Saint Paul Lakes

Lakes Close to Saint Paul

It’s summertime so it’s time to pack up and head out for your upcoming family vacation. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Saint Paul. A stay at a lake is amazing for people that enjoy wildlife too, because they offer opportunities to see birds, fish, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re itching to go kayaking, get active with wakeboarding, go swimming, or nap in the sand, the lakes near Saint Paul provide you with lots of beautiful locations for aquatic activities. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip your next day off to find your own number one location on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Saint Paul

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip offers an almost boundless list of things to do for families or couples.

A day, weekend, or a week at the lake gives you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Get a little crazy with the water sports. Should you be able to get access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water demonstrating your athleticism and water sports expertise? Enjoy a day of tubing or skiing as the all sports lakes provide you with a number of options.

Catch some fish. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re drifting behind a trolling motor or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get in the water. Finding a swimming lake near Saint Paul will provide all kinds of fun for the youngsters, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. If you want to spend time swimming and on the beach you’ll want to be sure your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool doesn’t offer as much to do as a glorious public beach on a lake near Saint Paul!

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different based on the lake you’re heading to, what time of year it is, and what you want to do for entertainment. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list with some of our favorite ideas for your next trip to a lake near Saint Paul so you have everything you need!

Lake basics

When the plan is to be outdoors for the vast majority of the vacation, the following list of items should be a good place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.

  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Plates, bowls, utensils, cups
  • Sunblock
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Trash bags (one for trash, one for wet items)
  • Bathing suits
  • Bottle opener
  • Dry shirt
  • Cords and a charger for portable devices

Additional lake stuff

The following items can make your life easier for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking so you’re not missing something critical.

  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Toys for the beach
  • Corkscrew
  • Fishing poles
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Tackle box
  • Baby gear (if necessary)
  • Your favorite magazine or book
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Bait

Lake Safety

While a day to the lake can provide lots of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. When you decide to spend a day at the lake here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Make sure no one swims alone
  • Keep your distance from wildlife
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Saint Paul

Few people get a chance to make their way to the lakes near Saint Paul and might have a lot of questions on ways to maximize their fun. Obviously, any body of water is going to have unique qualities and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to look into when assembling your itinerary that might help you end up with a winning itinerary.

  1. Maximize unique assets in the area. When you have time for a longer trip, look for local state campgrounds and parks which give you the option to stay directly on the water without breaking the bank.
  2. Research your beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches could be really busy. If you want some more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. No boat, no problem. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. You don’t need to own a boat to enjoy fishing with family and friends or tubing with the kids. Using a search engine will typically help you find options for renting the perfect boat.