While having a short summer season to enjoy boating, Minnesota still stands out as a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Dubbed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota registered a staggering 143.6 boats per 1,000 residents in 2022, more than any other U.S. state.
In 2023, recreational boating in the state generated an impressive $6.9 billion in economic impact, supporting over 25,000 jobs and more than 700 marine-related businesses. That same year, boating and fishing contributed $1.1 billion to Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy, which added $13.5 billion—or 2.8% of the state’s GDP.
The boating industry has seen huge growth—up 155% in economic impact since 2018—making Minnesota one of the country’s top ten states for recreational boating. Between domestic manufacturing (from brands like Alumacraft, Lund, Crestliner and Wenonah), boat sales, rentals, and tourism, Minnesota’s thriving boating culture supports vibrant local recreational life and substantial economic activity. This blend of natural abundance and industry muscle puts Minnesota at the forefront of America’s boating landscape.
About this Report
This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating locations in Minnesota.
It contains proprietary data for each city, including the most desired vessel style for renters and the number of vessels available on the platform. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and the overall boating experience they offer.
Minnesota’s Top Boating Locations for 2025
1. Lake Minnetonka
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoons
Number of Vessels Available: 67
Unsurprisingly, at the top of the list sits Lake Minnetonka, a gem just 20 minutes west of the Twin Cities. The 9th largest lake in the state boasts over 125 miles of shoreline and is home to dozens of bays and coves, making it ideal for cruising with friends and family. It’s popular for fishing, sailing, and water sports, including wakeboarding, wake surfing, and tubing. For boat parties, find other boaters at local iconic spots like Big Island or Excelsior Bay to enjoy waterfront restaurants. There are over 30 channels that connect the various bays of the lake, so having a map onboard is crucial to avoid getting lost in the vast expanse of the lake.
2. White Bear Lake
Most Popular Style of Boat: Pontoon
Number of Vessels Available: 8
White Bear Lake, located in Ramsey and Washington counties of Minnesota, is ideal for recreational boating due to its size, location, and the overall ecosystem of the water. The lake spans approximately 2,400 acres with over 13 miles of shoreline, providing plenty of space for boating activities such as sailing, powerboating, kayaking, and fishing. With an average depth of 20 feet and a maximum depth exceeding 80 feet, the lake supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem and maintains sufficient water levels for navigation during peak boating seasons.
Public access is well-supported by multiple boat launches, marinas, and rental facilities. Additionally, White Bear Lake's proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area enhances its accessibility and popularity.
3. Prior Lake
Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats
Number of Vessels Available: 24
Prior Lake is a top boating destination in Minnesota thanks to its expanse of waterways, top-tier amenities, and strong water-safety infrastructure. Stretching over approximately 1,340 acres across Upper and Lower Prior Lake, boaters enjoy ample room for everything from leisurely pontoon cruises to wakeboarding and water skiing. The city offers well-maintained public access points, including ramped launches at Sand Point Beach and DeWitt.
Prior Lake’s boating regulations are crucial to know before heading out onto the water: daytime speed limits reach 40 mph on weekends and holidays (Memorial Day through Labor Day), while strict 150-foot no-wake zones around shorelines and 20 mph nighttime limits promote responsible boating behavior. With healthy fish populations, scenic beaches, and strong community resources, Prior Lake combines natural beauty, practical infrastructure, and a boating-friendly culture, making it fantastic for water recreation.
4. Nisswa
Most Popular Style of Boat: Fishing Boats
Number of Vessels Available: 24
A small town in the middle of lake country in north central Minnesota, Nisswa is a paradise in the summer months for people looking to unplug in nature, cruise serene waterways, and enjoy beautiful surroundings. It is within the 13,000-acre Gull Lake Chain, a popular chain of lakes within the greater Brainerd community, offering fantastic fishing and recreational boating. At approximately 219 acres and with 3 miles of shoreline, Nisswa Lake offers boaters plenty of space for cruising, paddling, and fishing. The chain of lakes is ideal for relaxing pontoon rides and exhilarating wakeboard sessions. Multiple public boat launches—including ramps at Clark Lake and Edna Lake Road—are well-maintained and capable of handling most boats, from small fishing craft to ski boats. With its picturesque setting, Nisswa stands out as an exceptional community for boating during a Minnesota summer.
5. Crosslake
Most Popular Style of Boat:
Number of Vessels Available:
Crosslake, perched on the eastern shore of Minnesota’s renowned Whitefish Chain of Lakes, is a top-tier boating destination thanks to its vast, interconnected waterways and first-class amenities. The Whitefish Chain comprises 14 lakes spanning over 14,272 acres with nearly 119 miles of shoreline, offering boaters ample space to cruise from Cross Lake into a never-ending network of bays and islands. With several well-equipped public launches—including those at the Corps of Engineers recreation area and Bait Box Marina—plus numerous marinas, boat rentals (pontoons, wakeboats, fishing boats), fuel docks, and seasonal slips, Crosslake makes boating both accessible and seamless.
In Summary
With over 10,000 lakes and many more waterways, more registered boats per capita than any other state, and strong boating safety regulations, Minnesota is one of the best havens for boaters looking to make the most of the summer months. From the waters of Lake Minnetonka to lakes far north along the Canadian border, there are endless opportunities for fun on the water across Minnesota.
About Getmyboat
Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.
Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.
By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon , and everything in between.
Citing this Report
Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for stories.
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