# MinneLakes.org

> Independent directory of 2,382+ Minnesota lakes across 77 counties. Each lake page covers size, depth, water clarity, public access, activities (fishing, swimming, boating, camping, paddling, ice fishing), amenities, fish species, special regulations, ice-out history, and directions. Lake facts come from Minnesota DNR LakeFinder; amenities come from OpenStreetMap. All pages are statically generated and available as plain Markdown for AI agents.

## How to fetch Markdown

Content pages are served as clean Markdown for AI agents and other consumers that prefer unrendered text. Two ways to request the Markdown variant:

1. **Append `.md`** to any content URL — e.g. `https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/hennepin-county/lake-minnetonka.md`. This works for every page below.
2. **Send `Accept: text/markdown`** with the original URL — e.g. `curl -H "Accept: text/markdown" https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/hennepin-county/lake-minnetonka`. Supported on the route patterns listed below.

Markdown is available for these route patterns:

- `/lakes/<county>/<slug>` — individual lake profiles
- `/lakes/<county>` — all lakes in a county
- `/counties` — the county index
- `/fishing`, `/swimming`, `/boating`, `/camping`, `/paddling`, `/ice-fishing`, `/reservoirs` — activity guide hubs
- `/fish/<species>` — how-to-catch fish-species guides
- `/guides/<slug>` — editorial lake & fishing guides

Every HTML page above advertises its Markdown alternate via a `<link rel="alternate" type="text/markdown">` tag in the `<head>`. Pages not listed above (e.g. `/best/<activity>`) are HTML-only.

## About the data

- **Lake Score** is a 0-100 composite computed by MinneLakes.org from public data (public access, fish survey, size, clarity, depth, amenities). It is not a visitor rating and there are no user reviews on this site.
- Fish species, acreage, depth, clarity, public water accesses, special regulations, and ice-out dates are from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change yearly; confirm with the DNR before fishing.
- Beaches, campgrounds, fishing piers, picnic areas, and marinas are from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) and are matched to the nearest lake.
- Dataset built 2026-10-01.

## Featured lakes

Top-scoring lakes statewide, by Lake Score:

- [Leech Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/leech-lake.md): Cass County — 103,444 acres, Lake Score 92/100
- [Cass Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/beltrami-county/cass-lake.md): Beltrami County — 15,958 acres, Lake Score 92/100
- [Gull Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/gull-lake.md): Cass County — 10,010 acres, Lake Score 90/100
- [Rainy Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/rainy-lake.md): St. Louis County — 210,200 acres, Lake Score 89/100
- [Burntside Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county/burntside-lake.md): St. Louis County — 7,314 acres, Lake Score 87/100
- [Lake Carlos](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-carlos.md): Douglas County — 2,605 acres, Lake Score 87/100
- [Pokegama Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county/pokegama-lake.md): Itasca County — 6,721 acres, Lake Score 86/100
- [Gunflint Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gunflint-lake.md): Cook County — 4,009 acres, Lake Score 86/100
- [Lake Minnetonka](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/hennepin-county/lake-minnetonka.md): Hennepin County — 14,206 acres, Lake Score 85/100
- [Detroit Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county/detroit-lake.md): Becker County — 3,067 acres, Lake Score 85/100
- [Lake of the Woods](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-of-the-woods-county/lake-of-the-woods.md): Lake of the Woods County — 725,583 acres, Lake Score 84/100
- [Lake St. Croix](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/washington-county/lake-st-croix.md): Washington County — 8,393 acres, Lake Score 83/100
- [Lake Miltona](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county/lake-miltona.md): Douglas County — 5,731 acres, Lake Score 83/100
- [Washburn Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county/washburn-lake.md): Cass County — 1,590 acres, Lake Score 83/100
- [Flour Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/flour-lake.md): Cook County — 330 acres, Lake Score 83/100

## Best lakes by activity

Ranked rollups of the best Minnesota lakes for each activity (HTML only):

- [Best lakes for fishing](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/fishing) — top-ranked walleye, pike, bass and panfish waters by county
- [Best lakes for swimming](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/swimming) — lakes with mapped swim beaches and clear water
- [Best lakes for boating](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/boating) — big water with public ramps, marinas and room to run
- [Best lakes for camping](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/camping) — lakes with campgrounds mapped on the shoreline
- [Best lakes for paddling](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/paddling) — carry-in and canoe-country water for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards
- [Best lakes for ice fishing](https://www.minnelakes.org/best/ice-fishing) — hard-water lakes for walleye, perch, crappie and lake trout

## Browse by county (77)

Every Minnesota county with lakes in the directory. Append `.md` to any link for the Markdown listing.

- [Aitkin County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/aitkin-county) — 67 lakes
- [Anoka County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/anoka-county) — 15 lakes
- [Becker County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/becker-county) — 76 lakes
- [Beltrami County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/beltrami-county) — 62 lakes
- [Benton County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/benton-county) — 2 lakes
- [Big Stone County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/big-stone-county) — 12 lakes
- [Blue Earth County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/blue-earth-county) — 10 lakes
- [Brown County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/brown-county) — 4 lakes
- [Carlton County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/carlton-county) — 21 lakes
- [Carver County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/carver-county) — 24 lakes
- [Cass County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cass-county) — 134 lakes
- [Chisago County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/chisago-county) — 20 lakes
- [Clay County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/clay-county) — 4 lakes
- [Clearwater County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/clearwater-county) — 23 lakes
- [Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county) — 171 lakes
- [Cottonwood County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cottonwood-county) — 8 lakes
- [Crow Wing County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/crow-wing-county) — 143 lakes
- [Dakota County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/dakota-county) — 13 lakes
- [Douglas County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/douglas-county) — 53 lakes
- [Faribault County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/faribault-county) — 2 lakes
- [Freeborn County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/freeborn-county) — 8 lakes
- [Goodhue County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/goodhue-county) — 4 lakes
- [Grant County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/grant-county) — 10 lakes
- [Hennepin County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/hennepin-county) — 40 lakes
- [Houston County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/houston-county) — 1 lake
- [Hubbard County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/hubbard-county) — 81 lakes
- [Isanti County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/isanti-county) — 14 lakes
- [Itasca County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/itasca-county) — 227 lakes
- [Jackson County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/jackson-county) — 11 lakes
- [Kanabec County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/kanabec-county) — 9 lakes
- [Kandiyohi County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/kandiyohi-county) — 31 lakes
- [Kittson County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/kittson-county) — 1 lake
- [Koochiching County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/koochiching-county) — 7 lakes
- [Lac qui Parle County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lac-qui-parle-county) — 2 lakes
- [Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county) — 161 lakes
- [Lake of the Woods County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-of-the-woods-county) — 1 lake
- [Le Sueur County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/le-sueur-county) — 24 lakes
- [Lincoln County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lincoln-county) — 11 lakes
- [Lyon County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lyon-county) — 13 lakes
- [Mahnomen County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/mahnomen-county) — 13 lakes
- [Martin County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/martin-county) — 20 lakes
- [McLeod County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/mcleod-county) — 11 lakes
- [Meeker County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/meeker-county) — 31 lakes
- [Mille Lacs County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/mille-lacs-county) — 4 lakes
- [Morrison County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/morrison-county) — 19 lakes
- [Mower County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/mower-county) — 1 lake
- [Murray County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/murray-county) — 14 lakes
- [Nobles County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/nobles-county) — 7 lakes
- [Olmsted County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/olmsted-county) — 5 lakes
- [Otter Tail County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/otter-tail-county) — 126 lakes
- [Pine County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/pine-county) — 24 lakes
- [Pipestone County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/pipestone-county) — 1 lake
- [Polk County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/polk-county) — 13 lakes
- [Pope County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/pope-county) — 18 lakes
- [Ramsey County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/ramsey-county) — 20 lakes
- [Redwood County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/redwood-county) — 1 lake
- [Renville County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/renville-county) — 2 lakes
- [Rice County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/rice-county) — 17 lakes
- [Roseau County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/roseau-county) — 1 lake
- [Scott County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/scott-county) — 12 lakes
- [Sherburne County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/sherburne-county) — 18 lakes
- [Sibley County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/sibley-county) — 4 lakes
- [St. Louis County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/st-louis-county) — 270 lakes
- [Stearns County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stearns-county) — 51 lakes
- [Steele County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/steele-county) — 1 lake
- [Stevens County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/stevens-county) — 5 lakes
- [Swift County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/swift-county) — 7 lakes
- [Todd County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/todd-county) — 40 lakes
- [Traverse County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/traverse-county) — 2 lakes
- [Wabasha County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/wabasha-county) — 1 lake
- [Wadena County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/wadena-county) — 4 lakes
- [Waseca County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/waseca-county) — 7 lakes
- [Washington County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/washington-county) — 18 lakes
- [Watonwan County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/watonwan-county) — 5 lakes
- [Winona County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/winona-county) — 4 lakes
- [Wright County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/wright-county) — 61 lakes
- [Yellow Medicine County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/yellow-medicine-county) — 4 lakes

