What to do and see in Minnesota, United States: The Best Bodies of Water

November 18, 2021 Leonarda Pillsbury

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have the famous Mall of America and Walker Art Institute. Bluff Country to the south has water sports and cross country skiing. The Prairielands abound with lake recreations.
Restaurants in Minnesota

1. St. Croix River

Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 68 reviews

St. Croix River

This scenic river, running through Afton State Park, is ideal for viewing wildlife.

Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Hudson, United States

The St. Croix River is a National Wild and Scenic Riverway that is administered by the National Park Service and Federal law. It is a total of 169 miles long; the lower 125 miles forms the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The river is used for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, etc. It is also just beautiful to look at. There are various marinas in bot Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as boat launches. In the Spring and Fall, it floods frequently with heavy rains. Last year in October it came up over its banks again and flooded our Association beach and submerged back yards. All the same, it is still nice to live near it.

2. Bay Lake

Brainerd, MN
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Bay Lake

One of Minnesota's smaller lakes.

3. Poplar Lake

Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604 +1 218-388-2214 http://www.trailcenterlodge.com
Excellent
89%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 47 reviews

Poplar Lake

Entry point to many lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Reviewed By 198loriw

Love the multiple islands and inlets that make up this lake. Lots of character to this lake. Gorgeous for kayaking!

4. Baptism River

Silver Bay, MN
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

Baptism River

Part of Tettegouche State Park, this waterway drops sixty feet, creating a waterfall.

Reviewed By loyceh686 - Burleson, United States

Water, water, everywhere!!! easy trails in park, visitor center with gorgeous views, friendly staff, parking a breeze. Fireplace, comfortable chairs, along with coffee in center.

5. Cacade River

Lutsen, MN
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

Cacade River

Waterway running through Cascade River State Park on Minnesota's North Shore.

Reviewed By TomB639 - Charlotte, United States

Excellent trails and well marked...great place for an easy hike. Parked right off hwy 61. we hiked about two hours and once you get down the trail a bit the crowds lessen

6. Chain of Lakes

Minneapolis, MN 55415-1411 +1 612-230-6400 [email protected] http://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parks__lakes/minneapolis_chain_of_lakes_regional_park
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 402 reviews

Chain of Lakes

Three separate lakes (Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet) all surrounded by pedestrian paths.

Reviewed By jesseMN - Savannah, United States

Walk, jog, swim, hear a concert, rent bikes, roller skates, canoes...the chain of lakes is one of the many attractions of the excellent Park system - connected by trail and water to other parks - that attacts year 'round visitors. A cherished resource that is actually three interconnected lakes in the City. Accessable by public transit.

7. Lake of the Isles

2500 W Lake of the Isles Pkwy Franklin Ave and Logan Ave South, Minneapolis, MN 55405-2332 +1 612-661-4800 http://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks_and_destinations/parks_and_lakes/lake_of_the_isles_park/#group_1_13979
Excellent
81%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 326 reviews

Lake of the Isles

Reviewed By bethsA9826WF

Lake of the Isles is one of the chain of lakes in the heart of Minneapolis. It's winding shoreline has a well-card for walking path and showcases the lake's isles and varied shore environments. It's a 2.6 mile walk, and if you get tired of looking at the sun on the water, skyline in the short distance, lily pads, birds, and the many dogs with companions you'll meet, check out the gorgeous array of houses (some mansions) that surround the lake.

8. Excelsior Commons

Lake Street, Excelsior, MN 55331 http://www.ci.excelsior.mn.us/index.aspx?nid=124
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19 reviews

Excelsior Commons

Reviewed By lucycan

This is a large park just outside downtown Excelsior. Great views of the lake. There is a beach, ball park, and plenty of places to sit for a picnic.

9. Rainy Lake Visitor Center

1797 Ut - 342, International Falls, MN 56649 http://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Rainy Lake Visitor Center

Reviewed By Northernindividual - International Falls, United States

When you visit the center they have several displays to see as well as a brief historical film. There is a nice picnic area, canoe launch, boat launch, walking trails and boat cruises. I walk regularly on the paved/natural trails often. Absolutely beautiful.

10. Bear Head Lake State Park

9301 Bear Head State Park Rd, Ely, MN 55731-8037 +1 218-235-2520 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/bear_head_lake/index.html
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Bear Head Lake State Park

The park's namesake 674-acre lake is a prime spot for eyeing wildlife.

Reviewed By pennys720

Wonderful place to do some hiking or being on the lake. Beautiful. Saw many wild animals, deer, forest chickens(as my hubby called them), and foxes

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