Best lakes around Mahtomedi are a prominent feature of this Minnesota community, offering natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is particularly known for its proximity to several appealing lakes, including the significant White Bear Lake. Other notable bodies of water like Long Lake and Lake Demontreville also provide diverse features for visitors. This region offers a blend of vibrant community atmospheres and serene natural settings.
Last updated: June 25, 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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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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Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a hiker’s paradise, with 20 miles of trails to explore. You can choose from natural surfaces or paved trails, depending on your preference and ability. You’ll be surrounded by nature, with lakes, ponds, wetlands, forests, and prairies to admire. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a challenging workout, you’ll find a trail that suits you. And if you want to extend your stay, you can camp at one of the many sites available. Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a must-visit for outdoor lovers.
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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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For families, White Bear Lake County Beach on White Bear Lake is an excellent choice, offering a sandy beach with lifeguards, picnic areas, and restrooms. Lake Phalen, as part of Phalen Regional Park, is also popular for water sports and hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Additionally, East & West Vadnais Lakes are family-friendly, though watercrafts are not permitted.
Yes, there are several options for hiking and cycling. White Bear Lake offers shoreline walks, and the nearby Lake Elmo Park Reserve features 20 miles of trails, including natural surfaces and paved paths. For cycling, you can explore various routes around Mahtomedi, including options for road cycling, mountain biking, and touring bicycles. You can find detailed routes and guides for these activities on komoot, such as Road Cycling Routes around Mahtomedi, MTB Trails around Mahtomedi, and Cycling around Mahtomedi.
The lakes around Mahtomedi offer activities year-round. Warmer months are ideal for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports on lakes like White Bear Lake. During winter, White Bear Lake transforms into a destination for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and even kiteboarding. Community events like Manitou Days also occur in the summer.
In winter, White Bear Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and kiteboarding. The frozen surface provides a unique landscape for various cold-weather recreational activities.
Yes, Long Lake, for example, supports various fish species including Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Bullhead species, and Yellow Perch. The natural settings around many of the lakes provide opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
White Bear Lake has significant historical importance. Mark Twain described it as a 'lovely sheet of water' and a summer resort for the state's 'wealth and fashion' in 1883. The Native Dakota people, who called it Bde Maṭo Ská, used the lake's island for maple syrup production. Additionally, the Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden, with its Chinese-style pavilions and koi pond, offers a cultural landmark near the lakes.
White Bear Lake is a major recreation hub for boating, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing. Long Lake also allows fishing and boating, though public access is currently limited, requiring small boats or canoes to be carried in from a steep site on the north end. Watercrafts are not permitted on East & West Vadnais Lakes.
Mahtomedi Beach on White Bear Lake offers direct public access and amenities. Demontreville Park, near Lake Demontreville, provides additional land-based recreational options. While Long Lake allows fishing and boating, developed public boat access is currently unavailable, requiring carry-in access from a specific city property. For more information on local parks and facilities, you can visit mahtomedimn.gov.
While specific wheelchair-accessible paths around every lake are not detailed, many regional parks, such as Lake Elmo Park Reserve, offer paved trails that may be suitable. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed accessibility information.
Mahtomedi Beach on White Bear Lake provides picnic areas, benches, and restrooms. Demontreville Park, located near Lake Demontreville, offers a recreational playground, ballfields, and multi-use fields. The areas around White Bear Lake are known for community events and markets, suggesting nearby local businesses. For more information on parks, you can visit mahtomedimn.gov and for Demontreville Park, lakeelmo.gov.
Generally, fishing in Minnesota's public waters requires a valid fishing license for individuals aged 16 and older. It's always best to check the latest regulations and permit requirements with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) before fishing.
Lake Demontreville is notable for its strong community involvement, with the Lake Demontreville and Olson Association actively working to preserve its natural beauty and health. This dedication ensures a well-cared-for lake environment. Nearby Demontreville Park also offers additional recreational facilities.


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