Which Minnesota Lakefront Is best for you?
Are you looking for a quiet stretch of shoreline to retreat to? Or an activity-packed lake that’s a short car ride from the cities? Maybe you’re ready to dust off the fishing rod and set up at one of Minnesota’s many fishing hubs. If you’re in the market for a lakefront property, choosing the right location for your lifestyle can sometimes seem like a daunting task.
Being based out of the Twin Cities, Brainerd, and Detroit Lakes, we service a wide range of lakes and ponds. Our experience has taught us a thing or two about lakefront properties and all the amenities that come with them. Since we’re in the business of helping people love their lakefront, we decided to make a quiz for the prospective lake homeowner.
Choose the answer that best fits you to find your perfect lakefront!
1) What does your perfect Saturday look like?
A) Hosting a barbeque
B) Taking the fishing boat out at sunrise
C) Reading a book on the dock
D) Exploring local trails on a day hike
2) Your preferred watercraft is…
A) A wake boat
B) A Fish and Ski boat
C) A Pontoon
D) A Kayak
3) How important is accessibility to local shops, bars, and restaurants?
A) A non-negotiable
B) As long as I can get groceries and go for a good meal
C) I want access to a few local shops and quiet restaurants
D) Shopping? We pack a cooler for the weekend and go!
4) How do you feel about occasional boat traffic?
A) It’s just another part of living in an active community!
B) Fine, as long as we don’t cross lines
C) I’m okay with a few slow-paced passersby
D) Wildlife crossing is the only traffic I want to come across
5) What kind of Lake home fits you best?
A) A modern lake house in a lively neighborhood
B) A classic cabin with plenty of land and lots of shoreline
C) A charming cottage in a quiet community
D) A rustic home in a scenic, remote area
RESULTS
If you answered mostly A’s
Whether it’s trying new restaurants, browsing boutiques, or taking the jet ski out for a joyride, if you like a different waterfront activity every week, a property close to the Twin Cities could suit you!
Lake Minnetonka
Go big or go home – or maybe to a different lake on our list! Just 30 minutes west of Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is known for its active atmosphere, great food scene, and bustling shopping centers. At almost 15,000 acres, Lake Minnetonka is surrounded by 13 incorporated cities, all offering a unique take on lake life. Excelsior and Wayzata are two notable Minnetonka towns where you’ll find a mix of marinas, boat-in restaurants, retail stores, and community-based events.
White Bear Lake
Nestled in the Northeast Suburbs of Saint Paul, White Bear Lake is a prime spot to scope out lakefront properties. Past the crystal clear water and tree lined shores, you’ll find a historic downtown, lined with local boutiques, restaurants, and live music. The community is brimming with social events, making it the destination for buyers that want an activity filled lakefront and a friendly atmosphere. Often praised for its natural beauty and laid back vibe, White Bear Lake offers the perfect blend of suburban lakefront living and lively community for prospective buyers.
If you answered mostly B’s
If watersports and angling are the most appealing parts of lake life, then you will find luck a few hours north in the greater Brainerd area of Minnesota.
Leech Lake
Centered in Walker, Minnesota, Leech Lake is one of Minnesota’s largest and deepest lakes, making it one of the most renowned fishing spots in the nation. Its world-famous Annual Angler’s tournaments tend to stir up the most boat traffic on this otherwise laid back northern lake. After a day of fishing and boating, you can take a quick ride to Downtown Walker, where you can grab a bite and take a walk around the local shops. Leech Lake provides the full range of lakefront living activities, while keeping the classic, up-north cabin feel.
Gull Lake
Maybe you want watersports, and activities for the full family? Take a look at Gull Lake in Nisswa. At 9,418 acres, fishing, water-skiing, and sailing are thriving watersports along the more developed shoreline of Gull lake. On land, you’ll find a lively shopping strip, large selection of restaurants, and 18-hole golf course. Nisswa is the destination for anglers that enjoy every type of lakefront attraction.
