Top 4 Lakes around Stillwater

For exceptional water quality and swimming, Square Lake is highly recommended. It's known for its clear, deep waters and features a well-maintained sandy beach with lifeguards at Square Lake Regional Park. Big Marine Lake also offers an exceptionally clean environment with a family-friendly swimming beach at Big Marine Park Reserve. Additionally, Lake Elmo Park Reserve provides a unique sand-bottom, chlorinated swim pond, which is very popular in summer.

Yes, several lakes offer excellent fishing. Big Marine Lake is particularly noted for arguably the best Largemouth Bass fishing in the east metro area, also holding Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Black Crappie. Square Lake is home to Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and Rainbow Trout. For a more tranquil experience closer to the city, Lake McKusick provides shorefishing access and a fishing pier, with Bluegill, Black Crappie, and Bullhead species.

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is a prime location, offering over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, traversing forests, prairies, and wetlands. You can explore natural surfaces or paved trails, including those around Frozen Lake at Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Lake McKusick, located directly within Stillwater, has a walking path along its north and west sides, perfect for a peaceful hike, and features the Lake McKusick Boardwalk.

Square Lake is ideal for families, with its clear water, sandy beach, lifeguards, picnic tables, and grills at Square Lake Regional Park. Big Marine Park Reserve on Big Marine Lake features a family-friendly swimming beach and a large 'destination' playground. Lake Elmo Park Reserve also caters to families with its swim pond, extensive trails, picnic areas, and play structures.

Yes, Square Lake is popular for paddling activities like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, and has a public boat launch. Big Marine Lake also offers a motorized boat launch with ample trailer spaces at Big Marine Park Reserve, making it suitable for various water sports. For smaller craft, Lake McKusick has a place to launch a canoe from its east end.

The preserved areas around Stillwater's lakes offer good opportunities for wildlife viewing. Lake Elmo Park Reserve, with 80% of its acreage dedicated to preservation, is known for sightings of pheasants, red fox, and white-tailed deer. The tranquil setting of Lake McKusick also allows for enjoyment of local wildlife while walking its paths.

Yes, Lake Elmo Park Reserve offers modern and equestrian campgrounds, allowing for extended stays amidst its extensive natural landscape. Additionally, a private park, Golden Acres RV Park, near Square Lake, provides seasonal camping options.

For a tranquil experience, Lake McKusick, located within Stillwater, is an ideal spot for a peaceful hike, fishing, or simply enjoying the water views and local wildlife. While other lakes offer more activities, their larger size and preserved areas can also provide quiet corners, especially during off-peak times.

Most notable lakes have public access. Square Lake Regional Park provides a public boat launch, fishing pier, and swimming beach. Big Marine Park Reserve on Big Marine Lake offers a public swimming beach, fishing pier, and motorized boat launch. Lake Elmo Park Reserve has a boat launch and fishing pier. Lake McKusick has shorefishing access points and a canoe launch.

Beyond water activities, the region offers extensive trails. Lake Elmo Park Reserve has over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. You can also find various cycling and running routes in the broader Stillwater area. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Stillwater Lift Bridge – St. Croix Crossing Bridge loop' for cycling or running, or the 'Duluth Junction – Lake McKusick loop' for road cycling.

Yes, Square Lake is known for hosting the annual Square Lake 70.3 Triathlon, attracting athletes and spectators to its clear waters and scenic surroundings.

Square Lake is particularly renowned for having the best water quality in the east metro area, making it a top choice for swimming and scuba diving. Big Marine Lake is also recognized as an exceptionally clean lake, contributing to its popularity for various water activities.