Top 6 Lakes around Brooklyn
Lakes around Brooklyn offer diverse natural experiences within this vibrant borough. While traditional freshwater lakes are rare, the area features significant water bodies like Prospect Park Lake, Brooklyn's sole freshwater lake, alongside extensive coastal marshlands and waterfront access points. These locations provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature observation, contributing to Brooklyn's green spaces. The borough's water features are integral to its ecological landscape and offer residents and visitors a connection to nature.
Best lakes around Brooklyn
- The most popular lake is Forest Park, a forest area that features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It is considered one of the premier urban public parks, offering various cultural institutions and recreational activities.
- Another must-see spot is Horseshoe Lake, a lake with a nice view from the boat launch area. Visitors can get right up to the water, making it a suitable spot for a break to admire the lake.
- Visitors also love Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park, a lake within a sprawling urban park. This area offers cultural highlights such as museums and a zoo, alongside opportunities for pedal boats, canoes, or stand-up paddling.
- Brooklyn is known for its unique blend of freshwater lakes, coastal marshlands, and waterfront access points. These diverse water bodies provide a variety of natural settings to explore.
- The lakes around Brooklyn are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 8 photos shared by users.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Forest Park
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Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park
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Horseshoe Lake
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Jefferson Lake
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Footbridge over I-64
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Tips from the Community
Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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Nice view of Horseshoe Lake from the boat launch area. You are able to get right up to the water, so this is a great spot for a break to admire the lake.
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Beautiful Lake and the road leading along it makes for a brilliant ride
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Forest Park in St. Louis is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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This bridge is popular for commuting to and from Forest Park from the southeast side of the park. It's completely paved and fenced-in the entire time you're crossing the roadway.
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Jefferson Lake is situated in the very east of the huge Forest Park in St. Louis. There are multiple picnic areas around the lake to enjoy a great natural setting in the city. The lake is a famous spot for fishing and the paths leading around the lake (and the rest of the park), are perfect for jogging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes and water features can I explore in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn offers a diverse range of aquatic experiences. You'll find Prospect Park Lake, the borough's only freshwater lake, known for its size and natural beauty. Additionally, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden features several beautifully designed ponds, including the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the environmentally conscious Water Garden Pond.
Where can I go fishing in Brooklyn?
Prospect Park Lake is a popular spot for catch-and-release fishing. It's known for an abundant population of largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, and black crappie. You can also find carp there.
Are there any cultural or historical water features in Brooklyn?
Yes, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is home to the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. This 'exotic-looking lake' (pond) is one of the oldest Japanese-inspired gardens outside Japan, featuring artificial hills, a waterfall, an island, and traditional architectural elements, along with hundreds of Japanese koi fish.
What kind of wildlife can I observe around Brooklyn's lakes?
Prospect Park Lake and its surrounding areas attract a variety of birds throughout the year. The lake also supports a rich aquatic plant community, including coontail, curly leaf pondweed, elodea, yellow floatingheart, and floating water primrose.
Are there family-friendly activities around Brooklyn's lakes?
Absolutely. Prospect Park Lake offers scenic views and recreational opportunities. Nearby, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside provides activities like ice skating. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden's ponds offer tranquil settings for families to enjoy nature and cultural design.
What are the best times to visit Brooklyn's lakes?
The lakes and water features in Brooklyn can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor recreation and enjoying the lush greenery, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden's ponds are particularly stunning during blooming seasons.
Can I go kayaking or canoeing near Brooklyn's water bodies?
While not a traditional lake, Marine Park features Gerritsen Creek, a tidal salt marsh system that offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing in Gerritsen Inlet. This area provides a unique ecological experience with brackish water supporting specific flora and fauna.
Are there walking or running trails near Brooklyn's lakes?
Yes, Prospect Park offers numerous paths and trails around its lake, perfect for walking, jogging, and enjoying the scenery. For more running options, you can explore running trails around Brooklyn.
What are some easy hiking options around Brooklyn's lakes?
The paths around Prospect Park Lake provide easy and accessible walks. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden also offers gentle strolls around its various ponds. For more options, consider checking out easy hikes around Brooklyn.
Are there cycling routes that pass by Brooklyn's lakes?
Prospect Park has dedicated cycling paths that loop around the lake and through the park. These routes offer a great way to experience the natural beauty on two wheels. You can find more options for road cycling routes around Brooklyn.
What is unique about the Water Garden Pond in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden?
The Water Garden Pond, completed in 2016, is notable for its environmentally sustainable design. It serves as a solution for managing the garden's water flow, showcasing innovative practices while providing a peaceful setting for visitors.
Is Prospect Park Lake accessible for visitors?
Yes, Prospect Park Lake has an accessible shoreline with various points to enjoy the scenic views. The park itself is designed for public access, making it easy to visit and explore the lake and its surroundings.
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