I was born and raised in the land of 10,000 lakes, so I’ve seen my fair share over the years. But, there’s one that’s making national headlines, and it will truly take your breath away. As a kid, I even bathed in it while camping. Trust me, that’s not something you can say about every lake in this state. (Looking at you, Cascade Lake…)When you think about the clearest lakes in the US, a few famous names usually come to mind. I immediately think Lake Tahoe, or the jaw-dropping Crater Lake in Oregon, or ev...
I was born and raised in the land of 10,000 lakes, so I’ve seen my fair share over the years. But, there’s one that’s making national headlines, and it will truly take your breath away. As a kid, I even bathed in it while camping. Trust me, that’s not something you can say about every lake in this state. (Looking at you, Cascade Lake…)
When you think about the clearest lakes in the US, a few famous names usually come to mind. I immediately think Lake Tahoe, or the jaw-dropping Crater Lake in Oregon, or even Lake George in New York. These are the spots known worldwide for their crystal-blue waters and postcard-worthy scenery.
But here’s the fun twist - one Minnesota lake has earned a spot on the same list as those big names.
One of the Clearest Lakes in America is Right Here in Minnesota:
When you Google this lake, you'll see things like "a hidden gem, the Caribbean of the North, and the Lake of Changing Colors.” And once you see it, you’ll understand why.
On a bright summer day, the water shines crystal blue, but as the sun dips lower, it can shimmer into unexpected shades of red, purple, orange, and pink.
The Boutique Adventurer says Deer Lake in Itasca County is one of the clearest in America. What makes it so clear? The secret is how it’s fed - mostly by rainfall, underground springs, and surface springs - keeping the water pristine, clean, and stunningly transparent.
And, it isn’t just a pretty face, either. Stretching about five miles long, a mile and a half wide, and reaching depths of 121 feet, it’s a playground for anyone who loves the outdoors.
You can fish for muskie and bass, paddle across the calm surface in a canoe or kayak, or sit quietly on shore watching loons call to each other. There's something so magical about the loon calls though, seriously.
So next time you’re looking for a getaway that feels a little less Midwest and a little more Caribbean, you might not have to travel as far as you think. I don't know about you, but I'm craving a little trip up North!
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26 Funny, Quirky, and Weird Minnesota Lake Names
With over 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is bound to have some lakes with odd names. With dozens of lakes with names like Mud Lake, Long Lake, Rice Lake, or Bass Lake, here are some less common and more interesting lake names in the state.
I'll admit, I am certain there are many funny or quirky lake names I missed, but here are some that I did find amusing.