In the Land of 10,000 + Lakes, there are obviously many choices for a lake destination. These photos, however, will certainly draw you to these 15 lakes for their stunning beauty and their ability to wow with #nofilter. In a state where so many of the lakes look the same, these are sure to stand out.
- Little Caribou Lake is not only crystal clear but right next to its bigger and even clearer brother, Caribou Lake in the BWCA.
Flickr/Eugene Kim
- Lake Vermilion again shows that Northern Minnesota is the home of many gorgeous, clear waters.
Flickr/Dalliedee
- Lake Harriet brings the party South of the Cities with ample room for boats and family fun.
Flickr/Jon DeJong
- Lake of the Isles, the quieter of the metro bunch is also the most beautiful and is surrounded by fantastic walking paths and a scenic drive.
Flickr/urbanfoodie33
- Birch Lake is a must see whether you’re just driving by on the way north or it’s your final destination.
Flickr/TumblingRun
- This photographer’s shots of Tenmile Lake are so stunning that they make me want to pack up and move to this gorgeous lake immediately!
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
- Lake Nokomis is another Minneapolis crowd-pleaser that offers great swimming and plentiful views.
Flickr/Passej
- Leech Lake is large enough to get some peace and quiet and offers fantastic beauty even on its worst days.
Flickr/Bill McChesney
- Gull Lake north of Brainerd is phenomenal at sunset.
Flickr/Chad Fennell
- Lake Pepin on the Mississippi offers some of the most spectacular beauty on the Minnesota, Wisconsin border.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
- Lake Calhoun is not only the favorite of many in Minneapolis but it offers amazing views of the skyline.
Flickr/Wendy Berry
- Lake Minnetonka is another metro classic and offers phenomenal views, fishing and a touch of glamour at all its lakeside restaurants and towns.
Flickr/Shilad Sen
- Rainy Lake on the Canadian border is worth the long trip north for its crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets.
Flickr/auntjojo
- Long Lake is a smaller metro lake but offers gorgeous views nonetheless and this photo is likely to spur a trip or two.
Flickr/Micky**
- Bald Eagle Lake in the BWCA, not to be confused with the Bald Eagle Lake near the Cities is stunning and another BWCA favorite.
Flickr/Chad Fennell
Just a sampling of the more than 10,000 beautiful lakes Minnesota has to offer, these lakes will likely draw a plethora of visitors local and foreign. What other photos of beautiful lakes have you taken? Share them with us on the Only In Minnesota Facebook Page and together we can make beautiful lakes round 2!
Flickr/Eugene Kim
Flickr/Dalliedee
Flickr/Jon DeJong
Flickr/urbanfoodie33
Flickr/TumblingRun
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
Flickr/Passej
Flickr/Bill McChesney
Flickr/Chad Fennell
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Flickr/Wendy Berry
Flickr/Shilad Sen
Flickr/auntjojo
Flickr/Micky**
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