Minnesota Lake Properties For Sale (13,985)

When most people think of Minnesota, they think of lakes. The prevalence of these bodies of water is so great that their tourism board has long heralded Minnesota as the "Land of 10,000 lakes". At last count, over 11,842 Minnesota lakes greater than 10 acres in size exist in MN. Much of Minnesota's historical industries - from lumber to milling - are attributed to their vast hydrological resources. Today, these same resources provide a variety of fishing, boating and bird watching activities.

It's easy to get lost in the plethora of options available to buyers. Minnesota is a diverse state, with Boreal forest in the far north, sweeping plains in the east and central regions, and rocky landscape in the southwest. Below are just a few of the many lakefront options available to those who are ready to tap in to the natural beauty of Minnesota.

Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world. It's maximum depth of over 1,300 feet. Though not technically contained within Minnesota, Lake Superior provides a significant amount of shoreline property in Minnesota. Variations in the depth and temperature throughout the lake provide a home for over sixty species of fish. The natural beauty that Lake Superior provides is highly sought after, with lake home prices beginning in the mid 300,000s.

Upper Red Lake

Red Lake is the largest inland lake in all of Minnesota. Known for it's black crappie population, the lake received a grant to build underwater log cribs that increase the health of the lake. Surrounded predominantly by the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians, this massive lake only has a small portion of shoreline available for commercial development.

Mille Lacs Lake

Mille Lacs Lake is as full of character as it is fish. It has was designated as a spiritual lake by the Santee Sioux Indians and sits in what the original French settlers called "The Region of a Thousand Lakes". At a maximum depth of 42 feet, Mille Lacs offers a variety fishing opportunities. The lake is a prime spawning ground walleye, both on ice and open water. Though known for it's fishing, the lake is quickly garnering a reputation as a recreational getaway. Outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, biking, and golf accent the areas great beaches and quiet setting. With all of these options, Mille Lacs has become a prime spot for lake property. Lake homes and cabins can easily list at over a million dollars.

Lake Winnibigoshish

With very moderate development, Lake Winnibigoshish - or "Lake Winnie" - is a prime location for calm seclusion. Formed by the damming of the Mississippi River, Winnie maintains many quiet bays with little to know motorboat traffic. Lake Winnibigoshish is situated near smaller cousins of Cut Foot Sioux and "Little Winnie" that offer that same quiet atmosphere. The low development can make it a worthwhile challenge to find waterfront listings.

Lake Vermillion

Covering over 63 square miles, Lake Vermilion is the fifth largest lake in Minnesota. The local Ojibwa Indians once referred to it as "Lake of the Sunset Glow" for its inherent beauty. The lake contains over 300 islands and provide 1,200 miles of shorelines for quiet fishing adventures and other outdoor activities. Ideally located a few hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Lake Vermilion is as accessible as it is secluded. Lake property on this naturally occurring lake can easily list for a million dollars and more, but some cabins list for as low as $300,000.

What to Consider Before Buying Minnesota Lakeshore Property

Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) maintains restrictions on certain kinds of lakefront development. Some projects can be carried out without a permit from the MDNR, provided certain conditions are met. If your shore doesn't have emergent aquatic vegetations, beach sand blankets may be laid down, provided no filter fabric or plastic is used, the fill isn't more than 6 inches thick or 50 feet wide, and the local zoning officials are notified. Rip rap - course rocks piled at the edge of a lake - can be used to control erosion without acquiring a permit. However, retaining walls are detrimental to a lake's near-shore environment and require a permit from the DNR. Not all lakes are public access - the DNR maintains a map of all water declared public. These maps can also be accessed online at the DNR website and be sure to checkout the LakePlace.com Lake Finder for more information.

Individual counties can also maintain their own lake property development guidelines. A visit to the county zoning office will provide invaluable information when purchasing lake property. This is particularly crucial in popular and highly developed lakes. With a little research, potential property owner's can be assured that their lakefront experience will be everything they dreamed.