7 mi | 11.5 ft | - |
| 8 | Netta Lake | Anoka | A | 22.8 mi | 11.3 ft | - |
| 9 | Mccarron Lake | Ramsey | B | 3.3 mi | 11.5 ft | 57 ft |
| 10 | Snail Lake | Ramsey | B | 8.4 mi | 11 ft | 30 ft |
| 11 | Elmo Lake | Washington | B | 10.2 mi | 11.2 ft | 140 ft |
| 12 | Otter Lake | Ramsey | B | 12 mi | 11.7 ft | 21 ft |
| 13 | Bush Lake | Hennepin | B | 16.3 mi | 14 ft | 28 ft |
| 14 | Lac Lavon Lake | Dakota | B | 17.8 mi | 12.8 ft | 32 ft |
| 15 | Big Carnelian Lake | Washington | B | 18.4 mi | 14.5 ft | 66 ft |
| 16 | Riley Lake | Hennepin | B | 22.5 mi | 12.6 ft | 49 ft |
| 17 | Round Lake | Anoka | B | 23.7 mi | 8.2 ft | - |
| 18 | North Lake 3 | Goodhue | B | 25.6 mi | - | - |
| 19 | Minnewashta Lake | Carver | B | 25.7 mi | 11.5 ft | 70 ft |
| 20 | St. Joe Lake | Carver | B | 26.6 mi | 10.5 ft | 52 ft |
| 21 | Zumbra-Sunny Lake | Carver | B | 28.4 mi | 10.1 ft | 58 ft |
| 22 | Spider Lake | Chisago | B | 28.5 mi | 6.5 ft | 9 ft |
| 23 | Owasso Lake | Ramsey | B | 6.1 mi | 7.5 ft | 37 ft |
| 24 | Wabasso Lake | Ramsey | B | 6.4 mi | 13 ft | 66 ft |
| 25 | Turtle Lake | Ramsey | B | 10.1 mi | 7.5 ft | 28 ft |
| 26 | Blackhawk Lake | Dakota | B | 10.3 mi | 6.9 ft | 12 ft |
| 27 | Lake St. Croix | St. Croix | B | 15.9 mi | 5.6 ft | 60 ft |
| 28 | Fish Lake | Hennepin | B | 20.6 mi | 8.7 ft | 49 ft |
| 29 | Crooked Lake | Anoka | B | 21.6 mi | 7.4 ft | 26 ft |
| 30 | Ham Lake | Anoka | B | 22 mi | 8.9 ft | 22 ft |