These Are 9 of the Most Pristine Lakes in Minnesota… and They’re Positively Stunning

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have plenty of aquatic options, from the cleanest lakes in Minnesota to the clearest lakes in Minnesota. So, what makes any one lake better than the next? From gorgeous, sandy beaches to beautiful bays there are many factors we Minnesotans consider when ranking our favorite lakes, but none are probably as important as clarity. It comes down to a simple truth: No matter the surroundings, we will always favor the northern Minnesota lakes, which are known for crystal clear, stunning water. Known for their pristine water quality, the nine lakes below are some of the clearest lakes in Minnesota—per the U of MN LakeBrowser—and their beauty will never cease to amaze you.

1. Clearwater Lake, Cook County - Lake ID No. 16013900

The west end of this aptly-named lake off the Gunflint Trail is home to one of my favorite lodges in Minnesota, and the east end, where you'll find the Palisades towering 300-plus feet above the surface, extends into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. With water clarity as high as 18 feet in places, this 1,344-acre lake can reach depths as low as 130 feet.

2. Jessie Pit, Itasca County - Lake ID No. 31128100

A deep, clear mine lake, swimming and diving are possible in this stunning body of water, which has the second-best clarity in the entire state. You can see dozens of feet down into the beautiful, blue waters.

3. Three Island Lake, Itasca County - Lake ID No. 31054200

This amazing 254-acre lake in Itasca County does share a name with another state lake, but certainly outshines it and many others due to its amazing clarity and deep waters, making it one of the best of all Minnesota lakes.

4. Fraser Pit, St Louis County - Lake ID No. 69130000

One of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, this gorgeous 92-acre mine lake has amazing depth and startlingly clear waters.

5. Caribou Lake, Itasca County - Lake ID No. 31062000

Caribou Lake is another stunning northern lake. Not to be confused with the Caribou Lake north of Lutsen, the clarity and depth of this Itasca County beauty make this an amazing recreational lake. You can see over two dozen feet below the beautiful blue surface.

6. Snowbank Lake, Lake County - Lake ID No. 38052900

If you drive eastward from Ely toward the Boundary Waters, you'll eventually come to the end of the road. There, you'll find gorgeous, 4,650-acre Snowbank Lake. This is another half-recreational, half-BWCA lake that offers the best of both worlds. You can circumnavigate it on foot via the 28-mile Snowbank Trail—or traverse a section of the Boundary Waters, along the south shore of Snowbank, on the 40-mile Kekekabic Trail.

7. Beauty Lake, Itasca County - Lake ID No. 29029200

Beauty Lake is another aptly named Minnesota lake. And while this lake isn't as deep as others, it's clear all the way through, and all 54 acres are beautiful.

8. Knife Lake, Lake County - Lake ID No. 38040400

This lake on the border is 3,694 sweeping acres full of amazingly clear water that's up to 130 feet deep. Truly one of the cleanest lakes in Minnesota, it's an epic spot to swim and paddle.

9. Hunter Lake, Cass County - Lake ID No. 11017000

When seeking clear lakes in Minnesota, Hunter Lake won't disappoint. The 176-acre northern lake is another with relatively shallow water, but water that is clear through and through.

For more information on these wonderful Minnesota lakes, including maps and fish species, search for them by ID number on the DNR LakeFinder. So, do you agree: Are these some of the clearest lakes in Minnesota? What other Minnesota lakes do you know of with amazing water quality? Did we miss your favorite body of water? Tell us about it—and be sure to get your swimsuits ready!

The most beautiful lakes in Minnesota aren’t the only bodies of water worth checking out. There are several others, including these little-known swimming holes in Minnesota.