Minnesota's Best Lakes and Waterfronts

Minnesota's 11,842 lakes make it the most lake-rich state in the US outside of Alaska. The Boundary Waters, Lake Superior, Lake Minnetonka, and the boundary lake chains define Minnesota's waterfront character.

Lake Superior (Duluth and North Shore)
The world's largest freshwater lake by surface area (31,700 square miles) — Lake Superior gives Minnesota 151 miles of the most rugged freshwater shoreline in North America. Duluth's harbor (the largest freshwater port in the US) is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Aerial Lift Bridge (Duluth's iconic landmark — a vertical lift bridge lifting its roadway to allow ships through) and Canal Park give the harbor's drama accessible form.

Boundary Waters Lake Chain
The 1,200+ lakes of the BWCAW — glacially carved basins in Canadian Shield bedrock, interconnected by portages. The lakes range from 5 acres to 40 square miles; the water is crystal-clear (the boreal forest filters the watershed). The sunrise over a BWCAW lake with loon calls echoing is the most deeply Minnesotan experience possible.

Lake Minnetonka (Wayzata)
Minnesota's most prominent lake in popular culture — the 14,528-acre suburban lake west of Minneapolis. Lake Minnetonka has 125 miles of shoreline and 30+ bays. Prince sang about it. Excelsior (the most charming lakeshore town) has an antique carousel and a brewpub. The big-money lake culture of Wayzata and Orono contrasts with the accessible public beaches at St. Alban's Bay.

Lake Itasca (Itasca SP)
The headwaters of the Mississippi — stepping across the river's 15-foot-wide, knee-deep outlet at Lake Itasca is one of Minnesota's most-visited experiences. The lake itself (1,785 acres) is clear and beautiful, with old-growth pine forests on its shores.

Mille Lacs Lake
Minnesota's second-largest lake (207 square miles) — a shallow, warm lake in the center of the state, famous for walleye fishing. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe retain treaty fishing rights on the lake; the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post at Onamia is excellent.