Lakes
"A lake is the landscape's most beautiful and expressive feature. It is earth's eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature."
-- Henry David Thoreau
Lake Topics
Ice Ridges:
Property owners occasionally return to their cabins in the spring only to discover they are dealing with property damage caused by a phenomenon called "ice heaving" or "ice jacking". This powerful natural force forms a feature along the shoreline known as an "ice ridge". The result may include significant damage to retaining walls, docks and boat lifts, and sometimes even to the cabin itself. More on ice ridges ...
DNR Programs Related to Lakes
Frequently Asked Questions About Lakes
Facts About Minnesota's Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands
Lake Recreation Information
- Water Recreation - boating, canoeing, water access and more
- Minnesota Fishing - species information, seasons, licenses
- Boating and Water Recreation Regulations - boating guide, watercraft registration
Lake Resource Information
- LakeFinder - assorted data for more than 4,500 lakes and rivers throughout Minnesota
- Lake Level Minnesota - volunteer lake level monitoring program
- Shoreland Management - resources for managing shoreland
- Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program - federal/state partnership dedicated to the comprehensive management of coastal resources
- A Guide for Buying and Managing Shoreland - evaluating shoreland property for purchase, sustaining shoreland ecosystems
- Water Quality Data and Conditions - from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Regional Water Clarity Finder - from University of Minnesota, College of Natural Resources
- Past Public Service Announcements about lake ownership topics
Lake Regulation Information
- Shoreland Rules Update Project - updating the minimum shoreland standards
- Do I Need a Permit? - lakeshore related permit information
- Docks - issues related to docks including dock platform general permit
- Aquatic Plant Management Program - aquatic plant guide and aquatic plant control permitting process
- Shoreline Alteration Information Sheets - beach sand blankets, riprap, ice ridges, docks and floating structures, boat ramps, temporary bridges and low-water ford crossings
- Lake Outlet Dams - maintenance, history, changing runout elevations
- Lake Shoreland Classification Definitions - development standards differ for different types of lakes