Lake with Marshy Shoreline

Colby Lake Vacation Rentals

Breathe the fresh lakeside air and fish with your kids at the green lawns of Edgewater Park in Minnesota.

A Beautiful Woodbury Lake With a Trail That Circles the Whole Shoreline

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Luxury rentals

Family-friendly

Why Rent On Colby Lake

Colby Lake in Woodbury, Minnesota offers a natural and welcoming lakeside experience within the eastern Twin Cities metro, surrounded by dense woodland and encircled by a paved walking and biking trail that stays close to the water’s edge. Edgewater Park on the southern shore adds a fishing dock, playground, sports courts, and picnic shelters. For families who want a lake experience close to home, Colby Lake is one of the metro area’s most pleasant and accessible options.

Trails, Fishing, and Edgewater Park

The paved loop trail around the lake is well-maintained and genuinely lovely, following the wooded shoreline in a way that makes it feel more like a state park trail than a suburban path. The lake holds a solid panfish population, and the fishing dock at Edgewater Park gives young anglers easy, safe access to the water. Jogging, biking, and leisurely walking are all part of the daily rhythm for guests staying nearby.

Woodbury: Parks, Community, and Central Park

Central Park in Woodbury serves as a vibrant community hub with indoor facilities including a climate-controlled environment, an indoor playground, and rotating art displays that give the destination a cultural dimension beyond the lakeside setting. The Woodbury Veterans Memorial is a meaningful and well-designed landmark worth a quiet visit.

Why a Rental Near Colby Lake Is a Smart Choice

Vacation rentals and comfortable homes near Colby Lake give Twin Cities families a lakeside base with lake views, full kitchens, private outdoor space, and the kind of peaceful, wooded atmosphere that a hotel in the area cannot provide. The lake’s accessibility within the metro makes it a natural choice for a long weekend stay, particularly for families with younger children who benefit from the security of a comfortable home rather than a hotel room. Pet-friendly rentals are available in the Woodbury area. For metro-area families who want a real lake experience without a long drive, Colby Lake delivers consistently.

Best time to go
Visit Colby Lake from late June to mid-August, when golden sun glistens on pristine waters, inviting kayaking and serene fishing. Embrace leisurely afternoons beneath gentle breezes, free from the summer crowds, as you relish nature's tranquil embrace.
Water Quality
Colby Lake's water exhibits a jade hue, often appearing milky turquoise due to frequent algal blooms. The water clarity is typically murky, with conditions ranging from cloudy to opaque, making it unsuitable for swimming or wading.
Surface area (mi)
321.87
Max depth (ft)
10.99
Elevation (ft)
1440.29

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Freshwater Fishing
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Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Colby Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • No, swimming is not allowed in Colby Lake. The rules and regulations provided are for specific pool facilities such as the Colby Lake Swim & Tennis Club, not the lake itself.

  • Colby Lake is a popular destination because of its scenic setting and various recreational activities. It offers a public beach, picnic areas, and swimming spots, as well as a DEC boat launch with a 10hp motor limit, making it ideal for paddling and fishing. The lake is also home to wildlife like Common Loons and Bald Eagles.

  • There are specific fishing regulations for Colby Lake in Woodbury, Minnesota. Fish consumption guidelines limit eating crappie and northern pike to once per week due to mercury levels. The lake is managed by the Fishing in the Neighborhood program, and additional regulations may be found through local fishing reports and Minnesota DNR resources.

  • There is a public beach and a boat launch on Lake Colby. The boat launch, operated by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, is located off Route 86 across from the Adirondack Medical Center. The beach offers picnic and swimming areas.

  • Towns near Colby Lake, which is in the vicinity of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, include Waterville, Oakland, and Winslow. These towns are all located in central Maine and are relatively close to the college and the lake. Waterville is the closest, as it is the city where Colby College is situated.