## Activity guides

Statewide guide hubs for each major lake activity:

- [Minnesota Fishing Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/fishing.md)
- [Minnesota Swimming Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/swimming.md)
- [Minnesota Boating Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/boating.md)
- [Minnesota Lakeside Camping](https://www.minnelakes.org/camping.md)
- [Minnesota Paddling Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/paddling.md)
- [Minnesota Ice Fishing Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/ice-fishing.md)
- [Minnesota reservoirs & flowages](https://www.minnelakes.org/reservoirs.md)

## How to catch fish in Minnesota (14 species guides)

Deep how-to-catch guides per gamefish — seasons, techniques, gear, regulations, and the best waters:

- [How to Catch Bluegill & Sunfish in Minnesota: Rigs, Seasons & Limits](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/panfish.md)
- [How to Catch Burbot (Eelpout) in Minnesota: Night Ice Fishing, Limits & Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/burbot.md)
- [How to Catch Catfish in Minnesota: Channel Cats, Flatheads, Rivers & Limits](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/channel-catfish.md)
- [How to Catch Crappie in Minnesota: Spring Shallows, Summer & Ice](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/crappie.md)
- [How to Catch Lake Sturgeon in Minnesota: Rainy River, St. Croix, Seasons & Tags](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/lake-sturgeon.md)
- [How to Catch Lake Trout in Minnesota: Arrowhead Lakes, Lake Superior & Winter Seasons](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/lake-trout.md)
- [How to Catch Largemouth Bass in Minnesota: Seasons, Lures & Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/largemouth-bass.md)
- [How to Catch Muskie in Minnesota: Seasons, Tactics & Trophy Waters](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/muskellunge.md)
- [How to Catch Northern Pike in Minnesota: Zones, Limits & Tactics](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/northern-pike.md)
- [How to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Minnesota: Seasons, Rigs & Waters](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/smallmouth-bass.md)
- [How to Catch Stream Trout in Minnesota Lakes: Rainbows, Brookies, Browns & Splake](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/stream-trout.md)
- [How to Catch Tullibee (Cisco) and Whitefish in Minnesota: Ice Fishing & Netting](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/tullibee.md)
- [How to Catch Walleye in Minnesota: Seasons, Rigs & the Best Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/walleye.md)
- [How to Catch Yellow Perch in Minnesota: Jumbo Lakes, Ice Tactics & Limits](https://www.minnelakes.org/fish/yellow-perch.md)

## Lake & fishing guides (40)

Editorial guides on licenses, regulations, swimming, safety, camping, seasons, and destinations:

