Lake Marion vs Orchard Lake
Two of the top-scoring lakes in Dakota County, Minnesota, side by side.
Lake Marion is the larger of the two at 530 acres against 238 for Orchard Lake. On our rankings, Orchard Lake comes out ahead for fishing, Lake Marion comes out ahead for boating, Lake Marion comes out ahead for paddling, and Lake Marion comes out ahead for ice fishing.
| Measure | Lake Marion | Orchard Lake |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Score | 66 / 100 | 64 / 100 |
| Nearest town | Lakeville | Lakeville |
| Surface area | 530 acres | 238 acres |
| Max depth | 21 ft | 33 ft |
| Shoreline | 10.2 mi | 3 mi |
| Water clarity | 9 ft | 9.4 ft |
| Public access | 1 public boat launch (concrete) | 1 public boat launch (concrete) |
| Fish species | 14 | 13 |
| Game fish | Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill | Walleye, Northern Pike, Tiger Muskellunge, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie |
| Stocked | Yes | Yes |
| Special regulations | Yes | Yes |
| Swim beach | Yes | Yes |
| Camping | No | No |
| Invasive species | Eurasian watermilfoil, zebra mussel | Eurasian watermilfoil |
Which lake is better for…
- FishingOrchard Lake
- BoatingLake Marion
- PaddlingLake Marion
- Ice FishingLake Marion
The lakes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Lake Marion or Orchard Lake?
Lake Marion is bigger at 530 acres; Orchard Lake covers 238 acres.
Which is deeper, Lake Marion or Orchard Lake?
Orchard Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 33 feet against 21 feet.
Is Lake Marion or Orchard Lake better for fishing?
Orchard Lake ranks higher for fishing in this directory, based on game species, lake size, access and stocking. Lake Marion lists 14 species and Orchard Lake lists 13.