The southwest suburbs of the Twin Cities offer a range of beautiful lakes that provide residents with abundant recreational opportunities and stunning waterfront views. While Lake Minnetonka is the most famous lake in the area, it’s certainly not the only gem to explore. The region is dotted with several other recreational lakes, perfect for those who love boating, fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of lake living. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other notable lakes in the southwest suburbs.
Lake Minnewashta
Lake Minnewashta, located in Chanhassen, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning 738 acres, this lake is part of the Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, which offers extensive recreational opportunities, including a swimming beach, boat access, and several picnic areas. The park also features a 5-mile trail for walking and biking, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views of the lake. Fishing is another popular activity here, with the lake known for its bass, northern pike, and panfish populations.
Bryant Lake
Bryant Lake, located in Eden Prairie, is part of the Three Rivers Park District and offers a quieter, more intimate setting compared to some of the larger lakes in the region. This 170-acre lake is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with a no-wake policy that keeps the waters calm and safe for these activities. Bryant Lake Regional Park also features a swimming beach, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Fishing enthusiasts can find a variety of species here, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike.
Lake Riley (Eden Prairie)
Lake Riley, located in Eden Prairie, is a favorite among local residents for boating and fishing. The 300-acre lake is accessible via Riley Lake Park, which offers a boat launch, a swimming beach, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The lake’s fishing opportunities are excellent, with a variety of species like walleye, bass, and crappie. Lake Riley is also a great spot for paddleboarding and kayaking, with calm waters and scenic views of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Lake Riley (Chanhassen)
Just across the border in Chanhassen, another portion of Lake Riley can be found, offering similar recreational opportunities. This section of the lake is a continuation of the Eden Prairie portion, providing access to the same boating, fishing, and water sports that make it a popular destination. The Chanhassen side also features access points and local parks, making it easy for residents to enjoy a day on the water.
Christmas Lake
Christmas Lake, located near Shorewood and Chanhassen, is one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the Twin Cities area. Covering 265 acres, this spring-fed lake is renowned for its water clarity, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Fishing is also a popular activity, with the lake home to walleye, bass, and panfish. Despite its proximity to Lake Minnetonka, Christmas Lake offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the busier lake traffic.
Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, located in Edina, is a smaller lake that provides a tranquil setting for paddleboarding, canoeing, and fishing. The calm waters and reflective surface give the lake its name, and it’s a favorite spot for residents looking to enjoy a quiet day on the water. Mirror Lake offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the larger recreational lakes in the area, making it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude.
Red Rock Lake
Red Rock Lake in Eden Prairie is a smaller, yet beautiful lake that offers a peaceful environment for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The lake covers about 125 acres and is surrounded by residential areas, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere. Red Rock Lake is home to various fish species, including bass and northern pike, making it a great spot for local anglers. The nearby Red Rock Lake Park provides residents with walking trails and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water.
Mitchell Lake
Mitchell Lake, located in Eden Prairie, is a 118-acre lake that offers a variety of recreational activities. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, with species such as bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass commonly caught here. Mitchell Lake is also a great place for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, thanks to its calm and scenic waters. Mitchell Lake Park provides access to the lake, along with picnic facilities and walking paths.
Lotus Lake
Lotus Lake, located in Chanhassen, is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Spanning 246 acres, the lake is known for its serene waters and beautiful shoreline. Lotus Lake offers public access through Lotus Lake Park, where visitors can enjoy a sandy beach, boat launch, and picnic areas. The lake is stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish, making it a favorite destination for local anglers.
Bush Lake
Bush Lake, located in Bloomington near the southwest suburbs, is part of Bush Lake Beach and Park. The 172-acre lake is a popular destination for swimming, picnicking, and non-motorized boating. The beach area is one of the most popular swimming spots in the region, offering clean, sandy shores and calm waters for families. Fishing is also common at Bush Lake, with anglers targeting bass, panfish, and northern pike. The surrounding park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a great spot for a family day out.
Enjoy Lake Living Beyond Lake Minnetonka
While Lake Minnetonka may be the largest and most well-known lake in the Twin Cities’ southwest suburbs, there are numerous other lakes that provide excellent recreational opportunities. Whether you’re interested in fishing, boating, swimming, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of the water, these lakes offer something for everyone. From the clear waters of Christmas Lake to the quiet serenity of Mirror Lake, the southwest suburbs are home to a diverse range of lakes that enhance the region’s natural beauty and provide endless options for outdoor fun.
David Gooden is a Lake Minnetonka Realtor and the co-founder of LakePlace.com, the largest and most visited lakeshore real estate platform in the Midwest.