Top 17 Lakes around Prior Lake
Best lakes around Prior Lake, Minnesota, offers a diverse range of water bodies for recreation. The area features interconnected lakes such as Upper Prior Lake, Lower Prior Lake, and Spring Lake, which collectively form a significant aquatic landscape in the southern metropolitan area. These lakes provide opportunities for various water activities and are surrounded by natural beauty. The region is known for its fishing, water sports, and trails.
Best lakes around Prior Lake
- The most popular lakes is Staring Lake, a lake with beautiful forested trails, most paved, that circle the lake. Toilets, water, and picnic tables are available. This point brings visitors up close to Staring Lake, offering a unique perspective on its natural splendor.
- Another must-see spot is Cleary Lake Regional Park, a lake with a campground, trails, a golf course, swimming beach, and picnic area. It is a year-round destination with trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
- Visitors also love Hanrehan Lake, a lake with trails running parallel to it. It is a calm spot to enjoy a hike, as it is not popular for boating or fishing.
- Prior Lake is known for large recreational lakes, quieter natural lakes, and regional park lakes. These offer diverse experiences, from active water sports to tranquil natural settings.
- The lakes around Prior Lake are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 16 upvotes and 9 photos shared.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Staring Lake
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CP Rail Regional Trail
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Cleary Lake Regional Park
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Rocks to sit on and overlook the lake
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Hanrehan Lake
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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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There are three Komoot highlights called “rocks to sit on” in Doyle Kennefick Regional Park. Feeling a bit sorry for these highlights with such a plain name, I let my imagination wander as I gazed at and sat on them. Because each of these highlights is situated at an elevation in an open area, I compared them to small versions of the Neolithic henges scattered across the British Isles. The idea of Neolithic henges naturally made me think of Stonehenge, which then reminded me of a scene from Thomas Hardy’s novel *Tess of the D’Urbervilles*, which I read in high school. The protagonist, Tess, is fleeing the law across the barren Salisbury Plain. She stumbles upon the massive stones of Stonehenge and, exhausted, lies down on a large, flat stone to sleep, only to wake up in the morning surrounded by police. Now, back to reality, the stones of Doyle and Kennefick are not large enough to lie on for a nap, but given their placement in an open area, they offer a peaceful view of the surrounding parklands. What thoughts come to your mind as you look upon these curious rocks arranged in a row?
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Although this spot offers a close-up view of Staring Lake, if you continue along the Staring Lake Trail around the shoreline, you’ll discover several more viewpoints, especially on the northwest side of the lake.
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This secluded beach looks perfect for a summer break. Bring your swimsuit on your ride!
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Enjoy a rock to sit on and overlook the lake
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No boat access, but the views of it are nice when you are on the hiking trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary lakes in the Prior Lake area?
The main lakes in the Prior Lake area are Upper Prior Lake, Lower Prior Lake, and Spring Lake. Upper and Lower Prior Lake are interconnected and form the largest lake in the southern metropolitan area, offering extensive recreational opportunities. Spring Lake, connected to Upper Prior Lake, provides a quieter, more rural experience.
Are there good places for swimming and relaxing by the water?
Yes, visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Sand Point Beach and Watzls Beach, both located on Lower Prior Lake. Additionally, Cleary Lake Regional Park also features a swimming beach, making it a popular year-round destination.
What kind of water sports and activities are popular on the lakes?
The lakes are incredibly popular for a wide range of water sports, including boating, water skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Fishing is also a renowned activity, with species like walleye, largemouth bass, and bluegills. In winter, the lakes are used for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Are there trails for hiking or cycling near the lakes?
Yes, there are many trails. For hiking, you can explore options like the Spring Lake Regional Trail or the Murphy Hanrehan Park Loop. For cycling, routes around Cleary Lake Regional Park are popular. You can find more details on these activities in the easy hikes, cycling, and MTB trails guides around Prior Lake.
Which lakes are best for a quiet, natural experience?
If you're looking for a quieter experience, Spring Lake is known for its more rural character and less traffic compared to the bustling Prior Lake. Hanrehan Lake is also a calm spot, not popular for boating or fishing, making it ideal for a peaceful hike along its parallel trails.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes?
Absolutely. Many areas are family-friendly, including Staring Lake with its paved trails, toilets, and picnic tables. Cleary Lake Regional Park offers a campground, swimming beach, and picnic areas, making it a great choice for families.
What are the regulations for boating on Prior Lake?
Both Upper and Lower Prior Lake have a permanent 150-foot slow no-wake zone around their entire shorelines. A 40 mph speed limit is enforced from sunrise to half an hour after sunset on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Where can I access the lakes with a boat?
Public access points are available for boating. On Lower Prior Lake, you can use the Sandpoint Boat Launch, and on Upper Prior Lake, the Dewitte Public Access facilitates easy entry. West Bush Lake Park also has multiple boat launches around its perimeter, though it has a 6 hp max restriction on boat motors.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?
The natural areas around the lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. While specific species are not detailed, the lush landscapes and tranquil settings of lakes like Spring Lake and Hanrehan Lake suggest a diverse ecosystem where you might spot various birds and small animals.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots to enjoy the lake scenery?
Yes, there are several scenic spots. Staring Lake offers beautiful forested trails that circle the lake, providing unique perspectives. You can also find spots like Rocks to sit on and overlook the lake in Doyle Kennefick Regional Park, which offer peaceful views of the surrounding parklands.
What winter activities are available on the lakes?
In the colder months, the lakes transform into a hub for winter activities. Ice fishing is popular, and snowmobiling is also a common pastime, with the Scott County Snowmobile Trail providing access to the area.
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