Best lakes around Lino Lakes offer a diverse range of natural water resources, with over 15 lakes located within the city boundaries. Many of these are integrated into the expansive Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, providing varied aquatic experiences. This area features lakes suitable for wildlife observation, fishing, and recreational activities. The natural landscape includes both tranquil habitats and active spots for visitors.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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Island Lake is home to Island Lake County Park and Island Lake playgrounds. With operating hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., the park offers plenty of car parking and a few spots for boat trailers. Visitors can enjoy a spacious playground, a play field with a backstop for recreational activities, a fishing pier for angling enthusiasts, a convenient boat launch, and shoreline areas perfect for fishing along the lake's edge.
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Island Lake is home to Island Lake County Park and Island Lake playgrounds. With operating hours from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., the park offers plenty of car parking and a few spots for boat trailers. Visitors can enjoy a spacious playground, a play field with a backstop for recreational activities, a fishing pier for angling enthusiasts, a convenient boat launch, and shoreline areas perfect for fishing along the lake's edge. Stop here on your ride for a place to sit down, photos, or a bathroom break.
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Matoska Park is a great little green park on the shore of White Bear Lake. The park has restrooms and picnic tables, as well as a great view of the water.
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Take your swimwear with you and enjoy cooling off after the hike. 😉
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Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park is a popular park for walkers and runners. There is a trail that runs up between East and West Vadnais Lake, so you get a great view of the water on both sides. The park also has a beach for swimming, picnic areas and restrooms.
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White Bear Lake is known as Bde Maṭo Ská by the Native Dakota people, and they were known for using the lake's island as a source for making Maple syrup. In his book "Life on the Mississippi" (1883) Mark Twain described the lake as such: "The White-bear Lake is less known. It is a lovely sheet of water, and is being utilized as a summer resort by the wealth and fashion of the State. It has its club-house, and its hotel, with the modern improvements and conveniences; its fine summer residences; and plenty of fishing, hunting, and pleasant drives. There are a dozen minor summer resorts around about St. Paul and Minneapolis, but the White-bear Lake is the resort."
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Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park consists of two lakes that are named West Vadnais Lake and East Vadnais Lake. There is a walking trail in between the two lakes that forms a loop around East Vadnais Lake (a short section leads along Vadnais Boulevard) and offers great views of the water.
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These two lakes make up part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. No watercrafts are allowed on these lakes and shoreline fishing is from permitted areas only.
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For fishing, Centerville Lake is a popular spot for Walleye and Bluegill, with other species like Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass also present. It's suitable for both summer and ice fishing. Peltier Lake offers Muskie, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, and various sunfish, with a public fishing pier. Reshanau Lake also has Northern Pike, Bluegill, and Crappie, with shore fishing available from a city park.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly amenities. Centerville Lake features a swimming beach within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. Island Lake is home to Island Lake County Park, which includes a spacious playground, play field, and picnic areas. White Bear Lake County Beach is another great option for families, offering a beach for swimming and ample parking.
Peltier Lake is an excellent choice for paddlers, serving as the starting point for the Rice Creek Water Trail, which extends for over 15 miles. The Wargo Nature Center on George Watch Lake also offers canoe and kayak rentals, making it easy to get out on the water.
The lakes in Lino Lakes are rich in natural features and wildlife. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve, encompassing many of these lakes, is crucial for native wildlife habitat. George Watch Lake is particularly noted for birdwatching, with American White Pelicans often seen in large flocks, especially in spring and early fall, near the Wargo Nature Center. Centerville Lake is also known for its significant native wildlife habitat.
Yes, the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve offers extensive biking and hiking trails. For running, you can explore routes like the Rice Creek North Regional Trail Loop. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Loop. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Lino Lakes and Cycling around Lino Lakes guides.
Many lakes offer convenient facilities. Centerville Lake and Peltier Lake both have public boat launches. Island Lake provides plenty of car parking and some spots for boat trailers, along with a fishing pier and boat launch. White Bear Lake County Beach has an ample parking lot, and Matoska Park on White Bear Lake offers restrooms and picnic tables.
Yes, swimming is possible at certain locations. Centerville Lake has a swimming beach within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. White Bear Lake County Beach is another popular spot for swimming and cooling off.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round. Spring and fall are excellent for birdwatching, especially at George Watch Lake. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing on lakes like Centerville Lake, which even has a winter aeration system to support fish populations.
Yes, on East & West Vadnais Lakes, which are part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, no watercrafts are allowed. This makes them ideal for quieter activities like walking and shoreline fishing from permitted areas.
The Wargo Nature Center, located on George Watch Lake, offers various educational programs focused on nature and wildlife, making it a great spot for learning about the local ecosystem.
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of activities available, from tranquil wildlife observation to active recreation. Many enjoy the extensive trail systems for walking and cycling, the opportunities for fishing, and the family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming beaches. The natural beauty and the chance to connect with nature are frequently highlighted.
Yes, Matoska Park on the shore of White Bear Lake offers a quiet green space with picnic tables and views of the water. Hidden Spring Park, abutting Centerville Lake, also provides walking paths and picnic areas with great sunset views, though it's not for swimming or boating.


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