Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, even if in reality the state is home to exactly 11,842 lakes. For a significant part of the year, the land’s lakes are frozen, making them perfect for ice fishing, ice skating, and makeshift hockey tournaments. Lakes in the summer, however, are a Minnesotan’s best friend! Many folks flock “up north” every summer weekend to their cabin on a lake, possibly as far as three hours away. In Minneapolis-Saint Paul, we’re quite lucky. You’ll barely have to leave your backyard to splash in and enjoy these nine gorgeous lakes, for they’re definitely some of the best lakes near Minneapolis:

1. Bde Maka Ska
Bde Maka Ska, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Lori Erickson/Flickr
In the spring of 2017, The Minneapolis Parks Board decided to reintroduce Lake Calhoun to its original name, Bde Maka Ska (pronounced be-DAY mah-kah skah), a Dakota phrase that means "white earth lake." While this brings the lake back to its roots, we can celebrate the lake for its stunning sunsets, beaches, and how easy it is to kayak around the lake. With its proximity to Uptown, Bde Maka Ska is the lake for everyone. Some would say it is the best lake in Minneapolis, but there are plenty more in contention.

If you are looking for a great walking lake near Minneapolis this is a fantastic spot. Enjoy a tour of beautiful Bde Maka Ska in Uptown Minneapolis in this video from Walking Minnesota:
2. Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake, Minneapolis, MN 55416, USA
LMaru / iStock via Getty Images Plus
Home of the not-so Hidden Beach, this lake is an incredible place for a Minneapolitan. It features bike paths, designated picnic areas, as well as many other amenities. Spending time at the lake, especially at Hidden Beach, will give you an idea of what Minneapolis weird is all about.
3. Lake of the Isles
Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis, MN, USA
smcgee/Flickr
This is just another part of Minneapolis' splendid chain of lakes. Lake of the Isles is located in the Kenwood neighborhood of the city and has a stately fountain for all to see. The bike and walking paths will help you see this lake from every gorgeous view. If you must, take to the water and kayak along.
4. Como Lake
Lake Como, St Paul, MN 55117, USA
Collapse The Light/Flickr
Near the Como Conservatory and Como Zoo in St. Paul, this quaint lake is just one of many things the city has to offer. You can rent paddle boats to explore the water yourself or you can stroll around the lake and take in the sights.

Enjoy a walk around Como Lake in Saint Paul, MN in this video from Semper Cognita:

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5. Powderhorn Lake
Powderhorn Lake, Minneapolis, MN 55407, USA
MPCA Photos/Flickr
Powderhorn Lake sits within Powderhorn Park in South Minneapolis. The Department of Natural Resources maintains the stock of fish within the lake and you can fish at the designated fishing pier. This lake is a little underrated and deserves your love.
6. Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, MN 55419, USA
Kent Kanouse/Flickr
Lake Harriet has everything you'd ever need in a city lake. It has a beautiful, popular beach, rentable kayaks and paddle boats, a killer food stand or two, and a bandshell for outdoor movies and concerts. It's easy to make a whole day at Lake Harriet. Be sure to take in the elegance that is a sailboat floating along the waters. It's downright gorgeous.
7. Lake Nokomis
Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Nick Ortloff/Flickr
Lake Nokomis is the site of many winter activities, but it's just as exciting in the summer. The beach of Lake Nokomis in Minnesota has a lifeguard on duty so you and your family can always swim safely. Youth swim lessons are taught within the lake. Nokomis also holds a variety of events during the summer, including music and movies in the park.
8. Lake Phalen
Lake Phalen, Minnesota, USA
Michael Klein/Flickr
Located in Saint Paul, Lake Phalen within Phalen Regional Park is filled with fun summer events year after year. One of the most prominent is the annual Dragon Festival - a festival aimed at celebrating those of Asian-Pacific ethnicity and sharing their culture and history. The event has excellent local food, many sights to see, dragon boat races, and a 5k!
9. Lake Minnetonka
jpellgen (@1179_jp)/Flickr
A West Metro icon, Lake Minnetonka is a marvel. It's a great lake to have fun and take in all of the possibilities that Minnesota summers have to offer. Lake Minnetonka is an incredibly special and beautiful lake in the Greater Twin Cities area. It's definitely boat friendly and is home to a large number of luxury homes.

Let's take a virtual tour of Lake Minnetonka, one of the best lakes near Minneapolis, in this video from ViaTravelers:

We know that any lake you visit in Minneapolis-Saint Paul will be a wonderful experience. What’s your favorite lake in the metro area and why? Share your favorite lakes near Minneapolis in the comments!

Want to know more about Minneapolis’ beaches? Read our feature article about a Minneapolis beach that’s unlike any other in the world!

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More to Explore

Best Lakes Near Minneapolis

Tori Jane | June 22, 2022

What are some of the most beautiful lakes near Minneapolis?

Some of the most beautiful lakes near Minneapolis include:

 

Minnesota is known quite literally as “the land of 10,000 lakes,” so naturally, there are a handful or two of them near you anywhere in the state. Some of the most notoriously beautiful lakes near Minneapolis include such crystal-clear gems as Mille Lacs Lake, which is just an hour and 45 minutes from the city. It’s a gorgeous lake known for being one of the best places to go fishing in Minnesota. Just an hour and 15 minutes from the city is Lake Pepin, in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Where are the best lakes in Minneapolis?

Some of the best lakes in Minneapolis include:

Did you know there are at least 20 lakes within Minneapolis city limits? It’s true! If you don’t have the time to wander off to one of the further-away lakes near Minneapolis listed above, there are plenty more you can check out without the drive (though sometimes they may be a bit more crowded than you might like). Wander along the beautiful Mississippi River and discover countless gorgeous, hidden lakes along the way. Check out beautiful Lake Harriet and pick up a delicious ice cream cone at one of the nearby shops. Other excellent places to find ponds and lakes in Minneapolis are our many city parks, which offer everything from good times to interesting local history lessons.

What are the best lakes in Minnesota for a day trip?

Some of the best lakes in Minnesota for a day trip include:

 

We think every lake in Minnesota is a perfect one for a day trip, though some truly incredible lakes lurk around the top of it. If you prefer to avoid crowds for the most part, check out the gorgeous Lake of the Isles, which lacks a beach, making it one of the more low-key Minnesota lakes for a day out. Another favorite lake in Minnesota is Pokegama Lake, an absolutely beautiful and seemingly endless lake with excellent fishing and boating opportunities (not to mention some of the clearest water in Minnesota).

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