Top 19 Lakes around Minnetrista
Best lakes around Minnetrista, Minnesota, provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities within a natural landscape. The area features prominent bodies of water such as Lake Minnetonka, Whaletail Lake, and Little Long Lake. These lakes contribute to the region's appeal for activities like boating, fishing, and hiking. Minnetrista is characterized by its numerous lakes, offering both expansive recreational areas and quieter natural retreats.
Best lakes around Minnetrista
- The most popular lakes is Carver Park Reserve Trail, a trail that features winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes. This park offers opportunities to spot wildlife and is home to the Lowry Nature Center.
- Another must-see spot is Arcola Trestle Bridge, a bridge that offers views of Crystal Bay and Lake Minnetonka. This spot along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail provides scenic vistas.
- Visitors also love St. Albans Bay Bridge, a bridge that carries Minnetonka Boulevard over St. Albans Bay, an inlet of Lake Minnetonka. It provides views over the bay, connecting the cities of Excelsior and Greenwood.
- Minnetrista is known for large recreational lakes, quiet fishing spots, and lakes with exceptional water quality. These include Lake Minnetonka, Whaletail Lake, and Little Long Lake, offering varied experiences for visitors.
- The lakes around Minnetrista are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 4 photos shared.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Carver Park Reserve Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Ferndale Marsh
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
St. Albans Bay Bridge
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
Tip by
Arcola Trestle Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
Lake Minnetonka
Highlight • Lake
It was formed roughly 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, and it has been inhabited ever since. The name derives from the Dakota language and means “the-water-they-speak-of-is-large”. Which is fitting since it covers an area of 14,528 acres.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Minnetrista.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Lake Minnetonka is one of Minnesota's most well known lakes, which is quite the feat for a state know as "The Land of 10,000 Lakes". It was formed roughly 10,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age, and it has been inhabited ever since. The name derives from the Dakota language and means “the-water-they-speak-of-is-large”. Which is fitting since it covers an area of 14,528 acres.
1
0
The St. Albans Bay Bridge carries Minnetonka Boulevard over St. Albans Bay, an inlet of Lake Minnetonka, connecting the cities of Excelsior and Greenwood in Minnesota. From the bridge you get great views over the bay, making it a pleasant place to stop and take in the views as you ride around the area.
1
0
Carver Park is the perfect spot for river recreation on the Clackamas River. It sits where Clear Creek meets the Clackamas, just off Springwater Road in Carver. This expansive park is home to the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site, and King Waterbird Sanctuary, with opportunities to spot wildlife like trumpeter swans, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM daily, the park's highlights are winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes, as well as a campground, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and a dog park, making it great for visiting year-round. Check out Monarch Singletrack Trail, which has over 14 miles of trails for all skill levels of off pavement riding.
0
0
Maynards restaurant with a beautiful patio on the lake.
1
0
Ferndale Marsh is a 585-acre wetland complex. It features a mosaic of habitats including marshland, open water, grasslands, and wooded areas, providing a haven for various plant and animal species.
0
0
This spot along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail offers views of Crystal Bay and Lake Minnetonka. It can be an awesome spot for a sunset.
0
0
Enjoy a spectacular view of the bay between Crystal Bay and Lake Minnetonka on the Dakota Regional Trail. A bonus is when you're there during sunrise or sunset.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for family-friendly activities in Minnetrista?
For families, Lake Minnetonka, particularly through Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, offers a unique chlorinated, sandy-bottom swimming pond, a nautical-themed play area, and picnic spots. Carver Park Reserve Trail also provides a dog park, picnic areas, and trails suitable for families.
Which lakes in Minnetrista are ideal for quiet water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding?
Whaletail Lake is often described as a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking quieter water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and peaceful fishing. It offers public water access for these pursuits.
Where can I find exceptional water quality for swimming and fishing in Minnetrista?
Little Long Lake is recognized for its exceptional water quality, making it a popular destination for both fishing and swimming. It consistently boasts some of the best water quality in the Twin Cities metro area.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes in Minnetrista?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. Carver Park Reserve Trail features winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes. You can find more hiking options, including easy routes, by exploring the Hiking around Minnetrista and Easy hikes around Minnetrista guides.
What kind of wildlife can I observe around Minnetrista's lakes?
You can spot various wildlife, especially at Carver Park Reserve Trail, which is home to the King Waterbird Sanctuary and offers opportunities to see trumpeter swans, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Ferndale Marsh, a 585-acre wetland complex, also provides a haven for diverse plant and animal species.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks near the lakes?
Within Lake Minnetonka Regional Park, you can explore the Historic Schmid House, which offers a self-guided historical exploration. Additionally, the Carver Park Reserve Trail is home to the Grimm Farm Historic Site.
Which lakes are best for fishing in Minnetrista?
Whaletail Lake is known for a variety of fish, including Northern Pike, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Largemouth Bass. Little Long Lake also offers excellent fishing for Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Black Crappie, with good conditions for cold-water species in deeper areas. Lake Minnetonka itself supports diverse fish species.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the lakes in Minnetrista?
For scenic views, visit the Arcola Trestle Bridge along the Dakota Rail Regional Trail, which offers spectacular views of Crystal Bay and Lake Minnetonka. The St. Albans Bay Bridge also provides great views over St. Albans Bay, an inlet of Lake Minnetonka.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near Minnetrista's lakes?
Beyond hiking, you can enjoy running on trails like those found in the Running Trails around Minnetrista guide. Lake Minnetonka offers opportunities for boating, sailing, and water sports, with a boat launch available at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. Carver Park Reserve Trail also features the Monarch Singletrack Trail for mountain biking.
Is Lake Minnetonka accessible to the public in Minnetrista?
Yes, public access to Lake Minnetonka is available through Lake Minnetonka Regional Park. The park provides a boat launch for direct lake access, along with other amenities like a swimming pond and fishing pier.
What makes Little Long Lake unique among Minnetrista's lakes?
Little Long Lake stands out for its consistently exceptional water quality, making it one of the best in the Twin Cities metro area for swimming and fishing. It's a smaller, peaceful retreat compared to the larger Lake Minnetonka.
What are the characteristics of Whaletail Lake?
Whaletail Lake is a 510-acre lake known for its tranquil environment, making it ideal for quiet water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. While it has public access, its suitability for swimming can vary due to water clarity and algae concerns.
Most popular routes around Minnetrista
Most popular attractions around Minnetrista
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Minnetrista? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
