The 10 Biggest Lakes in Minnesota That You Won’t Believe Belong in America

Minnesota is known for its freshwater lakes, with over 15,000 natural lakes and ponds scattered across the state. Many of these lakes are large enough to be considered top 10 biggest lakes in the US. 

Regardless of the fact that it’s nearly hard to pick a favorite among Minnesota’s thousands of lakes, it would be in your best interest to at least visit a few on Enjoyfuntrip list of 10 biggest lakes in Minnesota while there.

Top 10 Biggest Lakes In Minnesota For Your Bucket List!

Fall Lake

Fall Lake is one of the state’s most famous natural attractions. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to visit this area. Lake of the Falls is an excellent escape from the rest of Minnesota. 

The best place to go for a visit is the town of Winona. This town is filled with attractions, and the lake and the falls are a great way to spend the day. If you don’t have much time to spend in this community, the best thing to do is to visit the Lake of the Falls Visitor Center in New Ulm. That is where you can pick up maps to help you get the most out of your visit to this beautiful lake.

Lake Superior

The biggest lake in Minnesota, Lake Superior, can be found in the state’s north-central region. Lake Superior is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area and third largest by volume. It is home to about 80% of the world’s freshwater fish species. 

In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Superior provides an excellent place for fishing in Minnesota.  It has many species of bass and bluegill, as well as other smallmouth bass and walleye species found in Minnesota lakes.  Lake Superior also has some very large walleye species that live in it, such as the largemouth bass (Largemouth Bass), brown bullhead (Brown Bullhead), minnow (Minnow), and largemouth rainbow trout (Largemouth Bass).

Lake Minnetonka

Lake Minnetonka is located in the middle of the state, one of the biggest lakes in Minnesota. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of cities, you should visit Lake Minnewaska. This lake is excellent for fishing, sailing, or camping. 

However, if you want to get the most out of your visit, you’ll want to take a boat tour of the lake. Plenty of companies offer this, and you can put together an itinerary to visit all of the best spots on the lake.

Lake Nokomis

Lake Nokomis is one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes in the north-central state. That is the place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. The lake is also a great place to go birdwatching. 

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy while you’re at this lake. The location in a lovely state area is the most significant feature. The beautiful landscape surrounding the lake will make your visit to the site unforgettable.

St. Louis River

The St. Louis River is one of the deepest lakes in Minnesota and is located in the south-central part of the state. The best part about the St. Louis River is also an excellent place for fishing. If you want to go for a cruise, rent a boat and head out on the water. If you want to be a little more adventurous, go for a canoe trip. 

Rainy Lake

Rainy Lake is located near the gateway communities of International Falls and Rainer. The lake is a popular destination for tourists and locals.  It is also a great place to explore the local Native American culture.  The lake has a wide variety of wildlife, including trout, walleye, and northern pike.

Lake Mille Lacs

The third-largest lake in Minnesota, Lake Mille Lacs, is situated in the state’s southeast. The lake’s name comes from the French word “mille” meaning thousand, and “lacs” meaning lakes. The best part about Lake Mille Lacs is that it is an excellent place for boating and fishing: The lake is surrounded by a forest of pine trees.

Lake of the Woods

A lake known as Lake of the Woods spans portions of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba as well as the American state of Minnesota. You can visit  the area by car, plane, or train. The area is famous for its lakes, forests, and wildlife. It is also the most northern part of the contiguous United States. In addition to being an excellent place for kids to swim, that lake also has a great place for fishing. The area is full of lakes, ponds, and rivers with plenty of fish for you to catch.

Families with kids can visit this location. Also, you won’t let your kids become bored. If you’re looking for more family-friendly destinations, we can suggest 8 Family-Friendly Activities in Pensacola.

Willow River

A visit to Minnesota is not complete without experiencing the beauty of Willow River. The astounding variety of activities and experiences in Willow River, Minnesota, United States, make it well worth a trip there. Willow River may be enjoyed in all four seasons—winter for snowshoeing, fall for color tours, and spring for fishing—but summer is the best time to visit. The thrill of standing beneath a waterfall and a dip in the “pool” are the best ways to end a hike.

This lake is an excellent area for swimming, even if it doesn’t have as many water slides or games as other US water parks like El Paso Water Parks. If you want to get out on the water and look for a way to relax, this is the perfect place.

Grand Marais Reservoir

Grand Marais Reservoir is the only artificial lake in Minnesota. It is located in the southwest part of the state and is a great place to visit with the family.  The reservoir is a 2,500-acre lake with a sandy bottom. The water is very clear, and the water temperature is very low. The reservoir has a natural topography that allows it to have a flat bottom and keep the water at a constant temperature.

The lake has been used for recreational purposes since the early 1800s. During this time, the reservoir was used for fishing, boating, and swimming. The lake is also a popular place for tubing and has a great beach area that is good for sunbathing. If the lake isn’t enough to gratify you, like the big beaches, there are a ton of other options, such as the beaches close by or the 13 Beautiful Beaches In Vieques.

Final Thought

No matter where you visit Minnesota, there will be a spot worth investigating. The places in this list of biggest lakes in Minnesota are famous sights. Their size and beauty attract visitors from all over the country. On the other hand, if you’re interested in finding another place to visit, we make it easy to do that, too! Explore us today.