Best Boating Lakes in Wisconsin, Minnesota & 3 More States
The best lakes for boating in Wisconsin, Minnesota & 3 More States. Public boat launches, 200+ acres of open water, and good water quality. Ranked by launch access, size, and grade.
Recreation rankings need public-access, beach and launch, depth, and fish-survey data, which currently cover Wisconsin, Minnesota & 3 More States lakes. Water-quality grades themselves span all 49 states and 2 Canadian provinces LakeQuality covers.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Launches | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Table Rock Lk. Into Main Channel From Dam Lake | Stone | MO | A | 5 | 43,100 acres | - |
| 2 | Carlos Lake | Douglas | MN | A | 4 | 2,605 acres | 163 ft |
| 3 | Nelson Lake | Sawyer | WI | B | 5 | 2,503 acres | - |
| 4 | Lake of Egypt | Williamson | IL | D | 11 | 2,265 acres | - |
| 5 | Rathbun Lake | Appanoose | IA | C | 6 | 11,013 acres | - |
| 6 | Lake Waubesa | Dane | WI | B | 5 | 2,074 acres | 38 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes are best for boating in Wisconsin, Minnesota & 3 More States?
The best boating lakes have multiple public boat launches, 200+ acres of open water for cruising, and good water quality. Larger lakes offer more room for waterskiing, tubing, and sailing without overcrowding.
Do I need a permit to boat on these lakes?
States require registration for motorized watercraft. Most public access sites are free, though some charge a daily launch fee. Check your state natural-resources agency for current requirements and any lake-specific restrictions.
Top Picks: Boating Lakes
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Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Every graded lake in Wisconsin, ranked A–F
Every graded lake in Minnesota, ranked A–F
Every graded lake in Illinois, ranked A–F
Every graded lake in Iowa, ranked A–F
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.