Top 20 Lakes around Crystal
Best lakes around Crystal offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. While the prominent "Crystal Lake" is in Burnsville, the city of Crystal itself features Middle Twin Lake. Nearby, West Medicine Lake and Cedar Lake provide extensive amenities and activities. These lakes are part of a larger network of natural bodies of water, offering a variety of outdoor experiences.
Best lakes around Crystal
- The most popular lakes is Bde Maka Ska, a lake that is the…
Last updated: June 25, 2026
West Medicine Lake Park Beach
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Cedar Lake
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Lake of the Isles
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Bde Maka Ska
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Victoria 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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Bde Maka Ska Lake, the largest lake in Minneapolis, is the largest lake of the city's Chain of Lakes. Covering 401 acres with a maximum depth of 87 feet, this lake is encircled by bike and walking trails, making it a hub for outdoor activities. Popular for birding, road biking, and running, Bde Maka Ska also supports windsurfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, and swimming, giving it its status as a prime recreational spot in the Twin Cities.
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Beautiful ride around the lake, especially when it is sunny.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the prominent "Crystal Lake" located within the city of Crystal, Minnesota?
No, the frequently mentioned "Crystal Lake" is actually located in Burnsville, Dakota County. The city of Crystal itself features Middle Twin Lake, and is close to other notable lakes like West Medicine Lake Park Beach and Cedar Lake.
What are some family-friendly lakes near Crystal, Minnesota?
Several lakes offer great amenities for families. West Medicine Lake Park Beach in Plymouth features a public waterfront with picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground. Cedar Lake in Minneapolis has three sandy beaches, picnic areas, and is popular for non-motorized boating. Lake of the Isles also offers soccer fields and an ice skating rink in winter, making it suitable for all ages.
Are there good hiking and walking trails around the lakes near Crystal?
Yes, many lakes offer extensive trail systems. West Medicine Lake Park Beach connects to a 2.7-mile paved pathway, linking to the Medicine Lake Regional Trail and the Luce Line Trail. Middle Twin Lake has a paved trail along much of its shoreline. Cedar Lake is part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway with extensive walking and biking trails. For more options, you can explore hiking routes around Crystal.
Which lakes offer opportunities for swimming and water sports?
Cedar Lake is known for its three distinct sandy beaches for swimming and sunbathing, and is popular for non-motorized boating activities like canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Bde Maka Ska also supports windsurfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, and swimming.
Are there dog-friendly areas around the lakes near Crystal?
Yes, West Medicine Lake Park Beach is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the trails and park amenities with your canine companion.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find various outdoor activities. There are numerous easy hikes and running trails available. Popular options include the North Loop and Bassett Creek Regional Trail for hiking, and the Theodore Wirth Regional Park – Twin Lake loop for running.
Which lakes are best for a tranquil, nature-focused experience close to Crystal?
Middle Twin Lake, located directly in Crystal, is ideal for those seeking a tranquil, nature-focused experience close to home. Its paved trail along the shoreline is perfect for walks, runs, or bike rides, allowing for enjoyment of the scenery and passive recreation.
Can I fish in the lakes around Crystal?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Cedar Lake has a fishing pier and is home to species such as bass, northern pike, and muskie. Lake of the Isles also provides a fishing pier.
Are there any lakes with accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, Middle Twin Lake features a paved trail that follows much of its shoreline, making it suitable for strollers and potentially wheelchairs. West Medicine Lake Park Beach also has a 2.7-mile paved pathway connecting to regional trails, offering accessible options.
What can I do at the lakes during winter?
Cedar Lake offers winter activities such as ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing on its frozen surface. Lake of the Isles also provides an ice skating rink.
Where can I find more information about Twin Lake Shores Park, which provides access to Middle Twin Lake?
You can find more details about Twin Lake Shores Park and its amenities on the official Crystal city website: crystalmn.gov.
Which lake is the largest in Minneapolis and offers a wide range of activities?
Bde Maka Ska is the largest lake in Minneapolis, covering over 400 acres. It is encircled by bike and walking trails, making it a hub for outdoor activities like birding, road biking, running, windsurfing, sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, and swimming.
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