Best Snorkeling Locations in Minnesota for Freshwater Fun

Minnesota offers surprising freshwater snorkeling immersions that rival tropical destinations. You'll find crystal-clear waters at Square Lake, perfect for observing aquatic life and submerged boats. For a unique experience, probe the abandoned mine pits in Crosby, boasting excellent visibility and diverse underwater features. Scenic lakes like Minnetonka and 10 Mile Lake provide beautiful snorkeling spots, while Minnehaha Creek offers an urban escapade. If you're new to snorkeling, try the SEA LIFE Aquarium at Mall of America for a controlled environment. These unexpected locations showcase Minnesota's hidden underwater treasures, proving there's more beneath the surface than meets the eye.

Clear Waters of Square Lake

Immersing the crystal-clear waters of Square Lake near Stillwater is a must for snorkeling enthusiasts in Minnesota. This freshwater gem offers an exceptional underwater experience without the need for advanced diving equipment. As you snorkel through Square Lake's transparent depths, you'll uncover a world teeming with aquatic life and fascinating submerged structures. The lake is known for its clear water and sunken boats, providing a unique opportunity to explore the diverse underwater ecosystem. Square Lake's striking visibility allows you to observe various fish species and even encounter a plane's tail section beneath the surface. It's an ideal destination for both novice and experienced snorkelers looking to witness the beauty of freshwater environments up close. While Square Lake doesn't have its own website, you can easily gather more information by contacting local authorities at (651) 430-8200. This hidden treasure is just one of many snorkeling spots in Minnesota's vast network of over 10,000 lakes. So pack your snorkel gear and head to Square Lake for an unforgettable underwater journey that showcases the best of Minnesota's freshwater snorkeling scene.

Underwater Exploration at Mine Pits

Minnesota's mine pits offer a wealth of underwater exploration opportunities for snorkelers. You'll find some of the most unique freshwater snorkeling experiences in the Crosby area, where abandoned iron ore mines have been transformed into clear, deep lakes. The growing prevalence of freshwater snorkeling makes these mine pits a prime destination for adventurous snorkelers.

The Louise Mine Pit stands out with its depths ranging from 20 to 100 feet. Here, you can uncover an array of fascinating underwater sights, including a fake graveyard, sunken boat, training platform, and underwater statues. These features create an otherworldly atmosphere that's sure to enthrall any snorkeler.

For excellent visibility and a chance to spot game fish, head to the Crosby Mine Pit, also known as the Ironton Mine Pit. This location offers shore diving access and camping opportunities, making it perfect for a weekend escapade. The Mesabi Iron Mine Pits in Crosby have earned a 5.0-star rating for both scuba diving and snorkeling, accessible directly from the shore.

If you're new to snorkeling or prefer shallower waters, Excellsior Bay provides a rocky point with a sandy bottom, ideal for beginners. For equipment and guidance, consider visiting the Eagan Scuba Center before commencing your mine pit snorkeling expedition.

Scenic Snorkeling in Minnesota Lakes

You'll find some of Minnesota's most scenic snorkeling spots in its numerous lakes. The land of 10,000 lakes offers diverse underwater landscapes for snorkeling enthusiasts. Square Lake near Stillwater is a prime destination, featuring clear water and sunken treasures like boats, canoes, and even a plane tail section to investigate.

For a unique experience, head to Lake Minnetonka, where you can snorkel right along its picturesque perimeter. This popular lake combines scenic beauty with various water activities, making it an ideal spot for a day of aquatic adventure.

If you're looking for highly-rated snorkeling destinations, consider these options:

1. 10 Mile Lake near Moorhead (5.0 stars)
2. Lake Six near Detroit Lakes (5.0 stars)
3. Cuyuna County State Recreation Area near Ironton
4. Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis (when dam gates are nearly shut)

Each of these locations offers something special, from Cuyuna's underwater forest and diverse fish life to Minnehaha Creek's urban setting with various fish species. Whether you're a beginner or experienced snorkeler, Minnesota's lakes provide ample opportunities to survey the underwater world and connect with nature in a truly immersive way.

Urban Adventure: Minnehaha Creek

For an urban snorkeling quest, Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis offers a unique experience. As one of the most intriguing places to snorkel in Minnesota State, this urban waterway provides an opportunity to investigate its headwaters when the dam gates are nearly shut. You'll have the chance to spot various fish species in a setting that's far from your typical tropical snorkeling destination.

The creek's easy public access at the Gray Bay Dam site makes it convenient for canoe launching, allowing you to combine your snorkeling expedition with other water activities. When you're not underwater, don't miss the chance to visit Minnehaha Falls, a popular tourist attraction. You can enhance your experience with a self-guided audio tour that highlights the natural and historical features of Minneapolis.

With a 4.5-star rating from 601 reviews and a 92% traveler recommendation rate, snorkeling in Minnehaha Creek is clearly a hit among visitors. If you prefer a guided experience, private sightseeing tours of Minnehaha Falls are available starting at $10 per adult, offering a thorough Minneapolis walking tour that complements your urban snorkeling adventure.

Aquarium Experience at Mall of America

In the heart of the Mall of America, the SEA LIFE Aquarium offers a unique indoor snorkeling experience. You'll immerse yourself in a controlled environment where you can swim alongside various aquatic species without leaving the comfort of a heated pool. This one-hour program is perfect for those looking to add some exploration to their shopping trip.

1. A 20-minute class to prepare you for your underwater expedition
2. 30 minutes of snorkeling in the aquarium's controlled environment
3. 10 minutes for cleanup and drying off
4. All necessary snorkeling gear provided by the aquarium

To participate, you must be at least 9 years old and register in advance by emailing or calling the aquarium. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, towel, and sandals. The Mall of America's SEA LIFE Aquarium provides a safe and accessible way to experience snorkeling, even if you're miles from the ocean. It's an excellent opportunity for beginners to try snorkeling or for experienced snorkelers to enjoy a unique indoor escapade. This aquarium experience offers a glimpse into the underwater world while staying warm and dry between shopping sprees.