The Most Popular Lake in Minnesota, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the lake you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:41
Minnesota, known as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes', offers a plethora of stunning options for water enthusiasts, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers. Deciding where to spend a leisurely day or plan a weekend getaway can be daunting with so many choices. By ranking these beloved lakes, both locals and visitors can find the cream of the crop based on community preferences.
Ranking also serves to highlight lesser-known gems that often fly under the radar compared to their more frequented counterparts. This collective input ensures the best experiences are shared and celebrated. Cast your vote, share your experiences and see how your preferred spots stack up against others in real-time.
What Is the Most Popular Lake in Minnesota?
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165votes
Lake Minnetonka
Formation by glacial retreatLocated just west of Minneapolis, it's a popular recreational lake for boating, fishing, and swimming.Lake Minnetonka is a stunning lake located in the state of Minnesota, USA. It covers an area of approximately 14,528 acres and has a maximum depth of 113 feet. Known for its picturesque views and crystal-clear waters, Lake Minnetonka offers a multitude of recreational activities for visitors and locals alike. The lake was formed by the last glacial retreat, leaving a series of interconnected bays and channels. The shoreline is dotted with charming towns and communities, adding to the scenic beauty of the area. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports enthusiasts.- Area: 14,528 acres
- Maximum Depth: 113 feet
- Location: Minnesota, USA
- Formation: Glacial retreat
- Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, water sports
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225votesKnown for its crystal clear waters, this lake offers great fishing and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.Lake Vermilion is a stunning lake located in northeastern Minnesota, spanning over 40,000 acres of pristine beauty. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, it offers a picturesque setting that attracts nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The crystal clear waters of Lake Vermilion, adorned with numerous islands and rocky shorelines, create a magical landscape that leaves visitors in awe.
- Size: 40,000 acres
- Location: Northeastern Minnesota
- Scenery: Lush forests, rolling hills, islands, and rocky shorelines
- Water Clarity: Crystal clear
- Wildlife: Abundance of fish species, bald eagles, loons, and other waterfowl
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322votesOne of the largest lakes in Minnesota, it's known for its walleye fishing and offers many recreational activities.Mille Lacs Lake is one of the most popular and largest lakes in Minnesota. It is located in the central part of the state, specifically in Mille Lacs County. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the lake offers various recreational activities and serves as a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts.
- Location: Mille Lacs County, Minnesota
- Size: 132,516 acres (213.3 square miles)
- Depth: Maximum depth of 42 feet
- Fish Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Perch
- Recreational Activities: Fishing, boating, swimming, camping
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419votesLocated in the northernmost part of the state, this lake is known for its world-class fishing and scenic beauty.Lake of the Woods is a stunning freshwater lake located on the border of Ontario, Canada, and the state of Minnesota, United States. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and is one of the most picturesque lakes in Canada. The lake covers an area of approximately 4,347 square kilometers and is dotted with over 14,000 islands, giving it a unique and enchanting landscape. Lake of the Woods offers a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The lake's crystal-clear waters are home to various species of fish, making it a paradise for anglers. Surrounding the lake are pristine forests and scenic shorelines that add to its overall charm.
