Best lakes around Lauderdale offer diverse outdoor experiences, from urban park settings to expansive natural areas. The region features a mix of natural and man-made lakes, providing opportunities for various recreational activities. These aquatic environments are often integrated with park systems, offering trails and facilities for visitors. The landscape is characterized by accessible green spaces and water bodies, suitable for both active pursuits and relaxed enjoyment.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Lauderdale.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Lake Nokomis Trail in Minnesota is a 7.3-mile paved path that stretches from Minneapolis to Burnsville, connecting three communities: Minneapolis, Richfield, and Bloomington. This 10-foot-wide trail is popular for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating, while also being wheelchair accessible. Along its route, the trail passes through parks, residential areas, and near popular attractions like the Mall of America and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It links to other regional trails, such as the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway and Minnesota River Greenway, with parking available at various points, including Taft Park and the Cedar Nichols Trailhead. Lake Nokomis spans 204 acres and is a true natural highlight of the trail.
0
0
Loring Park is one of Minneapolis's most beloved parks. This 289-acre park is home to many events and festivals throughout the year. The park has a huge green space, a dog park, and is surrounded by cozy cafes and restaurants.
0
0
St. Paul's Grand Round was envisioned in the late 19th century as a continuous loop around the city of "parked" areas. Landscape architect H.W. S. Cleveland saw the potential of linking Lake Phalen and Lake Como with the Mississippi River, though his plan didn't come to exact fruition, you can still follow the path around the city and visit some of its best features.
0
0
This lake was originally a wetland that was expanded when the surrounding park was developed. It is fed by storm sewer water run off, which for years resulted in algae blooms in the summer which produced a not-so-pleasant smell. However, recent efforts to improve the water quality, such as replacing invasive species with native plants and other filtration systems have greatly reduced the amount of algae blooms.
1
0
This is the centerpiece of a hugely popular park, seeing more than 5 million visitors every year. You'll find lots of recreation facilities here, including hockey and skating rinks, a fishing pier, a soccer field, and some lovely paths for walking and running.
0
0
This area provides a wide range of amenities, including a fishing pier, soccer fields, and even an ice skating rink. There are two separate paths encircling the lake, one for walking and the other for biking.
0
0
Take a walk across the bridge to Sculpture Park
0
0
Be sure to take nuts with you! The local squirrels will be happy.
6
0
The Lauderdale area features a diverse range of lakes, including urban lakes, park-integrated lakes, and those adjacent to cycleways. Many are equipped with trails and recreational facilities, offering opportunities for both active pursuits and relaxed enjoyment.
Yes, several lakes are great for families. For instance, Lake of the Isles is a popular park with amenities like soccer fields and ice skating, and Loring Park, which includes a lake, offers green spaces, a dog park, and hosts events. Como Lake is also considered family-friendly.
Lake Nokomis offers a 7.3-mile paved trail suitable for biking, walking, jogging, and inline skating. Lake of the Isles has separate paths for walking and biking, making it ideal for both activities. Additionally, the St. Paul Grand Round links several park areas and lakes, providing extensive routes for cyclists and walkers.
Yes, the 7.3-mile paved trail around Lake Nokomis is wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, you can find numerous outdoor activities. There are many hiking opportunities, with routes like the Mississippi Gorge Trail loop and Langton Lake Park loop. For runners, options include the Franklin Avenue Bridge loop and various routes around Mill Ruins Park. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the View of the Minnesota River loop and routes around Theodore Wirth Regional Park. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, running guide, and MTB guide for Lauderdale.
Como Lake was originally a wetland that expanded with the development of the surrounding park. Recent efforts to improve water quality, including replacing invasive species with native plants, have significantly reduced algae blooms, making it a more pleasant spot for recreation.
Lake of the Isles is the centerpiece of a very popular park, offering a wide range of amenities. These include a fishing pier, soccer fields, and an ice skating rink. There are also separate paths for walking and biking, catering to different recreational preferences.
Yes, Loring Park, which features a lake, is known for being dog-friendly and includes a dedicated dog park area.
The St. Paul Grand Round is a historic concept from the late 19th century, envisioned as a continuous loop of 'parked' areas around the city. While the original plan evolved, it still connects various parks and lakes, allowing visitors to explore some of the city's best natural features.
Visitors frequently appreciate the accessibility of the green spaces and water bodies, which are suitable for both active pursuits and relaxed enjoyment. The integration of trails and recreational facilities within the park systems around the lakes is also highly valued by the community.
While specific fishing details for all lakes are not provided, Lake of the Isles features a fishing pier, indicating it's a popular spot for anglers.


Still not found your perfect lake around Lauderdale? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.