In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have plenty of aquatic options, from the cleanest lakes in Minnesota to the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota. So, what makes any 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 condition, the 10 lakes below are some of the clearest lakes in Minnesota and their beauty will never cease to amaze you.

  1. Sabin (Embarrass Mine), St Louis County - ID 69042900

Google Maps One of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, this deep, clear mine lake in Saint Louis County is perfect for swimming! Sabin Lake, Biwabik, MN, USA

  1. Jessie Pit, Itasca County - ID 31128100

Google Maps Another 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. Minnesota 65, MN-65, Mora, MN, USA

  1. Three Island Lake, Itasca County - ID 31054200

Google Maps 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. Beltrami County, MN, USA

  1. Fraser Pit, St Louis County - ID 69130000

Google Maps One of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, this gorgeous 92-acre mine lake has amazing depth and startlingly clear waters. Pit Lake, Whiteface Reservoir, MN 55803, USA

  1. Clearwater Lake, Cook County - ID 16013900

Google Maps True to its name, this is one of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, boasting 1,338 acres of pure paradise. The lovely lake has unbelievably pretty, clear water and low algae levels, making it perfect for swimming season! Clearwater Lake, Minnesota, USA

  1. Caribou Lake, Itasca County - ID 31062000

Google Maps Caribou Lake is another stunning northern lake. The clarity and depth make this an amazing recreation lake. You can see over two dozen feet below the beautiful blue surface. Caribou Lake, Minnesota, USA

  1. Beauty Lake, Hubbard County - ID 29029200

Google Maps 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. Beauty Lake, Goodland Township, Minnesota, USA

  1. Knife Lake, Lake County - ID 38040400

Google Maps 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. Knife Lake Township, MN 55051, USA

  1. Hunter Lake, Cass County - ID 11017000

Google Maps 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. Hunter Lake, Wabedo Township, MN 56655, USA

  1. There are actually several lakes with clarity one step down from the first nine including Bad Medicine (03008500 ), Boot (03003000), Bearskin (16022800), Gillis (16075300), East Crooked (29010101), Little Trout (31039400), Missionary (38039800), Kekekabic (38022600), Ester (38020700), and Cherry (38016600).

Google Maps They’re all in Northern Minnesota where the waters are vastly untouched and clear. The lakes range in depths - but are all fairly deep and great for swimming and paddling! Several are also in the BWCA, making them further protected and surrounded by secluded, gorgeous, scenery. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Duluth, MN 55808, USA

So, do you agree? Are these the cleanest 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!

Google Maps

One of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, this deep, clear mine lake in Saint Louis County is perfect for swimming!

Sabin Lake, Biwabik, MN, USA

Another 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.

Minnesota 65, MN-65, Mora, MN, USA

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.

Beltrami County, MN, USA

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

Pit Lake, Whiteface Reservoir, MN 55803, USA

True to its name, this is one of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, boasting 1,338 acres of pure paradise. The lovely lake has unbelievably pretty, clear water and low algae levels, making it perfect for swimming season!

Clearwater Lake, Minnesota, USA

Caribou Lake is another stunning northern lake. The clarity and depth make this an amazing recreation lake. You can see over two dozen feet below the beautiful blue surface.

Caribou Lake, Minnesota, USA

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.

Beauty Lake, Goodland Township, Minnesota, USA

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.

Knife Lake Township, MN 55051, USA

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.

Hunter Lake, Wabedo Township, MN 56655, USA

They’re all in Northern Minnesota where the waters are vastly untouched and clear. The lakes range in depths - but are all fairly deep and great for swimming and paddling! Several are also in the BWCA, making them further protected and surrounded by secluded, gorgeous, scenery.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Duluth, MN 55808, USA

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

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Cleanest Lakes In Minnesota July 08, 2022 Daniella DiRienzo Where can I find the bluest water in Minnesota? The state’s stunning bodies of water don’t end with the clear lakes in Minnesota. There’s also Deer Lake, which is known for its beautifully hued water. The water’s turquoise tint is caused by the mineral makeup of the surrounding rocks and soil. Truly a sight to see, the water’s hue changes with the intensity of the sunlight and the angle from which it is viewed. Visitors to the lake can do more than admire its beauty, though. Its sapphire waters are great swimming, fishing, and boating. Can I camp right on the water in Minnesota? There are several waterfront campgrounds in Minnesota, including Ham Lake Resort. A great choice for campers of all sorts, the resort boasts over 100 RV sites as well as tent sites and cabins. There’s much more to the property than an array of lodging options, though. The highlight of the resort is its namesake, Ham Lake, which is perfect for an array of activities, including swimming, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Cleanest Lakes In Minnesota

July 08, 2022

Daniella DiRienzo

Where can I find the bluest water in Minnesota? The state’s stunning bodies of water don’t end with the clear lakes in Minnesota. There’s also Deer Lake, which is known for its beautifully hued water. The water’s turquoise tint is caused by the mineral makeup of the surrounding rocks and soil. Truly a sight to see, the water’s hue changes with the intensity of the sunlight and the angle from which it is viewed. Visitors to the lake can do more than admire its beauty, though. Its sapphire waters are great swimming, fishing, and boating. Can I camp right on the water in Minnesota? There are several waterfront campgrounds in Minnesota, including Ham Lake Resort. A great choice for campers of all sorts, the resort boasts over 100 RV sites as well as tent sites and cabins. There’s much more to the property than an array of lodging options, though. The highlight of the resort is its namesake, Ham Lake, which is perfect for an array of activities, including swimming, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The state’s stunning bodies of water don’t end with the clear lakes in Minnesota. There’s also Deer Lake, which is known for its beautifully hued water. The water’s turquoise tint is caused by the mineral makeup of the surrounding rocks and soil. Truly a sight to see, the water’s hue changes with the intensity of the sunlight and the angle from which it is viewed. Visitors to the lake can do more than admire its beauty, though. Its sapphire waters are great swimming, fishing, and boating.

Can I camp right on the water in Minnesota?

There are several waterfront campgrounds in Minnesota, including Ham Lake Resort. A great choice for campers of all sorts, the resort boasts over 100 RV sites as well as tent sites and cabins. There’s much more to the property than an array of lodging options, though. The highlight of the resort is its namesake, Ham Lake, which is perfect for an array of activities, including swimming, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding.