A group of friends go swimming in Voyageurs National Park

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How to Live the Lake Life in Minnesota

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Swimming in Voyageurs National Park / Paul Vincent

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

SOTN Campaign - Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — Split Rock Lighthouse State Park along Lake Superior / Paul Vincent

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.

A woman canoeing in the Boundary Waters as the sun goes down — Canoeing the Boundary Waters at dusk / Paul Vincent

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.

A young man fishes on Lake Mille Lacs — Casting a line on Lake Mille Lacs / Jessica Brouillette

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.

Brainerd Lakes Ice Fishing Extravaganza — Ice fishing in the Brainerd Lakes Area

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.

Three children looking out over the water at sunset — Detroit Lake / Eric Ward

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

Catching a large fish in a net off the side of a boat — Boat fishing in Lake Margaret in the Brainerd Lakes Area / Paul Vincent

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.

Rocky Point Resort in Lake of the Woods / Paul Vincent

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”).

Paddle boarding in Duluth / Visit Duluth

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

A girl learns how to drive a boat on Lake Vermilion — Learning how to pilot a boat on Lake Vermilion / Courtney Anderson

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.

A visitor on Voyageurs' Grand Tour / Andrew Parks

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.

A freshly caught fish at Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort on Lake of the Woods — A freshly caught fish on Lake of the Woods / Paul Vincent

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.

A couple on a wooden swing at Shady Grove Resort, Ottertail — Shady Grove Resort, Ottertail / Kvidt Creative

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.