While Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you might be surprised to learn that the North Star State is actually home to 14,380 lakes, if you count the lakes that cross the U.S.-Canada border. From the largest (Lake Superior) to the smallest (Echo Lake), Minnesota is the best place to be to enjoy a day on the water. We recently asked our Only in Minnesota and Minnesota Nature Lovers Facebook Pages what everyone’s favorite lake in Minnesota was, and the answers did not disappoint. All of these incredible photographs were taken by members of these pages, and if you’re not already following us on Facebook, you’re missing out on your feed being lit up by shots like these!
In no particular order, here are the best lakes in Minnesota, according to our readers:
- Lax Lake - Lake County
Dale Johnson/Minnesota Nature Lovers First up on the list is Lax Lake, located in the northeastern corner of the state. Named after John Waxlax, an early settler of the area, this beloved Lake County lake is near Tettegouche State Park, one of the most beautiful state parks in Minnesota. Lax Lake, MN 55614, USA
- Lake Vermilion - Saint Louis County
Carl Nopola/Minnesota Nature Lovers This freshwater lake in northeastern Minnesota is known to be one of the most scenic lakes in the country, and we can see why! The Ojibwe originally called this lake “Nee-Man-Nee” which means “the evening sun tinting the water a reddish color.” Nailed it. Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, USA
- West Rush Lake - Chisago County
Paul Hinderscheid/Minnesota Nature Lovers It’s hard not to love this 1,579-acre lake in east-central Minnesota. At its deepest point, West Rush lake is 42 feet deep and is a popular fishing lake in Minnesota. Judging by this photo, it’s also a great spot to catch a sunset! Rush Lake Township, MN, USA
- Lake Brophy - Douglas County
Lou Ann Marks/Minnesota Nature Lovers We could sit here for hours and admire the views of this stunning lake! This lake clocks in at just under 300 acres and is another popular fishing hole. Lake Brophy, La Grand Township, MN 56308, USA
- Long Lake - Hennepin County
David W. Brinkman/Only In Minnesota With views like this, it’s no wonder it was voted one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota. Long Lake, MN, USA
- Lake Kabetogama - St. Louis County
Justin Francis/Only in Minnesota One of the largest inland lakes in Minnesota, Lake Kabetogama has it all: great fishing, great views, and crystal clear water. Kabetogama lake, Minnesota, USA
- Upper Bottle - Hubbard County
Gloria Meyenburg Wedo/Only in Minnesota Another popular fishing lake, a day on Upper Bottle never disappoints. Upper Bottle Lake, Lake Emma Township, MN 56470, USA
8 Lake Pepin - Goodhue / Wabasha Counties
Cory Buettner/Only in Minnesota Located on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, Lake Pepin is the largest lake on the Mississippi River and it might just be one of the most scenic in the state. Just look at that view! Lake Pepin, United States
- Lake Superior
Pauls Grace/Only in Minnesota Of course, the Grand Dame of lakes had to make the list. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area). Lake Superior, Lake Superior
- Lake Nokomis - Hennepin County
Orlando Lorenzo Panlilio/Only in Minnesota One of Minneapolis’ favorite lakes, this lake is popular during the summer months, but even in the winter, it still shines. Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
- Lake Winona - Winona County
Ricky Pollema/Only in Minnesota Surrounded by a city park and a popular biking path, Lake Winona is a fan favorite for good reason. As you can see, this is one lake you really want to visit during autumn when the leaves are changing. Lake Winona, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Thanks to our readers for submitting these fabulous photos. Don’t forget to give us a follow on Facebook. Our Nature Lover Page is always filled up with amazing photos of Minnesota, feel free to join the group and submit yours! If they’ve inspired you to get outside and explore Minnesota’s beautiful lakes, check out these lakefront cabins in Minnesota that are perfect for a weekend getaway.
Dale Johnson/Minnesota Nature Lovers
First up on the list is Lax Lake, located in the northeastern corner of the state. Named after John Waxlax, an early settler of the area, this beloved Lake County lake is near Tettegouche State Park, one of the most beautiful state parks in Minnesota.
Lax Lake, MN 55614, USA
Carl Nopola/Minnesota Nature Lovers
This freshwater lake in northeastern Minnesota is known to be one of the most scenic lakes in the country, and we can see why! The Ojibwe originally called this lake “Nee-Man-Nee” which means “the evening sun tinting the water a reddish color.” Nailed it.
Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, USA
Paul Hinderscheid/Minnesota Nature Lovers
It’s hard not to love this 1,579-acre lake in east-central Minnesota. At its deepest point, West Rush lake is 42 feet deep and is a popular fishing lake in Minnesota. Judging by this photo, it’s also a great spot to catch a sunset!
Rush Lake Township, MN, USA
Lou Ann Marks/Minnesota Nature Lovers
We could sit here for hours and admire the views of this stunning lake! This lake clocks in at just under 300 acres and is another popular fishing hole.
Lake Brophy, La Grand Township, MN 56308, USA
David W. Brinkman/Only In Minnesota
With views like this, it’s no wonder it was voted one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota.
Long Lake, MN, USA
Justin Francis/Only in Minnesota
One of the largest inland lakes in Minnesota, Lake Kabetogama has it all: great fishing, great views, and crystal clear water.
Kabetogama lake, Minnesota, USA
Gloria Meyenburg Wedo/Only in Minnesota
Another popular fishing lake, a day on Upper Bottle never disappoints.
Upper Bottle Lake, Lake Emma Township, MN 56470, USA
Cory Buettner/Only in Minnesota
Located on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, Lake Pepin is the largest lake on the Mississippi River and it might just be one of the most scenic in the state. Just look at that view!
Lake Pepin, United States
Pauls Grace/Only in Minnesota
Of course, the Grand Dame of lakes had to make the list. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area).
Lake Superior, Lake Superior
Orlando Lorenzo Panlilio/Only in Minnesota
One of Minneapolis’ favorite lakes, this lake is popular during the summer months, but even in the winter, it still shines.
Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Ricky Pollema/Only in Minnesota
Surrounded by a city park and a popular biking path, Lake Winona is a fan favorite for good reason. As you can see, this is one lake you really want to visit during autumn when the leaves are changing.
Lake Winona, Winona, MN 55987, USA
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