Lake trip · Winona County, Minnesota
Where to stay at Winona Lake
Winona Lake covers 308 acres in Winona County and carries a water-quality grade of F (Algae-prone). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The grade measures nutrients and algae — it is not a stay-or-skip rating. Open water runs roughly Mar 30 to Nov 29, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.
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Places to stay near Winona Lake
Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Winona Lake in Winona County, Minnesota — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.
Top-rated places to stay near Winona Lake
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
About the water
Winona Lake grades F for nutrients and algae — Algae-prone. Algae and nutrients are often high — check current advisories before swimming. Skip the water if you see scum or a paint-like bloom. Water clarity is about 2.6 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 33.3 µg/L. The letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.
Best time to visit
Open water runs roughly Mar 30 to Nov 29, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Check the National Weather Service forecast for Winona Lake →
About Winona Lake
Fish: black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, common carp, freshwater drum, gizzard shad.
Fishing & license
When to fish Winona Lake — the seasonal windows by species, from state survey data.
Minnesota fishing license
Anglers under 16 are not required to have a license. Residents age 90+ also exempt. · The Minnesota walleye, northern pike, and bass season opens the Saturday two days before Mother's Day. Most other species are open year-round.
Prices as published by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2026.
Camping & RV near Winona Lake
Base your trip at a nearby state park for tent and RV camping and trails, with Winona Lake a short drive away — or search all public campgrounds and RV sites in the area on Recreation.gov.
- John A. Latsch State Park · State Park12.2 mi
- Great River Bluffs State Park · State Park13.8 mi
- Whitewater State Park · State Park20.6 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Winona Lake in Winona County, Minnesota are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice. John A. Latsch State Park is about 12.2 miles away for campground options.
Winona Lake has a water quality grade of F (Algae-prone). Algae and nutrients are often high — check current advisories before swimming. Skip the water if you see scum or a paint-like bloom. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.
Open water runs roughly Mar 30 to Nov 29, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Explore Winona Lake
Every graded lake in Minnesota, ranked A–F
Depth, room, public access, and the state wake-sport rules
Fish species and top-graded lakes across Minnesota
Species activity outlook by water temperature and season
Where to stay at Minnesota's top lakes, each with its grade
High nutrients, frequent algae, reduced clarity
Minnesota's cleanest and most-polluted lakes, ranked
LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)
Free trip-planning guide for Winona Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.
Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.