- [12 Hidden Gem Lakes in Minnesota Worth the Drive](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/hidden-gem-lakes-minnesota.md)
- [Aquatic Invasive Species in Minnesota: Clean, Drain, Dispose Laws](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/aquatic-invasive-species-minnesota-clean-drain-dispose.md)
- [Best Lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area: Gull, Whitefish, Pelican & More](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/best-lakes-brainerd-lakes-area.md)
- [Best Lakes Near Alexandria: The Chain, Osakis, Minnewaska & Otter Tail](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/best-lakes-near-alexandria.md)
- [Best Lakes Near Duluth and the North Shore: Superior and the Inland Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/best-lakes-near-duluth-north-shore.md)
- [Best Lakes Near Minneapolis and St. Paul: What Each One Is Good For](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/best-lakes-near-minneapolis-st-paul.md)
- [Best Time to Visit Minnesota Lakes: A Month-by-Month Guide](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/best-time-to-visit-minnesota-lakes.md)
- [Blue-Green Algae in Minnesota Lakes: How to Spot a Harmful Bloom](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/blue-green-algae-minnesota-lakes.md)
- [Boundary Waters Lakes Guide: Permits, Entry Points & First-Trip Planning](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/boundary-waters-lakes-guide.md)
- [Can You Swim in Minnesota Lakes? An Honest Guide](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/can-you-swim-in-minnesota-lakes.md)
- [First-Come, First-Served Lake Campgrounds in Minnesota](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/first-come-first-served-lake-campgrounds-minnesota.md)
- [Fishing Near Duluth: Estuary, Lake Superior, Reservoirs and Trout Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/fishing-near-duluth.md)
- [Fishing Near Minneapolis: Metro Lakes, Ponds, Piers and Rivers](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/fishing-near-minneapolis.md)
- [How Cold Are Minnesota Lakes? Water Temperature by Month](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/how-cold-are-minnesota-lakes-water-temperature.md)
- [How Many Lakes Does Minnesota Have? The Real Count Behind 10,000](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/how-many-lakes-does-minnesota-have.md)
- [Ice Fishing in Minnesota: Season, Shelter Rules, Gear & Best Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/ice-fishing-minnesota-guide.md)
- [Lake Day Trips From the Twin Cities, Sorted by Drive Time](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/lake-day-trips-from-twin-cities.md)
- [Lake vs. Reservoir: What's the Difference in Minnesota?](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/lake-vs-reservoir.md)
- [Mine Pit Lakes of Cuyuna and the Iron Range: Clear, Deep and Cold](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/mine-pit-lakes-cuyuna-iron-range.md)
- [Minnesota Campfire Rules and Fire Restrictions for Lake Trips (2026)](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fire-restrictions-campfire-rules-lakes.md)
- [Minnesota Fall Colors on the Lakes: Peak Timing and Where to Go](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fall-colors-lakes.md)
- [Minnesota Fish Stocking Explained: How the DNR Stocks Lakes](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fish-stocking-explained.md)
- [Minnesota Fishing License Cost 2026: Every Fee & Who Needs One](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fishing-license.md)
- [Minnesota Fishing Limits 2026: Statewide Daily & Possession Limits by Species](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fishing-limits.md)
- [Minnesota Fishing Opener 2027: Dates by Species & Where to Go](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fishing-opener.md)
- [Minnesota Fishing Regulations Explained: The Rules That Actually Matter](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-fishing-regulations-explained.md)
- [Minnesota Ice Thickness Safety: How Thick Is Safe to Walk, Sled or Drive](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-ice-thickness-safety.md)
- [Minnesota Lake Camping Reservations: State Parks, Forests & Federal Sites](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-lake-camping-reservations.md)
- [Minnesota Lake Ice-Out Dates: When Lakes Thaw, South to North](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-lake-ice-out-dates.md)
- [Minnesota Life Jacket Law & Boating Safety Rules (2026)](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-life-jacket-law-and-boating-safety.md)
- [Minnesota Public Water Access Laws: Where You Can Legally Fish, Wade & Boat](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-public-water-access-laws.md)
- [Minnesota Slot Limits & Special Regulations Explained (2026)](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-special-regulations-slot-limits.md)
- [Minnesota's Three-Way Divide: Where the Water Goes](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/minnesota-watersheds-three-way-divide.md)
- [Shore Fishing Minnesota Lakes: Piers, Rigs & Where to Go Without a Boat](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/shore-fishing-minnesota-lakes.md)
- [Swimmer's Itch in Minnesota Lakes: Causes, Prevention & Treatment](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/swimmers-itch-minnesota-lakes.md)
- [The Biggest, Deepest and Clearest Lakes in Minnesota](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/biggest-deepest-clearest-lakes-minnesota.md)
- [Voyageurs National Park Lakes: Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan & Sand Point](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/voyageurs-national-park-lakes.md)
- [What to Pack for a Minnesota Lake Day: A Practical Checklist](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/what-to-pack-minnesota-lake-day.md)
- [Wheelchair Accessible Lakes in Minnesota: Piers, Beaches & Launches](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/wheelchair-accessible-lakes-minnesota.md)
- [Why Does Minnesota Have So Many Lakes? The Glacier Did It](https://www.minnelakes.org/guides/why-minnesota-has-so-many-lakes.md)

## Site information (HTML only)

- [County index](https://www.minnelakes.org/counties)
- [Interactive lake map](https://www.minnelakes.org/map)
- [Find lakes near me](https://www.minnelakes.org/near-me)
- [Search](https://www.minnelakes.org/search)
- [Ice-out tracker](https://www.minnelakes.org/seasonal/ice-out-tracker)
- [Lake tools](https://www.minnelakes.org/tools)
- [About and methodology](https://www.minnelakes.org/about)
- [Sitemap](https://www.minnelakes.org/sitemap.xml)