Welcome to the Land of 10,000 Lakes! Minnesota is renowned for its natural beauty, with its picturesque lakes offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable family getaway. If you’re seeking a relaxing escape filled with watersports, fishing, hiking, or just a beachside picnic, these 13 lakes in Minnesota are an attractive vacation rental option for families. These lakes not only offer outdoor activities for the whole family but also feature comfortable and spacious rental homes, making them ideal for your next vacation retreat. The following thirteen lakes were picked due to the number of activities they offer and the availability of vacation rentals for big families.
Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka is a sprawling body of water encompassing a beautiful landscape with numerous bays, coves, and islands. This iconic lake, covering over 14,000 acres, offers boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside picnicking. There’s plenty to do in the surrounding communities as well, with elegant homes, quaint shops, and upscale dining establishments.
During the summer months, Lake Minnetonka brings in boaters and water enthusiasts, while in the winter, it transforms to a perfect locale for ice fishing and snowmobiling. With its natural beauty and year-round appeal, Lake Minnetonka is a great option for a family lake house vacation.
For a day away from Lake Minnetonka, families can explore the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, offering beautiful gardens and engaging walking trails perfect for all ages. Another nearby destination is Excelsior Commons Park in the charming town of Excelsior, where you can enjoy scenic picnic spots, playground, and relax by the lakeside.
Leech Lake
Leech Lake, nestled within the Chippewa National Forest, is renowned not only for its excellent fishing opportunities but also for its rich cultural history, being home to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The lake is the third largest lake in Minnesota, spanning approximately 102,947 acres. It boasts over 195 miles of shoreline and reaches depths of up to 150 feet. Enjoy a day fishing for walleye, crappie, bass, and more. Boating, swimming, hiking, and other activities are also popular with family visitors.
For day excursions from Leech Lake, venture about an hour away to visit the charming city of Bemidji, where you can take photos with the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, celebrating the area’s rich folklore. Another option is Itasca State Park, renowned as the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Here, you can plan a day hiking trails, enjoy a picnic, and even walk across the river’s beginning.
Lake Vermillion
Located 220 miles north of Minneapolis, Lake Vermillion stretches almost 30 miles, offering a mix of rocky shoreline, sandy beaches, and secluded bays. With numerous campsites and cozy cabins along its vast 40,000-acre expanse, families can enjoy relaxing getaways while exploring hidden coves and secluded beaches ideal for picnicking and exploration. Fishers and anglers can reel in walleye, bass, pike, musky, and more. Beyond fishing, schedule time for hiking, biking, and even top-notch golf courses nearby.
For a fun day excursion from Lake Vermilion, head to the Soudan Underground Mine State Park, located less than an hour away. Here, you can descend into Minnesota’s oldest iron ore mine on a guided tour that blends history and adventure, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past. For another option, consider driving to Bear Head Lake State Park.
Mille Lacs Lake
Mille Lacs Lake is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, featuring sandy beaches perfect for building sandcastles and swimming. The area also offers family-friendly attractions such as guided fishing tours, which provide both beginners and young anglers a chance to learn and experience the thrill of catching walleye in one of Minnesota’s largest lakes.
This massive lake spans over 200 square miles, making it the second largest in Minnesota. Whether you’re into fishing, boating, or just taking in breathtaking views, this spot has got it all. Scenic drives, great photo ops, and some awesome local small towns make for a diverse and memorable vacation.
Fill your vacation schedule with a visit to Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. This engaging museum offers a rich dive into the history and culture of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, with interactive exhibits and artifacts that provide educational fun for all ages. Another nearby adventure is the Father Hennepin State Park, located on the southeastern shores of Mille Lacs Lake.
Gull Lake
Gull Lakes is known for its clean, clear waters spanning just under 15 miles. On its north end, bays, and tranquil waters offer the perfect retreat for water activities and exploration. Fishing, jet skiing, and swimming are popular on the west side of the lake, with smaller cabins on the east side. Surrounding the lake are diverse dining options, from upscale eateries like Grand View Lodge to cozy breakfast spots like the Iron Waffle. Attractions like the Brainerd International Raceway and Zipline Tours offer some adventure in addition to the waters.
For a fun day excursion from Gull Lake, families can venture to the Brainerd International Raceway, which offers thrilling racing events and a chance to experience the adrenaline of motorsports. Another exciting option is the Mount Ski Gull located nearby, which provides fun outdoor activities year-round, such as skiing and tubing during winter, and zip-lining or hiking in the warmer months
Cass Lake
Cass Lake, situated within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota, offers a great setting for renting a lake house. The 15,596-acre lake is a hub for outdoor recreation such as fishing, boating, and swimming, with opportunities for catching walleye, northern pike, and perch. Surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, the city serves as the forest headquarters, providing access to hiking trails, bird watching, and an encounter with diverse wildlife. The cultural richness of the area, being home to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, adds a dimension of historical exploration. The peaceful environment, combined with small-town charm and essential amenities like a library, a logging museum, and community services, makes Cass Lake a perfect getaway to unwind amidst natural beauty, making a lake house rental a superb choice for a family vacation.
