How to Live the Lake Life in Minnesota
How to Live the Lake Life in Minnesota
Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” but we actually boast 11,842. They're boatloads of fun no matter what time of year it is, too, whether you're into water skiing, fishing, and tubing in the summer or ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the winter.
Presenting the ultimate guide to living the lake life in Minnesota.
MINNESOTA'S BEST LAKES
LAKE SUPERIOR
Lake Superior looks like an ocean, living up to its status as the largest freshwater lake in the country — bigger than the other four Great Lakes combined. Start your North Shore adventure in the popular port-city of Duluth or explore the 154-mile stretch one of Minnesota's top vacation destinations in towns like Two Harbors, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, and more.
BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS
Home to more than 1,000 bodies of water, with canoes as the primary mode of transportation, this bucket list destination is a true wilderness. There are no cars, hotels, restaurants, electricity or other modern conveniences within its boundaries. The lakes range from tiny to vast, with portages, hiking trails, abundant wildlife and campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
CHAIN OF LAKES
Essentially five lakes in one, Bde Maka Ska, Harriet, Cedar, Brownie and Lake of the Isles offer a taste of the great outdoors in the heart of Minneapolis. Three of the four are connected and can be paddled as one; in some spots, you can't even tell you're in the city. Biking and running along the shores, dining at the lakeside eateries, and hitting the beaches are popular summer activities, with ice skating and hockey taking over in winter.
LAKE MINNETONKA
Made famous by Prince's iconic movie "Purple Rain", this large lake west of Minneapolis draws crowds seeking summertime fun, from sunbathing to sailing to wake surfing — a mash-up of wakeboarding and surfing. In winter, it plays host to ice fishing, snow kiting and the Chilly Open, an on-ice golf tournament.
MILLE LACS LAKE
The state’s second largest lake, Mille Lacs, lies just 75 miles north of the Twin Cities. In addition to hiking shoes, be sure to pack tackle and pick up a fishing license beforehand as Mille Lacs Lake is home to excellent fishing and boating. Year-round fishing guides with equipment to spare are available for those who'd rather pack light without missing the action.
GULL LAKE
The Brainerd Lakes area is a popular vacation destination in central Minnesota, and one of the biggest reasons is its biggest lake. Gull Lake is a draw for anglers, families and anyone looking for some fun on the water. Hop on a jet ski, pontoon, paddleboard or boat cruise, or come for the massive Ice Fishing Extravaganza that takes over the lake every January.
LAKE VERMILION
Raw and mostly untouched, this vast lake is dotted with 365 islands, many of them peppered with centuries-old pine trees. For the true Lake Vermilion camping experience, bring a canoe, kayak or boat and check out Hinsdale Island, which features boat-in campsites right on the shore.
DETROIT LAKE
With more than 400 lakes within 25 miles, the town of Detroit Lakes is your go-to basecamp for summer fun. Find flea markets, giant trolls, lakeside dining, cozy cabins, lakeside hotels, and more.
OTTER TAIL LAKE
Otter Tail County is one of the state’s largest counties, and it’s filled with two things that define Minnesota: charming small towns and vibrant lake culture with its 1,048 lakes, more than any county in the United States.
LAKE OF THE WOODS
The state's second-largest border lake is known for four seasons of great fishing for walleye, saugers, northerns and other species. In fact, winter fishing is even more popular than summer here, with resorts renting ice houses that have all the amenities of a deluxe cabin out on the frozen lake. Lake of the Woods is also home to the Northwest Angle, the northernmost point in the continental U.S., which can only be reached by boat or by driving through Canada.
LAKE PEPIN
Geographically, Lake Pepin is one of the state’s most interesting lakes. On the Mississippi River, near the charming town of Lake City, the lake is part of a valley carved by the melting of a glacial lake at the end of the most recent Ice Age.
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
Rainy Lake is the gateway to Voyageurs National Park on the Canadian border and can be explored on guided boat tours, via personal canoe, kayak or motorboat, or on a houseboat, which serves as transportation and lodging in one. Once frozen, the lake is a haven for ice fishing and snowmobiling, and an ice road is plowed for cars and trucks. Rainy is one of four large (and dozens of smaller) lakes that make up Minnesota's uniquely water-based national park.
THINGS TO DO
FISHING
Minnesota offers some of the country's best freshwater fishing in our many lakes. There are endless opportunities for charter fishing on Lake Superior, Lake Mille Lacs, and Lake of the Woods or contact a fishing guide to outfit you with the gear and show you the best spots. Find plenty of places to go fishing from the shoreline, including Minnesota’s largest fishing pier (612-feet to be exact) on Dower Lake in Staples, the new Panoway Lakewalk on Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, and more.
