Top 20 Lakes around Burnsville
Best lakes around Burnsville are situated in Minnesota, offering a variety of natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features numerous lakes that provide settings for outdoor activities. These bodies of water contribute to the area's natural appeal, drawing visitors seeking diverse experiences.
Best lakes around Burnsville
- The most popular lakes is Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake, a viewpoint that offers opportunities for observing water birds. It features a telescope for wildlife viewing and has been known for rare bird sightings.
- Another must-see spot is St. Paul Grand Round, a cycle way envisioned as a continuous loop around the city's parked areas. It connects various features, including lakes and the Mississippi River, offering a path to explore the city's natural and recreational spaces.
- Visitors also love Bridge over Bridge Pond, a bridge that spans a narrow stretch of water. This feature aids hikers in completing a loop around the surrounding lakes and provides views of the water.
- Burnsville is known for large recreational lakes, shallow wildlife habitats, and accessible paddling spots. These offer diverse environments for activities from boating to wildlife observation.
- The lakes around Burnsville are appreciated by the komoot community. The community has contributed 10 upvotes and 5 photos, showcasing the appeal of these natural areas.
Last updated: August 5, 2026
St. Paul Grand Round
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Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake
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Cleary Lake Regional Park
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CP Rail Regional Trail
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Bridge over Bridge Pond
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Tips from the Community
The CP Rail Regional Trail is a planned 21-mile regional corridor that will run from the Minnesota River in the south to the Bassett Creek Regional Trail in the north. The proposed alignment will connect to six regional trails: Nine Mile Creek, Cedar Lake LRT, North Cedar Lake, Luce Line, Bassett Creek, and Crystal Lake. Each of these trails, in turn, connects with many others. Here is a link to the CP Rail Trail Master Plan: https://www.threeriversparks.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/construction/03-21%20CP%20Rail%20Reg.%20Trail%20Master%20Plan%20DRAFT.pdf Since we recently moved to a home very near Hyland Lake Regional Park, Martha and I are looking forward to the completion of the final 1.5 miles of trail connecting the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail to the Minnesota River. We hope this trail, together with the many others it connects to, will help knit Minneapolis together as a community.
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Nice view over Black Dog Lake, not many birds out today
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This new version of the bridge is so nice, the old one was super warped.
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Stunning paved section of the trail. This is great for road cycling, and this part that passes through Hyland Park is particularly nice, especially in the fall.
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With a campground, trails, a golf course, swimming beach, and picnic area Cleary Lake is one of the most popular parks in the area. It's a year round destination and the trails go from hiking and biking trails in the summer to snowshoeing and XC skiing in the winter.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes in Burnsville offer a variety of recreational activities?
Crystal Lake is Burnsville's largest lake and a major hub for recreation, offering kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. It features a public beach, boat launch, and fishing pier. You can find more details about Crystal Lake on Burnsville's official website.
Are there lakes suitable for a more tranquil experience or wildlife viewing?
Yes, Keller Lake, located on the border of Burnsville and Apple Valley, offers a tranquil setting for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying nature. It's also designated for wildlife habitat. Earley Lake is another excellent choice for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot various birds and deer along its trail.
What are some family-friendly lakes around Burnsville?
Many lakes in the area are family-friendly. Crystal Lake has parks with playgrounds and picnic areas. Keller Lake Park offers a playground and paved trail. Earley Lake features Day Park with a playground and picnic shelter. Additionally, Jensen Lake in Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides a children's play area and shaded picnic spots, and Lake Marion has multiple parks with playgrounds and trails along its shores.
Where can I find accessible trails or viewpoints around Burnsville's lakes?
The Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake is wheelchair accessible and offers a great spot to observe water birds, complete with a telescope. Earley Lake features a 1.2-mile hard-surface walking path that encircles the lake, providing an accessible route for walks or jogs.
What kind of trails are available for outdoor activities near these lakes?
You'll find a variety of trails. Earley Lake has a 1.2-mile hard-surface path, and Lake Marion is encircled by bike trails. For more extensive options, you can explore numerous hiking routes around Burnsville, including the easy Sunset Pond trail, or check out road cycling routes and MTB trails in the wider area.
Are there opportunities for paddling or boating on Burnsville lakes?
Yes, Crystal Lake is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, with a public boat launch available. Keller Lake allows access for launching canoes from the City of Apple Valley park on its south shore. Earley Lake is also popular for paddling, and Lake Marion is a favored destination for kayakers and boaters.
Which lakes are good for fishing in Burnsville?
Crystal Lake is a significant draw for fishing, with species like Largemouth Bass and Sunfish. Keller Lake offers Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Pumpkinseed. Earley Lake is popular for fishing Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Bluegill.
What unique natural features or landmarks can I find around Burnsville's lakes?
The Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake provides a unique viewpoint for birdwatching. You can also find the Bridge over Bridge Pond, which spans a narrow stretch of water, offering scenic views and aiding hikers in completing loops around the surrounding lakes.
Can I find loop trails around the lakes in Burnsville?
Yes, Earley Lake features a 1.2-mile hard-surface path that encircles the lake. Lake Marion also has bike trails that encircle the entire lake, providing a nice loop for cycling or walking. Jensen Lake is known for its trails, including options for walking around the lake year-round.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Burnsville?
Visitors appreciate the diverse environments, from large recreational lakes to shallow wildlife habitats and accessible paddling spots. The komoot community particularly enjoys the viewpoints, like the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake, and the well-maintained trails that connect various natural and recreational spaces, such as the St. Paul Grand Round.
Are there any lakes with facilities like picnic areas or playgrounds?
Absolutely. Crystal Lake has parks like Crystal Beach Park and Crystal Lake West Park with picnic areas and playgrounds. Keller Lake Park offers a playground. Earley Lake's Day Park includes a playground and picnic shelter. Jensen Lake in Lebanon Hills Regional Park provides a large, shaded picnic area and a children's play area, along with public restrooms.
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