5 Lakes In Minnesota That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

Minnesota is home to over 10,000 lakes. When winter hits, and the temperatures plummet, many of those lakes freeze over, opening up a whole new world for winter activities. Of course, there is ice fishing, but there are also many other fun things Minnesotans like to do on frozen lakes. Minnesota has everything from ice skating to ice boating to darkhouse ice spearing. Read on for five lakes in Minnesota that completely freeze over in the winter.

Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is located in far northern Minnesota and ventures into Canada. This large lake is over 1,700 square miles. It’s one of the largest lakes in North America, behind the Great Lakes. Lake of the Woods is a prime spot for winter sports and ice fishing. The area offers plenty of hotels, resorts, hotels, cabins, and even sleeper fish houses right on the lake.

Anglers come to Lake of the Woods for the walleye, which can grow between 15 to 20 inches long. For a unique experience, Zippel Bay Resort erects an igloo bar every winter in the middle of the frozen lake. Although it’s not actually an igloo, it’s built to look like one and offers soup, sandwiches, pizza, beer, and mixed drinks.

Mille Lacs Lake

 Located in central Minnesota, Mille Lacs Lake is about 75 miles north of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. At 207 square miles, it is one of the largest lakes in the state. It’s also considered one of the best fishing lakes in Minnesota. The depth ranges from about 20 to 38 feet, with a maximum depth of 42 feet. 

Angles come to the frozen lake to catch walleye, pike, and panfish. Darkhouse spearing is also popular on the lake. This involves cutting a hole in the ice until you reach the water, placing a darkhouse around the hole to block out all outside light, and waiting. With this method, you can easily fish swimming past all the way to the bottom of the lake. Other winter activities on the lake include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kiteboarding.

Lake of the Isles

In Minneapolis, Lake of the Isles is a popular city lake. In warm weather, people enjoy picnicking, biking, or taking a walk along its picturesque nature trails. The 109-acre lake is part of Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes. It has nearly three miles of shoreline and three miles of paved paths for walkers and bikers.

When the lake completely freezes over in the winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and cross-country skiing trails. One night in February, Luminary Loppet is held on the lake. On this magical night, 1,200 luminaries light the trails. The Luminary Loppet is part of the city’s Winter Festival, which includes races and tournaments all on the surface of the frozen lake.

Lake Kabetogama

Located in Voyageurs National Park, Lake Kabetogama has a surface area of 40 square miles, a maximum depth of over 80 feet, 78 miles of shoreline, and 200 islands. This beautiful and remote lake offers boating, camping, paddling, and fishing during the summer. In the winter, this massive lake completely freezes over, opening up a whole new world of winter activities.

A unique experience at Lake Kabetogama is taking an icy drive across the surface. Once the lake is frozen more than 12 inches deep, the park allows travel across temporary roadways. Other than the ice roads, visitors can ice fish, snowshoe, ice skate, and snowmobile across the icy lake.

Lake Superior

The Great Lake, Lake Superior typically freezes but is not usually frozen from shore to shore. However, that’s not to say it’s never happened. In 1996, Lake Superior was 100% frozen over. It came close to freezing completely in 2003 when it was around 90% frozen. 

Anglers come to the frozen shores of Lake Superior to fish for lake trout. As the water freezes, you will begin to see icehouses appearing all along the frozen surface. Something else to do along the frozen lake is to view the stunning ice structures that form from the frozen waterfalls along the shore. For example, in Tettegouche State Park, a two-mile hike will take you to a 70-foot wall of ice cascading down the cliffs. Or head to Cascade River State Park and see the Cascade Falls waterfall completely frozen.

Summary of Five Lakes In Minnesota That Completely Freeze Over in the Winter

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