Top 20 Lakes around Maplewood
Lakes around Maplewood offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural settings. This area in Minnesota features several lakes known for water sports, fishing, and scenic trails. Many lakes are part of the Phalen Chain of Lakes, providing interconnected waterways and accessible parklands. The region combines natural beauty with urban accessibility, making it a hub for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Maplewood
- The most popular lakes is Como Lake, a lake that was originally a wetland expanded during park development. Recent efforts have improved water quality, reducing algae blooms.
- Another must-see spot is Lake Phalen, a lake and centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. It is popular for water sports and features an annual Dragon Boat Festival.
- Visitors also love Pickerel Lake, a lake that is an oxbow lake formed when the Mississippi River shifted course. It is a popular spot for fishing, running, and cycling.
- Maplewood is known for lakes offering water sports, fishing, and scenic trails. These lakes provide opportunities for boating, swimming, and wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Maplewood are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 20 upvotes and 10 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Lake Phalen
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Como Lake
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Battle Creek Regional Park
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Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden
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Pickerel Lake
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Tips from the Community
This is a pretty big park that has lots of features, mountain bike trails, paved trails, ballfields, playgrounds, goes for blocks.
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Saint Paul–Changsha China Friendship Garden is a beautiful scape with it's Chinese-style pavilions, koi pond, and lush plantings provide a calm, meditative backdrop. A perfect spot to pause, stretch, and take in the carefully designed landscape before continuing your journey.
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Pickerel Lake sits a short distance from the Mississippi River. Which makes sense, because the lake is an "oxbow lake", meaning it was left behind when the river shifted course. These days is a popular spot for fishing, and a number of running and cycling routes.
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Battle Creek Regional Park is over 1,800 acres of natural woodlands, grasslands, & wetlands. The miles and miles of trails are perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners to escape the city and enjoy immersion in nature without needing to travel far from home.
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Battle Creek Regional Park is over 1,800 acres of natural woodlands, grasslands, & wetlands. The miles and miles of trails are perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners to escape the city and enjoy immersion in nature without needing to travel far from home.
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Lake Phalen drains into the Mississippi River via Phalen Creek, and it is the centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. The lake is popular with all sorts of water sports enthusiasts and one of the highlights is the annual Dragon Boat Festival which takes place each July.
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Pickerel Lake sits a short distance from the Mississippi River. Which makes sense, because the lake is an "oxbow lake", meaning it was left behind when the river shifted course. These days is a popular spot for fishing, and a number of running and cycling routes.
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Battle Creek Regional Park is over 1,800 acres of natural woodlands, grasslands, & wetlands. The miles and miles of trails are perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners to escape the city and enjoy immersion in nature without needing to travel far from home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Maplewood?
Among the most popular lakes are Como Lake, known for its improved water quality, and Lake Phalen, a centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park. Visitors also enjoy Pickerel Lake, a popular spot for fishing, running, and cycling.
Which lakes are best for water sports like boating or swimming?
Lake Phalen is highly popular for fishing, sailing, and boating, and features a clean beach. Gervais Lake is excellent for swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and boating. Silver Lake also offers a clean swimming beach and is popular for boating, with Maplewood's only public boat launch.
Where can I go fishing around Maplewood?
Excellent fishing opportunities can be found at several lakes. Lake Phalen has a 4-mile fishable shoreline, good for walleye and sunfish. Gervais Lake, Kohlman Lake, and Silver Lake are also popular for various species like largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish. Keller Lake is known for fishing along virtually its entire shoreline.
Are there good trails for cycling or walking around the lakes?
Yes, Lake Phalen features a picturesque 3-mile paved bike trail around its perimeter, offering scenic views. Silver Lake has walking trails, and Pickerel Lake is popular for running and cycling routes. For more options, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes around Maplewood guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Maplewood?
Many lakes offer family-friendly amenities. Lake Phalen has a clean beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. Silver Lake features a clean swimming beach, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Gervais Lake also has a public beach and picnic spots. Como Lake and Pickerel Lake are also considered family-friendly.
Which lakes are part of the Phalen Chain of Lakes?
The Phalen Chain of Lakes includes Lake Phalen, Gervais Lake, Kohlman Lake, and Round Lake. These lakes are interconnected, offering a network of waterways and accessible parklands.
What cultural attractions or events are near the lakes?
Lake Phalen hosts an annual Dragon Boat Festival in July and features the Hmong Plaza and Changsha Garden, which hold events like the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. The Saint Paul-Changsha China Friendship Garden is also a beautiful cultural spot nearby. Keller Lake in Keller Regional Park has recently renovated courts for cultural sports like Tulu, volleyball, badminton, and Sepak Takraw.
What winter activities are available at the lakes?
During winter, Lake Phalen offers opportunities for ice skating and cross-country skiing, providing year-round recreation options.
Where can I find public boat access for the lakes?
Public boat access to Gervais Lake is available from Spoon Lake. For Silver Lake, Maplewood's only public boat launch is located in Joy Park on the north shore.
Which lakes are good for wildlife viewing?
Kohlman Lake provides habitat for wildlife and opportunities for viewing. Round Lake, a smaller lake surrounded by parkland, also offers a peaceful setting for observing local wildlife.
Are there hiking trails near these lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Hiking around Maplewood guide lists trails like the Lake Phalen Trail and routes within Battle Creek Regional Park, which features miles of trails through woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands.
What natural features can I see around the lakes?
Around Lake Phalen, you can enjoy scenic views with wildflowers, weeping willows, charming bridges, and a serene waterfall. Pickerel Lake is an interesting oxbow lake, formed when the Mississippi River shifted course. Many lakes offer diverse flora and fauna, especially those with improving water quality like Kohlman Lake and Round Lake.
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