Lakes around Dellwood, an affluent suburb of St. Paul, offer a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is characterized by its numerous lakes, providing diverse settings for outdoor activities. These bodies of water contribute to the region's landscape, ranging from large, activity-rich lakes to smaller, more secluded options. Dellwood's proximity to these lakes makes it a location for those seeking lakeside experiences.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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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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This small beach is popular spot for swimming during the warmer months. You'll also find a nice picnic area, a small boat launch, and restrooms.
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This beach with its ample parking lot make a great place to start the Mark Sather Trail which you can take to Bellaire Beach on the south side of White Bear Lake.
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Several lakes offer great options for families. White Bear Lake County Beach is a popular spot for swimming and serves as a starting point for trails. Matoska Park, also on White Bear Lake, provides restrooms, picnic tables, and scenic water views. Additionally, Bellaire Beach is a small beach popular for swimming with a picnic area and boat launch. The Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, encompassing East & West Vadnais Lakes, is also family-friendly with walking trails and picnic areas.
Dellwood and its surroundings offer numerous fishing opportunities. Bald Eagle Lake is known as a good fishing spot with species like Black Bullhead, Northern Pike, and Bluegill. The Long Lakes in Washington County, though smaller, also offer Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Northern Pike. Sunset Lake and Otter Lake are also listed as fishing spots, along with other smaller lakes like Mann Lake, Round Lake, Goose Lake, Lake Masterman, and Benz Lake.
Yes, White Bear Lake holds significant historical importance. It was historically a summer retreat for wealthy St. Paul residents, influencing Dellwood's development with grand summer homes. The White Bear Yacht Club, founded in 1889 by Dellwood pioneers, is a historic private club on the lake known for sailing regattas and social events. The Native Dakota people knew it as Bde Maṭo Ská and used its island for making maple syrup.
You can find various outdoor activities and trails. For cycling, explore routes like the Lake Links Trail or the Gateway State Trail – Lake Phalen loop. There are also easy bike loops around Bald Eagle Island and White Bear Lake. Running enthusiasts can enjoy trails such as the Dragonfly Loop or longer routes around White Bear Lake. For more details on these and other routes, check out the Cycling around Dellwood and Running Trails around Dellwood guides.
Yes, some lakes have specific restrictions. On East & West Vadnais Lakes, which are part of Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park, no watercrafts are allowed. Shoreline fishing is permitted in designated areas only on these lakes. For other lakes like White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake, boating is generally permitted, but it's always advisable to check local regulations for specific rules on watercraft and fishing permits.
While White Bear Lake and Bald Eagle Lake are larger and more active, the Long Lakes in Washington County, though smaller, can offer a more intimate setting for fishing and potentially quieter recreational experiences. Other smaller lakes like Sunset Lake, Mann Lake, Round Lake, Goose Lake, Lake Masterman, Benz Lake, and Otter Lake also provide opportunities for enjoying a serene lakeside environment.
Matoska Park on White Bear Lake is well-equipped with restrooms and picnic tables, offering a comfortable spot for lakeside enjoyment. Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park also features picnic areas and restrooms, along with a beach for swimming. Bellaire Beach offers a picnic area, a small boat launch, and restrooms.
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, White Bear Lake County Beach has an ample parking lot, making it a convenient starting point for trails and lake access. Many other public access points and parks around the lakes will also have designated parking facilities.
White Bear Lake is a popular choice for swimming, with White Bear Lake County Beach and Bellaire Beach offering designated swimming areas. The Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park also has a beach suitable for swimming.
Yes, White Bear Lake transforms into a popular spot for winter activities. It's well-known for ice fishing and snowmobiling during the colder months, offering year-round recreational opportunities.
The lakes and surrounding natural areas are home to various wildlife. Given the fishing opportunities, you can expect to see different fish species. Birdwatching is also popular, especially around lakes like Bald Eagle Lake, which is named for the majestic birds that frequent the area. The natural settings also support other local fauna typical of Minnesota's lake regions.
Many lakes offer scenic views. Matoska Park on White Bear Lake provides great views of the water. The name 'Sunset Lake' suggests scenic views, particularly during sunrise or sunset. Trails within Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park also offer excellent views of both East and West Vadnais Lakes.


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