Top 20 Lakes around Eden Prairie
Best lakes around Eden Prairie offer diverse recreational opportunities and natural landscapes in Minnesota. The area features numerous lakes, providing settings for activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, and wildlife observation. Eden Prairie's natural environment includes a variety of lake types, from shallow waters known for wildlife to larger lakes with extensive park amenities. These lakes contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking accessible natural spaces.
Best lakes around Eden Prairie
- The most popular lakes is Staring Lake, a lake that features forested trails, a playground, and picnic areas. It is known for its walking path, fishing pier, and unique attractions like an archery range and disc golf course.
- Another must-see spot is Riley Lake Park, a lake with facilities including a sandy beach, playground, and boat ramp. Visitors can expect a wide array of amenities, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and a scenic trail with views of the water.
- Visitors also love Mitchell Lake, a lake known for its thriving wildlife and improved water quality. It is suitable for boating, fishing, and swimming, with a public fishing dock and boat launch available.
- Eden Prairie is known for shallow lakes, clear lakes, and lakes with extensive park facilities. The area offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those ideal for wildlife spotting to others with numerous recreational amenities.
- The lakes around Eden Prairie are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 20 upvotes and 4 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Carver Park Reserve Trail
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Staring Lake
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Riley Lake Park
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Bde Maka Ska
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Lake Harriet
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Tips from the Community
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!
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This secluded beach looks perfect for a summer break. Bring your swimsuit on your ride!
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What a nice new park, I'm guessing this was built or renovated recently.
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You might find a live music concert happening at this park in the summer, but it remains a great destination all year-round, music or not. Facilities here include a playground and picnic area, a fishing pier, a beach, the bandstand for performances of course, and a nice trail for running, walking and biking.
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Lake Riley is a freshwater lake is situated between Eden Prairie and Chanhassen in Minnesota and is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. Adjacent to the lake is Riley Lake Park. It is located on the eastern shore and features various amenities like a sandy beach, playground, boat ramp, and fishing pier.
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Carver Park is the perfect spot for river recreation on the Clackamas River. It sits where Clear Creek meets the Clackamas, just off Springwater Road in Carver. This expansive park is home to the Lowry Nature Center, Grimm Farm Historic Site, and King Waterbird Sanctuary, with opportunities to spot wildlife like trumpeter swans, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Open from 5 AM to 10 PM daily, the park's highlights are winding trails, interconnected lakes, and marshes, as well as a campground, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and a dog park, making it great for visiting year-round. Check out Monarch Singletrack Trail, which has over 14 miles of trails for all skill levels of off pavement riding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What activities can I do at the lakes in Eden Prairie?
The lakes in Eden Prairie offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, and disc golf at Staring Lake. Riley Lake Park is popular for boating, fishing, swimming, and features amenities like basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts. Mitchell Lake is great for boating, fishing, and swimming, while Bryant Lake also offers boating, swimming, and fishing along with extensive trails. Round Lake has a beach and playgrounds, and Anderson Lakes provide scenic trails for walking and running.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Eden Prairie?
Yes, several lakes in Eden Prairie are very family-friendly. Staring Lake features a playground, picnic areas, and a sledding hill in winter. Riley Lake Park has a sandy beach, a large playground, and covered pavilions. Round Lake also offers a beach and multiple playgrounds, making it a good option for families.
Which lakes are best for nature observation and wildlife spotting?
Mitchell Lake is particularly known for its thriving wildlife, including fish, turtles, osprey, and herons, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. Anderson Lakes Park Reserve also offers a natural setting with scenic trails, where you can observe local wildlife. Staring Lake also features nature trails where you can experience the local flora and fauna.
Can I swim in the lakes around Eden Prairie?
Yes, swimming is a popular activity at several lakes. Staring Lake, Riley Lake Park (with its sandy beach), Mitchell Lake, and Bryant Lake all offer opportunities for swimming during the warmer months.
Are there good fishing spots at the lakes in Eden Prairie?
Absolutely. Mitchell Lake is regularly stocked with various fish species and provides a public fishing dock and boat launch. Riley Lake Park also has a fishing pier. Bryant Lake is home to various fish species, including bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and muskie, making it a popular spot for anglers.
What winter activities are available at Eden Prairie lakes?
In winter, Staring Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with cross-country ski trails, ice skating rinks, and a 700-foot sledding hill. Riley Lake is also used for ice fishing, and Mitchell Lake is suitable for ice fishing and snowshoeing.
Are there hiking or running trails near the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer excellent trails. Staring Lake has beautiful forested trails, many of which are paved and circle the lake. Riley Lake Park features a scenic walking trail with views of the water. Bryant Lake Regional Park offers 4.4 miles of trails, and Anderson Lakes Park Reserve has 2.1 miles of paved and turf trails. You can find more running routes in the area, such as the Staring Lake Park Trail – Purgatory Creek Trail loop, by visiting the Running Trails around Eden Prairie guide.
What cycling opportunities are there around the lakes?
The lakes area provides various cycling options. Many trails around lakes like Staring Lake are suitable for biking. For more dedicated cycling routes, you can explore options like the Riley Lake Park – Minnesota River Bluffs Trail loop. Detailed routes can be found in the Cycling around Eden Prairie guide.
Which lakes are dog-friendly?
Anderson Lakes Park Reserve is noted as dog-friendly, offering scenic trails for you and your pet. While specific dog-friendly amenities vary, many of the parks surrounding the lakes allow leashed dogs on trails. Always check local regulations for specific areas.
Are there any lakes with improved water quality in Eden Prairie?
Yes, both Mitchell Lake and Bryant Lake have seen significant improvements in water quality. The Mitchell Lake Association actively works to maintain its water quality, which now meets or exceeds Minnesota's clean water standards. Bryant Lake has also shown improvement due to projects aimed at reducing phosphorus levels. Water quality in Anderson Lakes has also improved due to past control efforts.
Where can I find amenities like playgrounds, picnic areas, or restrooms near the lakes?
Staring Lake offers a playground, picnic areas, and restrooms. Riley Lake Park has a playground, picnic areas, and a large covered pavilion. Round Lake also features several playgrounds and a beach. Bryant Lake Regional Park provides picnic areas and a swimming beach.
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