September 5, 2024

Best Boating Lakes in Minnesota & Boat Lift Tips for MN Climate 

Written by ShoreMaster Marketing

Lake Life in MN: Best Boating Lakes in Minnesota and Boat Lift Tips for Minnesota’s Changing Climate

Contrary to popular belief, calling Minnesota the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is actually an understatement, with some estimates ranging from 11,842 to upwards of 14,000, depending on who you ask (MN DNR, n.d.). What’s indisputable, however, is that the state is paradise on earth for boating enthusiasts. With its pristine waters, stunning scenery, and abundant recreational opportunities, Minnesota offers an unparalleled lake life experience. 

Below, explore the North Star State’s top boating destinations and provide tips for navigating Minnesota’s changing climate to protect your vessel year-round. 

Discover the Best Boating Lakes in Minnesota  

Minnesota’s vast array of lakes presents endless opportunities for boating excursions. Each lake has its unique charm and recreational offerings, from fishing and kayaking to cruising around the state’s stunning mix of rolling hills and dramatic cliffs. 

The lifestyle options surrounding Minnesota’s popular destinations are equally diverse and vibrant. Walk around the charming small towns and communities, and you'll be spoiled for choice of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Meanwhile, state parks and nature reserves around the lakes, such as Itasca State Park and Voyageurs National Park, offer extensive hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. 

The combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and community spirit creates a unique and fulfilling boating destination, always encouraging you to stay just a little bit longer. 

Top Lakes in Minnesota for Boating Adventures  

While no listicle can do justice to the state’s recreational boating offerings, here’s one to help get your Minnesota adventure started:

• Lake Minnetonka: As the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro area, Minnetonka offers a vibrant atmosphere, combining its numerous bays and channels with a mix of luxury homes, bustling marinas, and charming waterfront towns. Once you’re off the boat, there are plenty of restaurants, parks, and trails to fill your itinerary — whether you’re in for a day trip or an extended holiday. 
• Gull Lake: Situated near Brainerd, Gull Lake complements its clear waters and scenic beauty with excellent fishing opportunities, watersports, and plenty of spots to anchor and enjoy the natural surroundings. The lake is also home to several resorts and marinas, making it a convenient boating getaway for enthusiasts and their loved ones. 
• Leech Lake: Located in northern Minnesota, Leech Lake is known for its excellent walleye, musky, and pike populations. For non-anglers, the lake is also a great spot for sailing and watersports. And, being the third-largest lake in Minnesota, there’s plenty of space to explore or anchor without feeling crowded. 

Truthfully, you really can’t go wrong whether you start your Minnesota exploration with the short list above or set your GPS towards other places like Lake Vermilion, Bde Maka Ska, or Mille Lacs Lake. Minnesota is considered a boater’s paradise for a reason, where launching your watercraft ensures a day well spent. 

Understanding Minnesota’s Changing Climate  

Minnesota’s climate has been undergoing significant changes over the past decades. Here’s a glimpse into how this is impacting the state’s boating activities:

• Warmer Temperatures: The average July to August surface water temperatures in Minnesota's lakes are 3.0–3.9 °F higher than what it was 50 years ago (MN PCA, n.d.). While this can extend the boating season, warmer waters also lead to more frequent and intense algae blooms. This can affect water quality and make some lakes less appealing for recreational activities. 
• Increased Precipitation: More frequent heavy rainfall events lead to higher water levels and flooding. This can disrupt boating activities and damage infrastructure like St. Croix River boat docks and ramps. 
• Shifting Fish Populations: According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, warmer water temperatures can also lead to declines in cold-water species and more warm-water species like sunfish, northern, pike, and central mud minnows.  

These changes and their effects on recreational activities can have significant economic implications for local communities that rely heavily on tourism and outdoor recreation. 

Essential Boat Lift Tips for Minnesota’s Climate  

To keep enjoying the spoils of Minnesota’s boating scene, you need a reliable boat lift system. Here are some tips to keep your lift in top condition year-round:

• Regular maintenance: Inspect the lift for any signs of wear and tear, paying close attention to the winch cable and pulleys. Every month or so, check the cables for frayed, flat, or rusted spots, as these are potential points of failure. While winch cables usually have a lifespan of five years, you want to change them before they break. Meanwhile, pulleys make a distinctive screeching sound when they start to wear out, so keep an ear out for that. 
• Weather preparedness: Stay updated with weather forecasts and use proper tie-downs and covers to protect against high winds and storms. Consider investing in a boat lift canopy for added protection. 
• Seasonal care: ShoreMaster vertical lifts and boat lifts Grand Rapids MN have minimal requirements, even during winter. While some may suggest a plastic cover for the motor, that tends to trap moisture and cause potential damage. Instead, we recommend storing the boat lift motor and the battery in a warm storage area, keeping the battery on trickle charge over the winter. 

Alternatively, you can leave the battery on the lift hooked up to a solar panel, ensuring the wires are covered to prevent corrosion from the snow. If your system doesn’t have a boat lift motor and battery, your hoist can sit out as is. However, if your waterfront freezes over, you should remove your boat lift for the winter. You can get wheel kits from boat lift Park Rapid MN to easily roll the hoist out of the water. 

For more information on boat lift maintenance winterizing your dock system, contact your local ShoreMaster dealer. 

Maximize Your Lake Life Experience in Minnesota  

To make the most of your lake life experience, consider the following:

• Explore new lakes: While it’s easy to fall in love with any of Minnesota’s lakes, you’ll be surprised by how much wonder you can discover by exploring other areas. This allows you to uncover new routes, fishing spots, and ultimately, the best experiences. 
• Join boating communities: Engage with local boating communities and clubs. These groups offer valuable resources, vibrant social events, and infinite opportunities to learn from experienced boaters and Minnesota lifers.  
• Invest in quality equipment: When you’re not out enjoying Minnesota’s lakes, your boat should always be protected. With a ShoreMaster boat lift, you can rest assured that your boat is safe, secure, and always ready to perform. 

Contact us today to find a local ShoreMaster dealer near you, or visit the ShoreMaster find a dealer page and enter your ZIP or postal code. You’ll see a list of dealers closest to your area, including contact information and driving directions.  

References: 

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (n.d.) Lakes, rivers, and wetlands facts. Retrieved from Lakes, rivers, and wetlands facts | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (n.d.). Climate change impacting Minnesota lakes. Retrieved from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/cc-wq2-1.pdf