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20 Largest Lakes in Minnesota: A Complete Guide to the Land of 10,000 Lakes
The 20 Largest Lakes in Minnesota Ranked by Size
Minnesota’s landscape is defined by its massive glacial lakes and river-fed reservoirs. Whether you are planning a vacation or researching regional geography, understanding the scale of these waters is the first step toward exploring the North Star State. In this blog we are going to share the top 20 largest lakes in the Minnesota! There is no better place to start than with the largest lake Lake Superior, one of the nations Great Lakes.
- Lake Superior: Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area. It covers over 31,000 square miles across the United States and Canada. As the largest of the Great Lakes, it offers unparalleled beauty and deep-water navigation. Lake Superior serves as a vital international shipping route and a premier destination for North Shore tourism. Today, Lake Superior accommodates everything from small recreational watercraft to large commercial vessels, supported by numerous small craft harbors and protected access points along the Minnesota shoreline.
- Lake of the Woods: Spanning the borders of Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba, Lake of the Woods is a massive water system. Known for having the world’s longest lake shoreline. At over 68 miles long and 59 miles wide, it features more than 14,000 islands. Lake of the Woods is truly a world-class destination, especially for those who want to enjoy island-hopping adventures. This massive lake system is widely used for fishing and exploring by private boats.
- Rainy Lake: Rainy Lake covers more than 220,000 acres and sits directly on the border between International Falls, Minnesota, and Fort Frances, Ontario. It is a centerpiece of Voyageurs National Park, offering deep, clear waters perfect for water sports, houseboating, and exploring pristine wilderness shorelines.
- Mille Lacs Lake: Located 100 miles north of the Twin Cities, Mille Lacs Lake is a large, relatively shallow body of water famous for its walleye fishing. The lake is surrounded by over 300 miles of trails and serves as a year-round recreation hub, popular for ice fishing and snowmobiling during the winter months.
- Upper Red Lake: Upper Red Lake is situated near Waskish and is nearly 120,000 acres. This lake is a significant part of the Red Lake Indian Reservation. It is highly regarded by outdoorsmen for its expansive views and robust fishing opportunities, particularly for crappie and walleye.
- Leech Lake: Nestled in Cass County within the Chippewa National Forest, Leech Lake boasts more than 300 miles of intricate shoreline. It is a major destination in northwest Minnesota for family retreats, offering a mix of sandy beaches, dense forest cover, and diverse wildlife habitats.
- Lake Winnibigoshish: Commonly referred to as “Lake Winnie,” Lake Winnibigoshish is a sprawling 58,000-acre lake. Beautifully located within the Chippewa National Forest, it is a top travel destination in the Midwest for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused experience. Lake Winnie is widely recognized for its high-quality perch and northern pike fishing.
- Lake Vermilion: Lake Vermilion spans over 40,000 acres with an average depth of 76 feet. You can not help enjoying the stunning backdrop of nature's beauty from every vantage point. The lake's original Ojibwe name, Nee-Man-Nee, refers to the reddish tint of the water during sunset, reflecting its legendary scenic beauty. The lake is entirely navigable from east to west for all 40,000 acres, including all houseboats and private watercraft.
- Kabetogama Lake: Kabetogama Lake is a 25,000-acre glacial lake located near the Canadian border. Nestled in the northern part of St. Louis County, as part of Voyageurs National Park, it is interconnected with several other major lakes, allowing boaters to navigate vast stretches of protected wilderness water.
- Lake Pepin: At 25,600 acres, Lake Pepin is the largest natural lake along the Mississippi River. Formed nearly 10,000 years ago by glacial activity. Today, it serves as a picturesque sanctuary for bald eagles and wildlife. Known as a premier location where recreational boating “reigns supreme,” hosting everything from sailboats and cabin cruisers to kayaks.
- Namakan Lake: Namakan Lake extends into Ontario and is famous for its rugged beauty and numerous small islands. Much of the lake is protected within Voyageurs National Park. Tourists and locals enjoy an adventurous environment for canoeists, while boaters love to explore remote island campsites.
- Cass Lake: Cass Lake covers nearly 16,000 acres and is steeped in regional history. It offers clear water and diverse scenery, making Cass Lake a favorite for traditional lake activities such as swimming, boating, and trophy muskellunge fishing. Cass Lake is a popular destination for recreational boating, sailing, and water skiing.
- Lake Minnetonka: Lake Minnetonka spans 14,043 acres and is the most famous lake in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Known for its complex shoreline of inlets and coves, it is a cultural landmark and a premier destination for luxury lakefront living and high-energy summer boating. Permitted watercraft are subject to specific size regulations. Boats must not exceed 26 feet in length, 8.5 feet in width, or a draft of 36 inches. The lake is known for great fishing year round.
- Saganaga Lake: Located in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Saganaga Lake covers 13,000 acres on the Minnesota-Ontario border. It is a primary entry point for wilderness enthusiasts seeking a remote, motor-restricted environment. Saganaga Lake is known for backcountry camping and fishing. On the Minnesota side of the lake, there is a 25 horsepower limit for motorized boats. The Canadian side has no horsepower restrictions, and the lake is also a popular route for kayaks and canoes as it requires no portaging.
- Otter Tail Lake: The largest lake in Otter Tail County, Otter Tail Lake boasts a 13,725-acre body of water. It is part of the Otter Tail River Chain. It features 22 miles of stunning shoreline and is a central Minnesota staple for year-round recreation. Enjoy the lake from summer water skiing to winter ice angling. Otter Tail Lake is known for the high-quality boat rentals and private watercraft for activities like wakeboarding and tubing.
- Whitefish Chain of Lakes: Also known as the Pine River Reservoir, Whitefish Chain of Lakes is comprised of nearly 14,000 acres of interconnected water. It is one of the six Mississippi River Headwater Reservoirs. This lake offers a high density of resorts and public access points in the heart of central Minnesota. Perfect for the avid boater, wake surfer, water skier, and fishing enthusiast as well as kayaking or taking private boat tours. This lake is located near charming shops and wonderful outdoor trails.
- Big Stone Lake: Big Stone Lake defines the border between western Minnesota and northeastern South Dakota. Spanning over 12,000 acres, this glacial lake was formed 20,000 years ago. Today it is celebrated for its vibrant blue waters and rich geological history. Big Stone Lake is commonly used for motorized water sports, including jet skis, wave runners, and fishing boats.
- Lake Traverse: Covering 11,200 acres, Lake Traverse is the southernmost body of water in the Hudson Bay watershed. It provides a scenic setting for diverse activities, including camping and shore fishing. It also serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds. Lake Traverse features scattered public boat ramps for bringing your own watercraft for jet-skiing, sailing, and power boating.
- Pelican Lake (St. Louis County):
While there are several Pelican Lakes in Minnesota, the St. Louis County location is the largest at nearly 11,000 acres. It features over 54 miles of shoreline and 53 distinct islands. Boaters love the unique “north woods” island-hopping experience. Pelican Lake provides boat access for exploring its many islands and extensive shoreline. - Bowstring Lake: Found in Itasca County, Bowstring Lake rounds out the top 20 at just over 9,500 acres. It is a well-known tourist attraction for its consistent fishing conditions and diverse wildlife viewing. Tourists and locals often make it a stop as the perfect endpoint for any Minnesota lake tour. Easily fishable for those with modest-sized boats. Bowstring Lake has access ramps located on three sides of the lake.