- Location: On the border of Ontario, Canada, and Minnesota, United States
- Size: Approximately 4,347 square kilometers
- Islands: Over 14,000 islands
- Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing
- Fish Species: Various species of fish
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514votesSurrounded by forests and small towns, this lake offers great fishing and outdoor recreation.Leech Lake is a stunning natural wonder located in Beltrami County, Minnesota. It is the third-largest lake in the state and covers a total area of approximately 111,527 acres. The lake is known for its crystal-clear blue waters, sandy beaches, and beautiful surrounding landscapes. It offers visitors a perfect setting for various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The serene atmosphere and picturesque views make Leech Lake a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Location: Beltrami County, Minnesota
- Size: 111,527 acres
- Rank: Third-largest lake in Minnesota
- Water Clarity: Crystal-clear
- Beaches: Sandy
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69votesLocated in the Brainerd Lakes area, this lake is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports.Gull Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota, located in Cass County. It is known for its abundant natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
- Location: Crow Wing County, Minnesota
- Size: Approximately 10,000 acres
- Max Depth: 80 feet
- Water Clarity: Excellent, reaching up to 20 feet in visibility
- Fish Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass, Muskie, Crappie, Sunfish, and more
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712votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainKnown for its excellent walleye fishing, this lake offers a variety of recreational activities.Lake Winnibigoshish, also known as Lake Winnie, is a large freshwater lake located in the heart of Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota. The lake covers an area of approximately 58,544 acres and has a maximum depth of 70 feet. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.- Location: Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota
- Size: 58,544 acres
- Maximum Depth: 70 feet
- Average Depth: 15-20 feet
- Water Clarity: Excellent, with visibility up to 15 feet
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86votes
Jeanqueq · CC BY-SA 4.0Located just south of the Twin Cities, this lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming.Prior Lake is a popular lake located in Scott County, Minnesota. It is a natural lake that covers an area of approximately 1,317 acres (533 hectares) and has a maximum depth of 60 feet (18 meters). The lake offers various recreational activities and is surrounded by parks, resorts, and residential areas. It is known for its scenic beauty, clean waters, and abundant wildlife.- Location: Scott County, Minnesota
- Size: 1,317 acres (533 hectares)
- Maximum Depth: 60 feet (18 meters)
- Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, water sports
- Surrounding Amenities: Parks, resorts, residential areas
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93votesA group of interconnected lakes in central Minnesota, this area is known for its recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.The Whitefish Chain of Lakes is a popular system of interconnected lakes located in northern Minnesota. It offers abundant opportunities for various recreational activities and is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings. The chain consists of thirteen primary lakes, including Lower Whitefish Lake, Upper Whitefish Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Roy Lake, Bertha Lake, and others. The total area covered by the chain is approximately 14,000 acres.
- Location: Northern Minnesota
- Number of Lakes: 13 primary lakes
- Total Area: Approximately 14,000 acres
- Recreational Activities: Fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, water sports
- Scenic Beauty: Stunning natural surroundings
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106votes
Own work · CC BY-SA 3.0One of the largest lakes in the state, this lake offers great fishing and is surrounded by resorts and cabins.Otter Tail Lake is one of the most popular lakes in Minnesota. With its crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings, it attracts visitors from near and far. The lake is located in Otter Tail County, stretching across 13,725 acres of land, making it one of the largest lakes in the region. It offers countless recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake also boasts a variety of wildlife and is home to numerous species of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and muskie.- Location: Otter Tail County, Minnesota
- Area: 13,725 acres
- Recreational Activities: Boating, fishing, swimming, camping
- Wildlife: Diverse species including fish like walleye, northern pike, and muskie
- Scenery: Scenic surroundings and crystal-clear waters
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Ranking factors for popular lake
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SizeThe lake size can be a significant factor as larger lakes may offer more recreational opportunities and attract more visitors.
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AccessibilityEase of access to the lake from nearby cities or transportation hubs can impact the popularity of a lake.
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Recreational ActivitiesThe variety of recreational activities available at the lake, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking, can influence popularity.
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Scenic BeautyA picturesque lake with stunning natural surroundings is more likely to attract visitors and become popular.
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Water QualityClean and clear water is essential for swimming, fishing, and other water-based activities, which can contribute to a lake's popularity.
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Facilities and AmenitiesThe availability of facilities and amenities such as lodging, restaurants, marinas, and boat rentals can make a lake more popular among visitors.
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Publicity and ReputationA well-known lake with a positive reputation can attract more visitors, increasing its popularity.
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Wildlife and Fishing OpportunitiesA lake with diverse wildlife and good fishing opportunities can be more popular among anglers and nature enthusiasts.
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Safety and RegulationsA lake that is well-regulated with adequate safety measures, such as lifeguards and boating restrictions, can be more appealing to visitors.
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Family-Friendly EnvironmentA lake that caters to families with activities, playgrounds, and suitable swimming areas can become more popular among vacationers.
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Nearby AttractionsThe presence of nearby attractions, such as parks, museums, and cultural sites, can also contribute to the popularity of a lake in the region.
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Seasonal Events and FestivalsLakes that host seasonal events or festivals could gain increased popularity during those times.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular lake in Minnesota. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or lake is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1652 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each lake once every 24 hours. The rank of each lake is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular lake in minnesota
Minnesota is famously known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", with an actual count of over 11,000. The state's abundance of natural beauty has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, particularly for those who enjoy spending time on the water. With so many lakes to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one to visit. However, there are a few standout lakes that consistently rank as the most popular in Minnesota. From the iconic Lake Minnetonka to the serene Lake Vermilion, each of these lakes offers its own unique charm and appeal. Whether you're looking to fish, swim, or simply relax on the shore, Minnesota's most popular lakes are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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