Top 20 Lakes around Apple Valley
Best lakes around Apple Valley offer a variety of natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This region features several lakes and associated parks, providing settings for outdoor activities. The area's natural features include wooded trails and diverse habitats, making it suitable for exploration. Visitors can find a mix of natural and developed park facilities around these water bodies.
Best lakes around Apple Valley
- The most popular lakes is Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake, a viewpoint that is a great spot to observe water birds. It features a telescope for viewing and has been known for rare bird sightings.
- Another must-see spot is Jensen Lake, a lake offering access to miles of wooded trails. Visitors can expect canoe paddling and ski touring routes depending on the season, along with amenities like a children's play area and picnic spots.
- Visitors also love Lake Marion, a lake popular for kayakers, anglers, and boaters. It is special for its multiple parks along its shores, which include trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds, with bike trails encircling the entire lake.
- Apple Valley is known for lakes that support activities like fishing, paddling, and hiking. The variety of lakes allows for exploring wooded trails, bird watching, and enjoying park facilities.
- The lakes around Apple Valley are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 photos and over 10 upvotes highlighting their appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Jensen Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Lake Marion
Highlight • Lake
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Whitetail Woods Regional Park Pavilion and Trails
Highlight • Rest Area
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Bridge over Bridge Pond
Highlight • Bridge
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Tips from the Community
Nice view over Black Dog Lake, not many birds out today
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This new version of the bridge is so nice, the old one was super warped.
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First lake in the chain of lakes when paddling. Also a nice lake to walk around year round.
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Great new park in the Dakota Country park system. Lakes, paved trails, natural trails, and camper cabins. Plus it connects to the UMore land with miles and miles of trails.
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Great park with paved accessible trails, natural surface trails, camper cabins, a great picnic area and neat looking natural playground.
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Bike trails encircle the whole lake, so there is a nice pedal around the lake in addition to paddling. They have improved the park a lot on south east side called Antlers Park. They have a nice off shoot of Lakeville Brewing Company, which has ice cream, food, beer and drinks. And West Lake Marion park has mountain bike trails and a band shell with weekly free concerts.
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This location of this highlight is right in the middle of a parking but from this spot you can access many different trails.
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Lake Marion in Dakota County, Minnesota is a popular destination for kayakers, anglers, and boaters. There are also multiple parks dotted along its shores with various amenities including trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What lakes around Apple Valley are good for bird watching?
For bird watching, the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake is an excellent choice. It features a telescope for viewing and has been known for rare bird sightings.
Are there lakes with hiking trails near Apple Valley?
Yes, Jensen Lake offers access to miles of wooded trails. Additionally, Lake Marion has multiple parks along its shores with various trails, and bike trails encircle the entire lake. Mojave Narrows Regional Park also provides a lush environment with trails.
Which lakes are suitable for family activities?
Several lakes are family-friendly. Jensen Lake has a children's play area and picnic spots. Lake Marion features parks with playgrounds and picnic tables. Jess Ranch Lakes offers a smaller 'trout pond' ideal for families with children, and Mojave Narrows Regional Park includes a playground and splash pad.
Where can I go fishing near Apple Valley?
Jess Ranch Lakes is a private fishing facility known for stocked rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass, offering both catch-and-release and catch-and-keep options. Mojave Narrows Regional Park also supports year-round fishing for trout and catfish. Hesperia Lake is regularly stocked and is a popular fishing spot.
What kind of water sports can I do on these lakes?
Lake Marion is popular for kayakers, anglers, and boaters. Jensen Lake offers canoe paddling. Spring Valley Lake, while primarily for residents, allows boating, fishing, water sports, and swimming in its no-wake zone.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or viewpoints around the lakes?
Yes, the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake is wheelchair accessible. Whitetail Woods Regional Park, which borders lakes, also features wheelchair-accessible facilities and trails.
Can I camp near the lakes in Apple Valley?
Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers camping facilities, including tent sites along Horseshoe and Pelican Lakes, as well as RV sites. Hesperia Lake Park also provides camping amenities.
What outdoor activities are available in Mojave Narrows Regional Park?
Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers a diverse range of activities beyond fishing, including camping, disc golf, equestrian trails, a playground, climbing rocks, and a splash pad. It's a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Are there any lakes that offer winter activities?
Jensen Lake offers ski touring routes depending on the season. Whitetail Woods Regional Park is popular in winter for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, with 5 miles of dedicated winter trails.
What are some easy hiking routes near the lakes?
You can find easy hiking routes around the lakes. For example, the Lebanon Hills Upper Green Loop and Alimagnet Park Lakeside Trail are considered easy hikes. You can explore more options on the Easy hikes around Apple Valley guide.
Where can I find mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Lake Marion has mountain bike trails on its south-east side, particularly at Antlers Park. For more options, check out the Gravel biking around Apple Valley guide.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the lakes?
Near Lake Marion, specifically at Antlers Park on the south-east side, there's an offshoot of Lakeville Brewing Company that offers ice cream, food, beer, and drinks. Jess Ranch Lakes also has a tackle shop that provides bait, tackle, and fishing licenses, and often has snacks.
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