Top 20 Lakes around Medicine Lake
Best lakes around Medicine Lake include Medicine Lake itself, a prominent recreational hub in Hennepin County, Minnesota. This lake spans approximately 900 acres with a maximum depth of 49 feet, offering a variety of water-based activities. Its proximity to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metro Region makes it an accessible destination for outdoor recreation. The area features multiple parks along its shores, providing amenities like trails, beaches, and picnic areas.
Best lakes around Medicine Lake
- The most popular lakes is Cedar Lake…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
West Medicine Lake Park Beach
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Cedar Lake
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Lake of the Isles
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Victoria Lake
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Libbs Lake
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West Medicine Lake Park Beach offers a public waterfront with picnicking areas, volleyball courts, fishing spots, and a playground. A 2.7-mile paved pathway connects this park to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail in Minneapolis and the Luce Line Trail in Plymouth, providing scenic views of the lake along the way. The trail winds through the park, leading to the beach, and offers peaceful moments away from the road. Open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, the park is dog-friendly with public restrooms and picnic tables, making it a great destination for outdoor fun.
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Embark on a scenic cycling adventure along Fairchild Avenue, tracing the serene beauty of Libbs Lake. Pedal amidst picturesque landscapes, with the shimmering waters of the lake as your companion. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and natural splendor, making the ride a memorable one.
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This is a nice lake with several picnic tables around, providing a spot to sit and relax while taking in the scenery. It is located in Texa-Tonka Park, which offers a playground and trail on the south side of the lake.
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Cedar Lake is the centerpiece of a park of the same name. The park has three sandy beaches, a nice picnic area with a grill, a fishing pier, and a great running trail around the lake.
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This is the centerpiece of a hugely popular park, seeing more than 5 million visitors every year. You'll find lots of recreation facilities here, including hockey and skating rinks, a fishing pier, a soccer field, and some lovely paths for walking and running.
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Cedar Lake is a lake in Minneapolis's Chain of Lakes. This is the city's only lake that has sections of private shoreline. You can soak in the views from this public beach area along the paved path that circles the lake.
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This lake boasts three distinct beach areas with access to Cedar Lake. Also, the area provides numerous amenities, including a cross-country ski trail, fishing pier, picnic area, and walking path.
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This area provides a wide range of amenities, including a fishing pier, soccer fields, and even an ice skating rink. There are two separate paths encircling the lake, one for walking and the other for biking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are popular at Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is a major recreational hub offering a wide array of activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, sailing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing. In winter, ice skating and cross-country skiing are popular. The lake is also a popular spot for anglers.
Are there family-friendly lakes or parks around Medicine Lake?
Yes, several lakes and parks in the area are great for families. West Medicine Lake Park Beach offers a public waterfront with picnicking areas, volleyball courts, fishing spots, and a playground. Cedar Lake boasts three distinct beach areas, a fishing pier, picnic area, and walking path. Additionally, Victoria Lake and Playground provides a scenic freshwater lake with an adjacent park and playground.
Where can I go for a swim around Medicine Lake?
You can find public swimming beaches at several locations. West Medicine Lake Park Beach offers a public waterfront. Cedar Lake has three distinct beach areas. Parkers Lake also features a public beach, making it a family favorite.
What kind of fish can I catch in Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is a popular spot for anglers with a diverse fish population. You can expect to find Walleye, Northern Pike, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, and various bullhead species. The lake is regularly stocked with Walleye fingerlings to maintain a plentiful supply of game fish.
Are there hiking trails near Medicine Lake?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Medicine Lake. You can explore routes like the French Beach Loop, Parker's Lake Loop, or the French Park and Medicine Lake Trail Loop. For more options, check out the guide to Easy hikes around Medicine Lake.
Can I go cycling around Medicine Lake?
Absolutely. The area around Medicine Lake is excellent for cycling. A 2.7-mile paved pathway connects West Medicine Lake Park Beach to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Trail. You can find various routes, including easy and moderate options, in the guides for Cycling around Medicine Lake and Road Cycling Routes around Medicine Lake.
What natural features or wildlife can I expect to see around Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake is described as an '890-acre gem' with clear waters, rolling forests, and picturesque scenery. It is an important resource for local wildlife, offering opportunities for birding. You might also encounter serene landscapes and peaceful ambiance at lakes like Libbs Lake.
What amenities are available at parks along Medicine Lake's shores?
Three public parks—French Regional Park, West Medicine Lake Park, and East Medicine Lake Park—are situated along the lake's shores. These parks provide amenities like playgrounds, walking and cycling trails, swimming beaches, and picnic areas with grill facilities. French Regional Park also offers a public boat launch.
What are some other notable lakes to visit in the region besides Medicine Lake?
Beyond Medicine Lake, other notable lakes include Cedar Lake, known for its beaches and amenities; Lake of the Isles, offering extensive recreational facilities; Victoria Lake with its adjacent park; Libbs Lake for scenic cycling; and Parkers Lake, featuring a public beach and fishing dock. Bass Lake is also recognized for its serene beauty and paddle-friendly waters.
What is the best time to visit Medicine Lake for outdoor activities?
Medicine Lake offers activities year-round. The warmer months are ideal for water sports like boating, swimming, and kayaking. For hiking and cycling, spring, summer, and fall provide pleasant conditions. In winter, the lake transforms into a destination for ice skating and cross-country skiing.
Are there accessible paths or facilities for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, West Medicine Lake Park Beach features a 2.7-mile paved pathway that connects to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Trail, offering scenic views and accessibility. Many parks around the lake also provide walking paths and facilities.
Most popular attractions around Medicine Lake
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