Make sure to get your fishing license from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before you wet a line. A license is not required if you fish within Minnesota’s state park system.
SWIMMING
Nearly all of Minnesota’s lakes are safe to swim in. Some of the most popular beaches in the state are Park Point in Duluth on Lake Superior (dubbed the "world's largest freshwater sandbar"), Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground in Lake City on Lake Pepin, Father Hennepin State Park on Mille Lacs Lake, Zippel Bay State Park on Lake of the Woods, McCarthy Beach State Park on Sturgeon Lake, Detroit Lake Public Beach in Detroit Lakes, and Cedar Lake East Beach (known to locals as “Hidden Beach”).
BOATING
Boating is another popular pastime on Minnesota’s waterways. Motorized and non-motorized boats are available for rent on many lakes. Find some of the best places to kayak or canoe in Minnesota, paddle board, or paddle with kids. There are also great places to canoe or kayak in the middle of the city on one of Minneapolis’ beautiful lakes. According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Minnesota ranks second in the nation with a whopping 822,450 registered watercraft (over 10 feet) right behind Florida.
DINING
If you would rather stay on shore and soak up the lake vibes, enjoy a meal and see spectacular views of the water in nearly ever corner of Minnesota. From small lakeside burger and pizza joints to more upscale spots with gorgeous decks, patios, and lakeside vibes, these waterfront dining spots can’t be missed.
HOW TO GET ON THE WATER
RENTALS
It’s very easy to get out on the water in Minnesota. Rentals are available in many state, regional or city parks, and popular lakes within Minneapolis. For kayak, canoe, pedal boats, or paddle board rentals, check out Wheel Fun Rentals on Lake Harriet, Lake Nokomis, Bde Maka Ska. At Como Lake in St. Paul, you can even rent a Swan-shaped pedal boat! At nearby Lake Minnetonka, visit Bay Rentals.
For rentals or guided trips throughout the state, check out Randy’s Rentals on Mille Lacs Lake, Lakes Area Paddle Sports in Fergus Falls, Day Tripper of Duluth on Lake Superior, Arrowhead Lodge and Resort on Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs National Park, or book a trip to the Boundary Waters with outfitters like Voyaguer Canoe Outfitters.
BOAT TOURS
Chartered cruises are a great way to get out on the water with themed cruises or dinner cruises. Some popular opportunities on Lake Minnetonka include Al and Alma's or the Lady of the Lake paddlewheel boat tour.
Beyond Minneapolis and St. Paul, check out Houseboat Cruises on Green Lake in Spicer, Pelican Breeze II in Albert Lea, Gull Lake Cruises in Brainerd, or Vista Fleet Cruises in Duluth.
For more traditional and historical tour, visit Rainy Lake Boat Tours or the National Park Service’s tour of Voyaguers National Park. Set sail on Lake Pepin with Lake City Sailing or Amicus Adventure Sailing and the North House Folk School on Lake Superior.
FISHING CHARTERS
Fishing charters or a guided fishing trip are an easy way to wet a line without packing or providing any gear, bait, or life jackets. Just show up for your trip and you will be outfitted with the right gear, safety equipment and discover all of the special spots.
WHERE TO STAY: RESORTS
With dozens of towns boasting multiple resorts, there are plenty of places to stay near the water in Minnesota. Whether you’re seeking a luxury experience or rustic getaway, there are seemingly endless options to suit your needs. Many of which offer on-site dining, activities, golf, family-friendly programming, private spaces, and more.