Plan a day excursion from Cass Lake to explore the Forest History Center in nearby Grand Rapids, about an hour away. This interactive museum offers a glimpse into the region’s logging history with recreations of historic logging camps, interactive exhibits, and living history programs, making it an educational and engaging outing for all ages. Another great option for a short trip is the Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, stands as one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the region. This natural gem, shared by Canada, Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, has breathtaking scenery and pristine, clear waters. The Minnesota shoreline of Lake Superior stretches nearly 145 miles, extending from Duluth to Grand Portage.
Lake Superior offers many activities perfect for a family vacation, including fishing, kayaking, hiking, boating, jet skiing, and more. A drive along the North Shore Scenic Drive is essential to fully experience the lake’s beauty. The highway is lined with local shops, restaurants, and tourist stops.
Lake Pepin
This stunning twenty-two-mile lake on the Mississippi River stretches from Bay City, Wisconsin in the north to Reads Landing, Minnesota in the south. Lake Pepin, the birthplace of waterskiing, offers more than just picturesque lake house rentals; it’s where Ralph Samuelson first glided on water in 1922, sparking a beloved water sport celebrated worldwide. Families can enjoy the tranquility of lakeside living while embracing the rich history of water skiing right where it all began.
Keep your eyes peeled at Lake Pepin—home of Pepie, the friendly lake monster who might just pop up to say hello during your stay! And when you’re done with the lake, nearby attractions like the Lake Pepin Button Co and St. Paul Historic Cave Tour make for great family outings. Be sure to add the National Eagle Centre to your list to see real live, bald eagles!
Whitefish Chain of Lakes
The Whitefish Chain of Lakes, nestled near Brainerd and Crosslake, is a highly sought-after vacation destination in Minnesota, offering an array of rental properties ideal for families and groups. This interconnected series of 14 lakes provides abundant opportunities for water-based recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming, making it a hotspot for summer vacations. The 14 lakes consist of Upper Whitefish Lake, Lower Whitefish Lake, Cross Lake, Big Trout Lake, Rush-Hen Lake, Lower Hay Lake, Little Pine Lake, Bertha Lake, Arrowhead Lake, Daggett Lake, Clamshell Lake, Pig Lake, Island Lake, and Loon Lake.
Detroit Lake
Detroit Lake, located in the city of Detroit Lakes in northwestern Minnesota, is a vibrant and inviting vacation destination. Renowned for its sandy beaches and lively summer atmosphere, the lake is perfect for families looking to enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure. The lake’s clear waters are ideal for swimming, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Beyond the water, the city of Detroit Lakes features a range of dining options, shopping venues, and seasonal events.
Don’t miss the enchanting troll hunt in Detroit Lakes. Created by artist Thomas Dambo, these massive, whimsical trolls, like the towering Long Leif and playful Ronny Funny Face, are hidden throughout local parks and trails, offering a fun outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Pelican Lake
Pelican Lake, located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, is a popular destination for those seeking a quintessential lakeside getaway. The lake is perfect for activities such as fishing, boating, and water sports. Families visiting Pelican Lake can enjoy peaceful mornings on the water, followed by fun-filled afternoons exploring the shoreline or engaging in lake activities.
Head over to the city of Ashby for a bite to eat or ride your bikes along the Central Lakes Trail. Another nearby attraction is the city of Fergus Falls, where families can explore cultural sites like the Otter Tail County Historical Society Museum or enjoy local dining and shopping options.
Big Sandy Lake
Big Sandy Lake, located in northern Minnesota, is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a serene retreat. This expansive lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with walleye, northern pike, and bass being some of the most sought-after catches. Vacation rentals along Big Sandy Lake range from rustic cabins to well-equipped lodges, providing accommodations that suit various group sizes and preferences. The lake’s calm waters make it perfect for activities like kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding, while the surrounding natural landscape offers a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and exploration. Local trails and parks invite visitors to hike and experience the area’s natural beauty, creating memorable moments both on and off the water. Big Sandy Lake’s combination of outdoor recreation and tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a family vacation or a quiet getaway in Minnesota’s Northwoods.
For a day excursion from Big Sandy Lake, explore the Savanna Portage State Park, located just under an hour away. This park offers miles of hiking trails through beautiful woods and wetlands, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and a chance to discover historic portage trails used by Native Americans and early trappers.
Woman Lake
Woman Lake, nestled in north-central Minnesota and about 200 miles north of Minneapolis, is part of a chain of lakes, offering families many options for exploration. Fishing is a popular activity here, with walleye, bass, and panfish, making it a go-to spot for anglers. Spend your days boating, kayaking, and hiking.
Plan a day trip from Woman Lake to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, which is under an hour away. This expansive area offers educational programs and trails where you can hike through different terrains while learning about local ecosystems and wildlife. Another enjoyable stop is the town of Longville, renowned for its whimsical Wednesday Turtle Races, perfect for a fun-filled family afternoon.
