Those looking for lake-side adventure in Minnesota have more than enough options. You could spend all summer visiting lakes around the state and you’d still have thousands of miles of shoreline to explore. If you’re looking for fun places to fly this summer, we think any of the lakes on this list are great options.
Here are 10 Minnesota lakes that you can fly to — let’s get started!
1) Chain of Lakes – Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN
Nearest Airport: Flying Cloud Airport
Not one, not two, but three separate lakes, Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun and Lake Harriet, make up the Chain of Lakes in Minneapolis. Perfect for kayakers, beach-goers and bikers (all lakes are connected and surrounded by well-kept pedestrian paths), these city lakes provide visitors with plenty of outdoor recreation, while still accessible to all of the urban amenities of Minneapolis.
2) Red Lake
Beltrami County, MN
Nearest Airport: Bemidji Regional Airport
At 107,800 acres, Red Lake is one of the largest bodies of water in the state and is well known as a fishing hot spot. This lake has an abundance of crappie and pike, and fishermen can throw in a line from the shore or the boat and reel in the big one. Many of the lake-side resorts and cabins provide visitors with ice houses, open launch trips, fishing guides, RV rentals and campsites throughout the year.
3) Lake Pepin
Red Wing, MN
Nearest Airport: Redwing Regional Airport
Lake Pepin is the largest lake on the entire Mississippi River, separating the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. With a huge amount of lake life, wildlife, watersports and nightlife, visitors are bound to enjoy their stay on beautiful Lake Pepin.
4) Lake Winnibigoshish
Chippewa National Forest, MN
Nearest Airport: Bowstring Municipal Airport
Known better as “Lake Winnie, this northern lake offers visitors a fantastic balance of wilderness, fishing, camping and resort options. Plus, it’s in close proximity to Bemidji so if you need to get back to civilization, it’s there for you.
5) Burntside Lake
Saint Louis County, MN
Nearest Airport: Duluth International Airport
For those that like to explore, Burntside Lake is the place for you. With over 100 islands spanning this 7,140-acre lake, this lake is popular for boating, canoeing and fishing. The west boundary of the lake is part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), where fishermen can catch golden shiner, bluegill, walleye, smallmouth bass and golden shiner.
6) Big Sand Lake
Hubbard County, MN
Nearest Airport: Park Rapids Municipal Airport-Konshok Field
This 1,600-acre lake in Northwest Minnesota is known for having super clear water, sandy beaches and expansive wooded surroundings. Watersport enthusiasts are bound to love Big Sand Lake, with plenty of waterskiers, wakeboarders, knee-boarders and jet skiers. There are two resorts located on the lake serving area tourists, open year-round.
7) Lake Rebecca
Rockford, MN
Nearest Airport: Brandt Airport
For tons of family fun, set your coordinates to Lake Rebecca. Located in the Three Parks District, visitors can enjoy a quaint swimming beach, public boat launch and carry-in access, picnic area, play area and much more. One of the coolest things about this lake, however, is its swan refuge, where hundreds of free-flying trumpeter swans can be seen year round.
8) Lake Phalen
Saint Paul, MN
Nearest Airport: St. Paul Downtown Airport
This urban lake, the largest in Saint Paul, is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lake Phalen, a 30-minute drive from downtown, is a place to get away from it all, with plenty of things to do like sailing, fishing, paddleboarding and pedal boating. Plus, the surrounding park offers even more activities, such as concerts at the amphitheater, baseball games, beach volleyball and Phalen Golf Course.
9) Clearwater Lake
Cook County, MN
Nearest Airport: Grand Marais Cook County Airport
Clearwater Lake lives up to its name, being one of the clearest lakes in Minnesota, due to its constant low algae levels. With 1,338 explorable acres, this lake is great for swimming, boating, and many other aquatic activities.
10) Pike Lake
Duluth, MN
Nearest Airport: Duluth International Airport
Just 10 minutes northwest of Duluth is a chain of lakes, including Rice Lake, Caribou Lake and Grand Lake. The best, however, is Pike Lake, a picturesque waterway with a public swimming beach and plenty of pike, bass, and other fish to catch both summer and winter. Stay in a vacation rental in Duluth to enjoy the city’s nightlife, or closer to the lake in Hermantown or Twig to get away from it all.
Are You Searching for Fun Places to Fly in Minnesota?
Whether you’re someone that wants to learn to fly or a certified pilot who wants to further their education, the team at Inflight Pilot Training can help you gain the freedom to explore the best flying destinations in Minnesota and throughout the country.
If you want to gain the freedom to explore the places on this list, contact Inflight Pilot Training today! We offer fun, affordable flight training in the great state of MN, and can help you obtain your private pilot’s license. Get in touch with our team to learn more about the benefits of enrolling in flight school.
Ready to get started? Inflight Pilot Training is a leading flight instruction company serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and an extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, we can give you the freedom to fly to the greatest destinations in our great state.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.