Alexandria
- Arrowwood Resort
- Canary Beach Resort
- Eden Acres Resort I and II
- Geneva Beach Resort
- Lake Darling Resort
- Lake Victoria Resort
- Mill Lake Resort
- Peters Sunset Beach Resort
- Viking Bay Resort and Lodge
- Woodland Resort
Bemidji
- Balsam Beach Resort & RV Park
- Dreamers Resort
- Finn’n Feather Resort
- Joe’s Lodge
- Kohl’s Resort
- Oak Haven Resort
- Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge
- Pimushe Resort
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Bearskin Lodge on the Gunflint Trail
- Borderland Lodge
- Clearwater Historic Lodge and Canoe Outfitters
- Golden Eagle Lodge Resort, Campground & Nordic Ski Center
- Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground
- Hungry Jack Lodge & Campground
- Loon Lake Lodge
- No’Wester Lodge and Outfitter
- Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters
- Seagull Canoe Outfitters & Cabins
- Trout Lake Resort
- Tuscarora Lodge & Canoe Outfitters - Cabins
- White Pine Lodge
Brainerd Lakes Area
- Agate Lake Resort
- Beacon Shores Resort
- Black Pine Beach Resort
- Breezy Point Resort
- Cragun’s Resort Golf and Conference
- Eagles Nest
- Galles’ Upper Cullen Resort
- Gull Four Seasons Resort
- Grand View Lodge Spa and Golf Resort
- Hideaway Resort
- Kavanaugh's Sylvan Lake Resort
- Linden Park Resort & Campground
- Lost Lake Lodge Resort
- Lost Valley Resort
- Lykins Pinehurst Resort
- Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake
- Nature Link Resorts
- Pine Terrace Resort
- Quarterdeck Resort
- Samara Point Resort on Gull Lake
- Sandy Beach Resort
- Shady Hollow Resort and Campground
- Shing Wako Resort on Lake Edward
- Ten Mile Lake Resort & Steakhouse
- Train Bell Resort
- Towering Pines Resort
- Wilderness Point Resort
Crosby and Deerwood Area
- Camp Holiday Resort & Campground’
- Cuyuna Cove
- Red Rider Resort and Campground
- Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort
- Woodland Beach Resort
Cushing
Detroit Lakes Area
- Fair Hills Resort
- Forest Hills Golf & Resort
- Hatfield’s Island View Resort
- The Hideaway Resort
- Valhalla Resort
Grand Rapids Area
- Birch Bay Resort on the Wabana Chain of Lakes
- Hidden Haven Resort
- Jaspers Resort
- Little Bass Lake Resort
- Pine Acres Resort and RV Park
- Sugar Lake Lodge
- The Pineridge Resort
- Wa-Ga-Tha-Ka Resort
Kimball
Lake Mille Lacs Area
- Agate Bay Resort
- Appledorn’s Sunset Bay Resort and Event Center
- Eddy’s Resort
- Izatys Resort
- McQuoids Inn
- Nitti’s Hunter’s Point Resort
- Rocky Reef Resort
Lake Vermilion
- Ludlow’s Island Resort on Lake Vermilion
- Pehrson Lodge Resort
- Retreat Lodge Resort
- Timbuktu Marina and Cabins
- Vermilion Dam Lodge
- White Eagle Resort
McGregor
North Shore of Lake Superior
- Breezy Point Cabins on Lake Superior
- Castle Haven Cabins
- Dodge’s Log Lodges
- Gooseberry Cabins
- Grand Superior Lodge on Lake Superior
- Larsmont Cottages on Lake Superior
- Superior Shores Resort & Conference Center
- Thompsonite Beach Inn & Suites
Otter Tail County Area
- Barky’s Resort on Otter Tail Lake
- Bells Resort Bar & Grill
- Bonnie Beach Resort
- East Silent Resort
- Four Seasons Resort on Rush Lake
- Jacob’s Cove Cabins
- Pine Terrace Resort
- Solinger’s Resort Inc.
- Swan Lake Resort and Campground
- The Hideaway at Xanadu Island Resort
- The Lodge on Otter Tail Lake
- Thumper Pond Resort
- Whispering Pines Resort
- Woodlawn Resort
Park Rapids Area
- Big Timber Lodge & Resort
- Evergreen Bay Resort
- Little Norway Resort
- Twin Lakes Lodge & Resort
- Wilderness Bay Resort
Paynesville
Spicer
Voyageurs National Park Area
- Arrowhead Lodge
- Ash Trail Lodge
- Aspen Resort and Campground
- Birch Forest Lodge
- Cabin O’Pines Resort & RV Park
- Deer Lodge Resort
- Island View Resort
Walker Area
WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS
BEMIDJI
BRAINERD LAKES
DETROIT LAKES
ELY
LAKE CITY
NORTH SHORE
- Beacon Pointe
- Best Western Plus Superior Inn
- Bluefin Bay
- Canal Park Lodge
- Cove Point Lodge
- East Bay Suites
- Fitger’s Inn
- Grand Portage Lodge & Casino
- Grand Superior Lodge
- Hampton Inn
- Lift Bridge Lodge
- Park Point Marina Inn
- Pier B
- Shoreline Inn
- South Pier Inn – on the Canal
- The Inn on Lake Superior
SPICER
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
Find more things to do outside, regardless of whether it's summer or winter.