Gull Lake is also the largest lake in the Gull Lake Chain, a connected system of lakes covering roughly 13,000 acres with about 38 miles of shoreline, and it’s home to dozens of resorts, including longtime favorites like Cragun’s, Madden’s, and Grand View Lodge. Each winter, the lake hosts the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza, one of the largest charity ice fishing tournaments in the country.
Mostly C’s
You like the slow pace of a lake with a tight-knit community. If you want a low-key lakefront and the small-town charm of its neighboring communities, there are plenty of Minnesota lakes to fit your profile.
Little Sand Lake near Dorset
Little Sand Lake is the perfect retreat. Renowned for its clear and calm waters, this lake is perfect for the homeowner that’s looking for some peace and quiet. On Little Sand, paddle boarding, kayaking, and walks along the lake are the preferred activities. Although motorized crafts are allowed on this small lake, you’re more likely to find speed boats and watersports on the Ida Chain of Lakes nearby. Down the road, you’ll find the charming town of Dorset. The town boardwalk features cozy cafes, a local book store and retail shop, and a soda fountain from 1894! Unofficially named “the Restaurant Capital of the World” Dorset’s biggest event is the yearly “Taste of Dorset” food walk.
Little Boy Lake in Longville
Lined with pine trees and picturesque scenery, Little Boy Lake offers the classic Minnesota cabin life. Its deep, clear water and sandy, shade-filled beaches make it a prime destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. Although you may spot some sport fisherman, boat traffic is rare, giving Little Boy Lake the perfect Northwoods feel. Be sure to explore the quaint downtown of Longville, where you can grab a cone at the local ice cream shop and attend the town’s weekly Turtle Races (yes, turtle races) every Wednesday from June to August.
Mostly D’s
Maybe nature is your forte. Most no-motor lakes and wildlife hubs fall within state park protected wilderness. If you want a home base, but are eager to explore the beautiful wilderness parks and campgrounds of Minnesota, we have a few picks for easy access to the great outdoors.
Pickerel Lake in Crow Wing County
Drive North of Crosslake toward the Land O’ Lakes State Forest, and you’ll stumble upon Pickerel Lake in Crow Wing County. Pickerel has no official public boat launch, meaning motorized traffic is kept at bay. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are some popular activities on the lake.
The Land O’ Lakes State Forest itself spans roughly 51,000 acres across Cass, Aitkin, and Crow Wing counties, and Pickerel Lake sits near the small communities of Emily, Crosslake, and Fifty Lakes. It’s a modest lake, at around 117 acres with 3 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 25 feet, and anglers can expect to find panfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike.
Rice Lake in McGregor
Birder’s paradise… but at a price? Situated on the edge of Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Rice Lake is renowned for its idyllic scenery (and bird watching!), making it the ideal place for those who dream of direct access to wildlife and short drives to multiple state forests. Because most of Rice Lake lies within the Wildlife Refuge, lakefront properties are few and far between, meaning homes rarely go on the market. For close proximity to the remote atmosphere of Rice Lake, prospective buyers often look to nearby lakes like Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa.
How We Help You Love Your Lakefront
We hope our quiz helped point you toward your dream lakefront destination. Whether you’re in the market for a destination home or a secluded retreat, all of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes offer their own unique amenities for the lakefront lifestyle.
But finding your lake is only half the story. Once you’ve got your slice of shoreline, the real work of enjoying it begins, and that’s where we come in. At Waterfront Restoration, we understand that your lakefront property is special. Our services help you spend more time enjoying your shoreline, not dreading the next cycle of aquatic weed growth. From routine maintenance to seasonal cleanup, we handle the parts of lake ownership that can feel overwhelming, so you can spend your weekends on the water instead of working on it.
No matter which lake you land on, Waterfront Restoration is here to help you protect it for years to come. Whatever lakefront living means to you, stress should be taken out of the definition.
