As the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota offers a unique lakeside lifestyle. If you’re looking for sparkling lakes perfect for boating, nearby forests with hiking trails, and homes with beautiful views, look no further than Minnesota.
To help you find the right lakeside getaway, Redfin has got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best lakes to buy a home in Minnesota this year. From the bustling shores of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis to the tranquil waters of Rainy Lake in International Falls, each lake has its own unique charm and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin or a luxurious beachfront estate, you’ll find it in our listings below.
1. Bde Maka Ska (Minneapolis)
Nearest city: minneapolis Median home sales price: $330,000 Average rent for one bedroom: $1,561 population: 429,000 Minneapolis, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Minneapolis, MN
First on this year’s list of Minnesota’s best lakes to live in is Bde Maka Ska. You can find Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis as part of the “Chain of Lakes.” The lake is the largest lake in Minneapolis and a hub for outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding and running along scenic trails. The surrounding area offers a variety of cultural attractions, from the nearby Bakken Museum to the bustling restaurants and shops of Uptown. With its proximity to downtown Minneapolis, living near Bde Maka Ska means enjoying the best of city living as well as the tranquility and beauty of lake life.
2. Cass Lake
Nearest city: Castle Lake Median home sales price: $63,290 population: Chapter 770 Castle Lake, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Cass Lake, MN
Cass Lake is located on the Leech Lake Reservation and offers a close-knit community atmosphere amid Minnesota’s natural beauty. Cass Lake itself is a fisherman’s paradise, with pike and pike plentiful here. The Chippewa National Forest surrounds the lake, providing endless opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Despite its secluded setting, Cass Lake’s convenient location near Bemidji provides easy access to larger city amenities while maintaining its charming small-town feel.
3. Cross Lake and Lower Whitefish Lake (Crosslake)
Nearest city: crosslake Median home sales price: $625,000 population: 2,300 Crosslake, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Crosslake, MN
Crosslake and Lower Whitefish Lake are treasures of pristine waters and lush forests in the heart of Minnesota’s Lake District. The area is a paradise for boating, fishing and swimming, with many bays and islands to explore. The town of Crosslake is known for its welcoming community and seasonal festivities, including its famous winter ice fishing tournament. With a variety of waterfront properties, residents can enjoy stunning views and direct access to the lake. The Whitefish Chain Lakes area is also home to popular golf courses, making it a great destination for relaxation and recreation.
4. Gull Lake (Lakeshore)
Nearest city: lakeshore Median home sales price: $508,000 population: 1,000 Lakeshore Minnesota Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Lakeshore, MN
With its clear waters and beautiful scenery, Gull Lake is an excellent destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat on its shores. The area is known for its excellent fishing, boating and water sports opportunities. The surrounding area offers luxury resorts and golf courses for relaxation and adventure. Although sparsely populated, Lakeshore offers a comfortable community feel and all the necessities of lakeside living. For example, you can find many seaside restaurants, local shops and markets in the town.The Gull Lake chain of lakes is a true gem of Minnesota, providing a slice of paradise for its residents
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5. Lake Superior (Duluth)
Nearest city: Duluth Median home sales price: $268,000 Average rent for one bedroom: $1,600 population: 86,000 Duluth, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Duluth, MN
Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes, is home to stunning natural beauty and rugged coastline in Duluth, a city known for its maritime heritage. Duluth Canal Park is a gathering place for residents and features the iconic Skylift Bridge, Maritime Museum, and waterfront restaurants. The city’s extensive network of hiking trails, including the famous Superior Hiking Trail, provides endless adventures for outdoor enthusiasts. In Duluth, you’ll find the perfect blend of lakefront living and city living.
6. Lake Minnetonka (Tonka Bay)
Nearest city: tonka bay Median home sales price: $1,850,000 population: 1,500 people Tonka Bay, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Tonka Bay, MN
Lake Minnetonka is a 14,000-acre waterway dotted with islands and bays. The lake is a center for sailing, fishing, and water skiing, attracting year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The region’s rich history is reflected in its historic estates and vibrant communities along the coast.Tonka Bay sits on its shores and offers waterfront properties and boating facilities. The city is also close to the Twin Cities, making it an excellent location for those looking for lake living in Minnesota.
7. Vermilion Lake (Tower)
Nearest city: tower Median home sales price: $115,000 population: 500 Tower, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Tower, MN
Set against the backdrop of Minnesota’s wilderness, Lake Vermilion is a paradise for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake’s clear blue waters and dense forest along its shores provide a tranquil environment for fishing, boating and cabin living. Lake Vermillion, located near Kabetogama State Forest and Superior National Forest, is a stunning lakefront location if you want easy access to nature. A small town worth considering. The nearest city, Tower, is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, combining outdoor adventure with small-town charm.
8. Leech Lake (Walker)
Nearest city: Walker Median home sales price: $150,000 population: 1,000 Walker, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Walker, MN
Leech Lake is a great fishing and boating destination in Minnesota. The lake is vast and is the habitat of many kinds of fish, making it a good place for fishing. The area surrounding Leech Lake is also known for its trails and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking in Chippewa National Forest.Walker is the closest city and has a quaint downtown area with local shops, dining options, and activities. The Walker area is home to breweries, lakefront parks and country clubs.
9. Mille Lacs(Wahkon)
Nearest city: Huakang Median home sales price: $95,000 population: 200 Waukon, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Waukon, MN
Mille Lacs Lake is a large body of water known for catching walleye and pike. The area is popular for ice fishing in the winter and boating in the summer, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. You can also visit parks like Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, which offers cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the warmer months.Mille Lacs is It is surrounded by small towns, including Wahkon. The village has stunning lake views and a great community feel with local markets and restaurants.
10. Prior Lake
Nearest city: prior lake Median home sales price: $559,218 Average rent for one bedroom: $1,080 population: 28,000 Prior Lake, MN Homes for Sale Apartments for Rent in Prior Lake, MN
Prior Lake is a vibrant community blending suburban living and natural beauty located just outside of Minneapolis. The lake itself is a focal point for recreation, offering boating, fishing and sandy beaches such as Sand Point Beach, Lakeside Park and Notio Marina. The city of Prior Lake is known for its parks, waterfront restaurants, and events, including the annual Lakeside Music Festival. Prior Lake is a great choice for homebuyers who want to be close to Minneapolis.
11. Rainy Lake (International Falls)
Nearest city: international falls Median home sales price: $85,000 population: 5,800 Homes for Sale in International Falls, MN Apartments for Rent in International Falls, MN
The last great place to live on our list of Minnesota lakes is Lake Rainey. This picturesque place on the border of the United States and Canada is known for its pristine wilderness and world-class fishing. Often called the “country’s refrigerator” due to freezing winter temperatures, International Falls is the gateway to Voyageurs National Park. This park offers outdoor adventure activities such as boating, kayaking, wildlife watching, and stargazing. Rainy Lake offers a tranquil lakeside setting perfect for those seeking a peaceful respite in the great outdoors.
Please note that this list is not a complete list of all lakes in Minnesota. Median home sales price data from the Redfin data center in April 2024.
