Best lakes around Birchwood Village offer a variety of natural and recreational opportunities. The area features several lakes known for water sports, scenic views, and family-friendly amenities. These bodies of water provide diverse activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
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Saint Paul–Changsha China Friendship Garden is a beautiful scape with it's Chinese-style pavilions, koi pond, and lush plantings provide a calm, meditative backdrop. A perfect spot to pause, stretch, and take in the carefully designed landscape before continuing your journey.
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Matoska Park is a great little green park on the shore of White Bear Lake. The park has restrooms and picnic tables, as well as a great view of the water.
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Take your swimwear with you and enjoy cooling off after the hike. 😉
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek, and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which takes place each July.
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White Bear Lake is known as Bde Maṭo Ská by the Native Dakota people, and they were known for using the lake's island as a source for making Maple syrup. In his book "Life on the Mississippi" (1883) Mark Twain described the lake as such: "The White-bear Lake is less known. It is a lovely sheet of water, and is being utilized as a summer resort by the wealth and fashion of the State. It has its club-house, and its hotel, with the modern improvements and conveniences; its fine summer residences; and plenty of fishing, hunting, and pleasant drives. There are a dozen minor summer resorts around about St. Paul and Minneapolis, but the White-bear Lake is the resort."
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These two lakes make up part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. No watercrafts are allowed on these lakes and shoreline fishing is from permitted areas only.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which take place each July.
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This beach with its ample parking lot make a great place to start the Mark Sather Trail which you can take to Bellaire Beach on the south side of White Bear Lake.
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Birchwood Village is known as the 'Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin,' offering excellent fishing opportunities. Big Chetac Lake is a premier destination for northern pike, walleye, bass, and panfish, including bluegill. Birch Lake is also renowned for bluegills, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleye. For deep-water fishing, especially for walleye, Red Cedar Lake is highly recommended due to its varied structure and depth.
Yes, several lakes in Birchwood Village are excellent for families. Birch Lake features Doolittle Park, which offers a sandy beach, playground, swimming area, picnic pavilion, boat landing, and campsites. Lake Phalen is popular for water sports and hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival. East & West Vadnais Lakes, part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, allow shoreline fishing from designated areas. White Bear Lake County Beach and Matoska Park on White Bear Lake also provide family-friendly amenities and swimming.
The lakes around Birchwood Village offer a wide range of water activities. You can enjoy swimming, water-skiing, sailing, pontooning, canoeing, kayaking, and wave running. Lake Phalen is particularly popular for various water sports. Long Lake is also known for swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing.
For swimming, Long Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters. Birch Lake offers a sandy beach and designated swimming area at Doolittle Park. White Bear Lake County Beach is another excellent spot for swimming, with visitors often bringing swimwear to cool off after a hike.
Yes, there are numerous trails near the lakes. For running, you can explore routes like the Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park run or the Gateway State Trail. Hiking options include the easy Oakdale Nature Preserve Loop or the White Bear Lake County Beach – Matoska Park loop. You can find more details on these and other trails in the Running Trails around Birchwood Village and Easy hikes around Birchwood Village guides.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. While summer is ideal for water sports and swimming, fall and winter also offer unique activities. Big Chetac Lake is popular for fall and winter fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking, and bird watching, providing a tranquil 'northern ambience' even in colder months.
Public access points are available for many lakes. Big Chetac Lake has three public access points. Doolittle Park on Birch Lake provides a boat landing and easy access. White Bear Lake County Beach offers an ample parking lot, making it a convenient starting point for lake activities.
The lakes offer diverse natural beauty. Big Chetac Lake features an extraordinary 17-acre island just north of Birchwood. The area is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views, with lakes like Long Lake boasting crystal-clear waters. The varied structure of lakes like Red Cedar Lake provides rich habitats for diverse fish species and engaging landscapes for exploration.
Yes, there are several road cycling routes that incorporate the lakes. You can find routes like the White Bear Lake County Beach – Matoska Park loop or the Matoska Park loop. For more detailed information and route options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Birchwood Village guide.
Birchwood Village's lakes are special due to their diverse recreational opportunities, natural beauty, and rich fishing grounds. The area is home to two main lake chains, the Birchwood Chain of Lakes and the Red Cedar Chain of Lakes, each offering unique features from expansive waters with 'northern ambience' to deeper lakes with varied structures. The region's title as the 'Bluegill Capital of Wisconsin' highlights its exceptional angling experiences.
Doolittle Park, located on Birch Lake, is a popular spot offering a sandy beach, a playground, a designated swimming area, a picnic pavilion, a boat landing, and campsites. It also provides convenient restrooms and showers, making it a comprehensive and family-friendly destination.


Still not found your perfect lake around Birchwood Village? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.