Top 20 Lakes around Savage

Several lakes near Savage offer great options for families. Staring Lake features paved trails, toilets, water, and picnic tables. Cleary Lake Regional Park is a popular year-round destination with a swimming beach, picnic areas, and trails. Lake Marion also has multiple parks along its shores with playgrounds and picnic tables.

Yes, many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. Staring Lake has beautiful forested trails, mostly paved, that circle the lake. Cleary Lake Regional Park provides extensive hiking and biking trails. Additionally, Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve, which contains two unnamed lakes, offers 10 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can find more routes in the Running Trails around Savage guide.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with a telescope available to view water birds. The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge, near the Minnesota River, is also popular for birdwatching, where herons and egrets are often seen. Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve is designated an 'Important Bird Area' by the National Audubon Society, offering diverse habitats for various species.

Many lakes transform into winter recreation spots. Cleary Lake Regional Park is a year-round destination where summer trails become routes for ice skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing in winter.

Yes, several lakes are well-equipped. Staring Lake provides toilets, water, and picnic tables. Cleary Lake Regional Park has picnic areas and a campground. McColl Pond also features a picnic area with grills and a playground.

Fishing is a popular activity in the area. McColl Pond is a 22-acre pond stocked with bluegill, black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, and it includes a fishing dock. Lake Marion is also a popular destination for anglers.

While there is a geographical feature identified as 'Savage Lake,' it is primarily a 27-acre wetland and watershed, not a recreational lake in the traditional sense. For recreational activities, focus on other lakes in the region like Cleary Lake or McColl Pond.

Absolutely. Cleary Lake Regional Park offers biking trails in the summer. Lake Marion has bike trails that encircle the entire lake. Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve also provides mountain biking trails. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Savage guide.

Yes, the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake is wheelchair accessible, offering a great spot to observe water birds with a telescope.

While specific cafes directly on the lake shores are limited, Lake Marion's Antlers Park on the southeast side has an offshoot of Lakeville Brewing Company, offering ice cream, food, beer, and drinks. For a wider selection, you'll find various options in the nearby Savage community.

Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and fishing to hiking and birdwatching. The natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly amenities like picnic areas and playgrounds are frequently highlighted. The ability to enjoy activities year-round, including winter sports, also adds to the appeal.

Yes, Cleary Lake Regional Park includes an off-leash dog park, making it a great option for visitors with pets. Murphy Hanrehan Park Reserve also features a dog park.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and warm-weather hiking. Fall offers beautiful foliage for scenic walks. Winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Spring is excellent for birdwatching as migratory birds return.