Top 6 Lakes around St. Paul

Several lakes in and around St. Paul offer excellent family-friendly activities. Bob Woodruff Park Pond is a nice spot for cooling down. Lake Phalen, a centerpiece of Phalen Regional Park, features a sandy beach, fishing pier, and paddleboat rentals. Lake Como, within Como Regional Park, is known for its peaceful atmosphere and paddleboat rentals. White Bear Lake also has several smaller beaches and parks, while Square Lake offers clear waters and beaches perfect for swimming.

The lakes offer a wide range of water activities. Lake Phalen is great for boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing, with canoe and paddleboat rentals available. Lake Como allows paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, and small electric watercraft. White Bear Lake is popular for swimming and boating. For exceptionally clear water, Square Lake is ideal for swimming and scuba diving. You can also find fishing piers at Silver Lake and Casey Lake.

Yes, many lakes are excellent for fishing. Lake Phalen is a popular spot, and Lake Como is known for bluegill, crappie, bass, catfish, pike, walleye, carp, and bullhead, with a fishing pier. White Bear Lake also offers good fishing for various species. Lavon Lake is renowned for largemouth bass, white bass, blue catfish, and crappie. Silver Lake and Casey Lake both provide ample opportunities for shore anglers, with Casey Lake being particularly good for panfish.

Many lakes are surrounded by trails. Lake Phalen offers 3.2 miles of paved multi-use trails. Lake Como has 1.67 miles of paved paths suitable for walking and biking. Breckinridge Park, which includes a lake, features several paved and offroad trails. For more extensive options, you can explore the hiking routes around St. Paul or the road cycling routes around St. Paul, which include trails like the Trinity Trail near Lavon Lake.

The lakes around St. Paul can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and other water sports. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and biking, with autumn showcasing beautiful fall colors. Even in winter, some lakes may offer opportunities for ice skating or ice fishing, though conditions should always be checked locally.

Most major lakes in and around St. Paul are easily accessible by car, often located within regional parks. For instance, Lake Phalen is part of Phalen Regional Park, and Lake Como is in Como Regional Park, both offering parking facilities. Square Lake also has a public boat launch and picnic areas with grills, indicating good accessibility and parking. Public transport options may vary, so checking local transit schedules is recommended for specific locations.

The lakes provide diverse natural beauty and habitats. You can expect lush surroundings, especially at Lake Como, and restored shorelines designed to filter runoff nutrients, as seen at Casey Lake. Many parks around the lakes, like Breckinridge Park, are home to various wildlife. Bird watching is also a popular activity at several locations, offering chances to spot local and migratory bird species.

While popular lakes like Phalen and Como can attract many visitors, you might find quieter experiences at some of the smaller or slightly more distant options. Casey Lake is considered a 'hidden gem' for shore fishing, offering a more serene atmosphere. Exploring lakes slightly further out, such as Silver Lake or even parts of White Bear Lake, especially during off-peak hours, can also provide a more tranquil visit.

Many parks and trails around the lakes are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules regarding dogs in swimming areas or on beaches can vary by park and lake. It's always best to check the individual park regulations before visiting to ensure a pleasant experience for both you and your pet.

Absolutely! The paved paths around lakes like Lake Phalen and Lake Como are excellent for running. Additionally, the running trails around St. Paul guide highlights routes such as the Breckinridge Park Trail, which winds through woods, fields, and ponds, offering varied terrain for runners.

Square Lake, located northeast of St. Paul in May Township, is particularly known for its exceptionally clear waters. This makes it a prime destination for activities like swimming and scuba diving, offering excellent visibility beneath the surface.