Special offer

Minnesota's Lakes and Rivers - an abundant supply of water

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Results St Cloud Mn real estate

Minnesota's Lakes and Rivers  

The Mississippi RiverMy cars' license plate says "10,000 Lakes", but there are many more, and the number is growing. In fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, we have 11,842 lakes with 10 acres or more, 6,564 natural rivers and streams, and over 9.3 million acres of wetlands. Our deepest inland lake is the Portsmouth Mine Pit near Crosby, MN at 450 feet deep and rising. The old open pit mine is still filling up with water, and I suspect, it is home to a species or two of trout.

We here in Minnesota have a great lifestyle rooted strongly in our environment. We learn to fish, swim, drive a boat, paddle a canoe and portage. When young we are drawn to the lakes and when we grow older we yearn to return, as it is a place of centeredness. The high-tech world of cell phones and business fades into the background after a day on the water.Bridge over the Mississippi River

I have traveled a bit in Minnesota, fished and boated on many of the lakes and some of the rivers (6,564 rivers, I had no idea untill I started researching, I need to get out more), and I have been swimming in as many as I could tolerate, including Lake Superior which is never what you would call warm. There is an expanse of northeastern Minnesota that is seemingly, an endless series of interlocking lakes and streams, called The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) where motors are not allowed and quiet is king. At times in the BWCAW you can go days without seeing other people.

 

Angle Inlet MinnesotaIf you prefer the convenience of a powered boat, or even a houseboat, there is the Voyageurs National Park to the west of the BWCAW. There you can put in and find an island campsite, fish and swim, boat for days on end. Jet skis were banned several years ago, but most of the state still allows them. Cell phones are allowed, they just don't work there. The northernmost town in the lower 48 states is Angle Inlet, MN on Lake of the Woods. You can get there by boat or plane, or through Canada! Check it out.

The largest and deepest lake Minnesota claims is Lake Superior, in the northeast, with 962,700 acres within Minnesota alone (20.3 million acres total), and a depth of 1,290 feet. If you put a boat in this lake you want a marine radio to track the weather. Superior is home to many shipwrecks! Even here in the St. Cloud area we have several nice lakes a short drive away. Mille Lacs Lake is the biggest in the area about an hour away, and about 6 mile across, with great walleye fishing in summer and winter. A number of lakes within 30 minutes of home have good fishing and some have public beaches, including Middle Spunk, Avon and Warner Lake, Clearwater. We live about a mile from the Mississippi River, and just over near St. Cloud State University , you can fish the river anytime you want. I also take our dog Molly there for a swim whenever we have the time. The Mississippi River runs 680 miles in Minnesota, winding it's way through much of the state.

Lake Andrew Sauk Rapids MNAll told we have 69,200 miles of rivers and streams in Minnesota, with 589 miles of that classified as wild and scenic river. The total of lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Minnesota adds up to over 13 million acres, almost 10% of our total state area, with over 3,000 public lake access points and 4,257 canoe routes. We have 800,000 registered watercraft. Yes, where ever you live in Minnesota, you are near a lake or a river, so relax and enjoy the water.

Posted by

Steve Baklaich RE/MAX Results  www.stcloudareahomesforsale.com 

Cell:320-260-3290 Saint Cloud Minnesota Real EstateQR code to Google Places Page

my facebook page my outside blog Google 

If you are relocating to central Minnesota check out all the wonderful reasons to love St Cloud. It is a wonderful area full of things to do and lots of great houses. I would welcome the opportunity to help you find your perfect place here. Visit my St Cloud real estate website for more information about buying or selling a home, or property in the central Minnesota real estate market.

 

Comments (8)

Ted J. Macy
Top Agents Atlanta Metro - Milton, GA

Steve, I never know that there were so many lakes, rivers and streams in Minnesota, yur are tempting me to come visit and many move into a home near one of those lakes, by the way, what are the Winter temperatures in your area, around +40ºF or are they warmer than that most days??

Aug 21, 2010 04:49 PM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I grew up in the midwest, and my aunt and uncle lived in Minnesota for years...so I've experienced your lakes. Although, it's been years since I've visited. I would love to take my family there. We are avid fishermen. I would love to test your waters with my 2 or 3 weight flyrod. I've caught some very large fish on these lightweight rods...including pike.

You are also home to the headwaters of the mightly Mississippi River. I grew up in the Quad Cities right on the Mississippi.

Aug 21, 2010 05:50 PM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

All the lakes and water is one of the main reasons I live here. Although I am not a fisherman or huge boater, I just love the beauty of water. And it is so tranquil.

And no Ted, it is very, very rare that it gets to -40. We have some days below zero every year and with the windchill it can be brutal but bundle up, put on a hat and gloves and you'll be fine! Oh, and take at least one warm weather vacation in February or March. LOL

Aug 22, 2010 06:41 AM
Steve Baklaich
RE/MAX Results St Cloud Mn real estate - Saint Cloud, MN
Treating Buyers & Sellers to Full Service Always.

Hi Ted:

Shar is right. Unless you live in extream northern Minnesota 40 below is unheard of. Where we are in the center of the state it is often right near 30 above for much of the season.

I have a great idea for you. Keep your home in Atlanta and winter there, and summer here in Minnesota. First come for a visit. Mid-late june is perfect lake weather.

 

Steve

Aug 22, 2010 02:23 PM
Steve Baklaich
RE/MAX Results St Cloud Mn real estate - Saint Cloud, MN
Treating Buyers & Sellers to Full Service Always.

Debbie:

You need to come for a visit. It sounds like you are a real sportsperson with the liteweight tackle. It sure is fun when you work it for a while.

 

Steve

Aug 22, 2010 02:27 PM
Steve Baklaich
RE/MAX Results St Cloud Mn real estate - Saint Cloud, MN
Treating Buyers & Sellers to Full Service Always.

Hi Shar:

Thanks for helping Ted out. And thanks for reminding us that being near the water is a pleasure in it's own right. Minneapolis is the City of Lakes, so you are in a good spot.

Steve

Aug 22, 2010 02:31 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Steve,  you have been featured in today's Tuesday Travelogue!

                                              Travellers in the Rain!

 

Aug 02, 2016 01:15 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

There is something very mystical about Minnesota and I've never met a bad person from MN either. This is a great post about the lakes you boast about with pride and joy! I'm convinced, the meaning of life is found right there, on the lakes of Minnesota!

Aug 03, 2016 12:44 AM