Minneapolis's Backyard Lake Is Closer, Cleaner, and More Rewarding Than You Think
Why Rent On Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake covers 902 acres just outside Minneapolis in Plymouth, Minnesota, and represents one of the most accessible quality lake experiences in the entire Twin Cities region. Close enough to the city for a spontaneous afternoon but characterful enough to anchor a full long weekend, Medicine Lake rewards families who want genuine water access without leaving the metro. A vacation rental or comfortable home near Medicine Lake gives you the best of both worlds.
Boating, Fishing, and Renovated Lakeside Parks
Boating, fishing, and swimming are the primary lakeside activities, and East and West Medicine Lake Parks, recently renovated with new playgrounds, adaptive swings, and generous picnic and relaxation space, give families excellent shoreline access. Clifton E. French Regional Park and the General Mills Nature Research Area nearby offer additional hiking and nature exploration for guests who want to move through the landscape on foot.
Cycling Routes and the Minneapolis Cultural Scene
The Midtown Greenway and the Luce Line Trail provide extensive cycling routes that connect the lake area to urban Minneapolis, making it genuinely easy to ride into the city for a museum visit or a waterfall walk. Minnehaha Park, with its stunning 15-meter waterfall and limestone cliffs, is one of the most beloved natural landmarks in the Twin Cities and is a short trip away. The Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offer world-class cultural experiences for guests who want a day of art between lake days.
Why a Rental Near Medicine Lake Delivers
Vacation homes and rentals near Medicine Lake give families a genuinely comfortable lakeside base with full kitchens, outdoor living space, lake views, and the kind of residential comfort that a hotel in the area cannot match. The lake’s metro location means that dining, shopping, and cultural attractions are never more than a short drive away. Pet-friendly rentals are available. For Twin Cities families who want a lake vacation without leaving the metro, Medicine Lake consistently delivers the right combination of natural beauty and urban accessibility.
- Surface area (mi)
- 2.3
- Max depth (ft)
- 48.88
- Elevation (ft)
- 898.95
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 5
Popular activities
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ice Skating
- Cross-country Skiing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Medicine Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed in Medicine Lake, but it depends on the location. At the Medicine Lake in Modoc National Forest, swimming is permitted in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. However, at the Medicine Lake in Minnesota, swimming can be restricted due to high nutrient levels and algae growth.
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Medicine Lake is a popular destination because it offers a 902-acre body of water for boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is surrounded by parks and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. West Medicine Lake Park and Clifton E. French Regional Park add to the attractions with amenities like fishing piers, beaches, and hiking trails.
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The daily catch limits for bluegill and black crappie in Medicine Lake, Minnesota, are 10 bluegill and 5 black crappie per day. These limits are part of new special regulations applied to several lakes in the area, including Clearwater Lake and Maple Lake, which also have the same daily limits for these species.
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The beach at Medicine Lake in Maple Grove, MN, within French Regional Park, is best for families. It has a large shallow section and a sandy lake bottom, making it ideal for youngsters to swim and play. The area is also well-maintained with amenities like picnic shelters and playgrounds.
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Towns near Medicine Lake include Plymouth, Golden Valley, New Hope, Saint Louis Park, Crystal, and Hopkins. These towns are all located in the same general area and are fed by the same drainage system as Medicine Lake. They are part of the larger Minneapolis metropolitan area.
