busiest mn lakes (Minnetonka, Brainerd, Bemidji: for sale, homes, live)

[hoohoohaa13]

I've been thinking about starting a lakeside business in MN, and was wondering what are the top 3 lakes in the state by boat traffic (besides Lake of the Woods or the red lakes)? I am familiar with Pokegama in Grand Rapids, and i've seen the traffic on Mille Lacs. Any other ideas? It's been too long since I lived there to rely on what I remember. Thanks

[MN55]

White Bear and Minnetonka are always packed. Outstate I'd have to say Mille Lacs and Gull Lake in Brainard.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by hoohoohaa13

I've been thinking about starting a lakeside business in MN, and was wondering what are the top 3 lakes in the state by boat traffic (besides Lake of the Woods or the red lakes)? I am familiar with Pokegama in Grand Rapids, and i've seen the traffic on Mille Lacs. Any other ideas? It's been too long since I lived there to rely on what I remember. Thanks

The problem with the majority of lakeside businesses is people don't live on the lakes year round. Meaning, the business have to make it with seasonal people and that is extremely difficult.

Brainerd would be the best "up north" area for boat traffic (think White Fish Chain and Gull Lake Chain). It's also the wealthiest area outside of Minnetonka.

If you stick to the Cities, Minnetonka is the obvious choice.

[demtion35]

Busiest? What about Lake Superior? Lots of fishing on that lake. Many lakes around Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Bemidji, Cass Lake area are all huge fishing attractions in the area. Lots of out of towners also come through these areas especially rigs from Iowa pull through.
Lots of resorts and seclusion and great fishing some of the best.
Thanks

[acrylic]

Well, Lake Superior is so huge and vast, you have a lot of room to spread out, where as the other lakes in Minnesota are smaller and more "compact" so to say.

[wiseguymn]

Leech lake walker
Lots of lake around Alexandrea

[demtion35]

Originally Posted by hoohoohaa13

I've been thinking about starting a lakeside business in MN, and was wondering what are the top 3 lakes in the state by boat traffic (besides Lake of the Woods or the red lakes)? I am familiar with Pokegama in Grand Rapids, and i've seen the traffic on Mille Lacs. Any other ideas? It's been too long since I lived there to rely on what I remember. Thanks

Where are "the red lakes"? You mentionded?
You must mean Upper Red Lake and Lower Red Lake. By the way why would you not want to consider these two lakes?

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by demtion35

Where are "the red lakes"? You mentionded?
You must mean Upper Red Lake and Lower Red Lake. By the way why would you not want to consider these two lakes?

Are there many lake homes up there? I heard it's very a desolate area.

[moving123456]

Originally Posted by MN-Born-n-Raised

If you stick to the Cities, Minnetonka is the obvious choice.

This is true, but you will pay a lot for lakefront property on Lake Minnetonka.

There is a small empty lakefront lot for sale near where I live on Lake Minnetonka. The asking price earlier this summer was $650,000.

The prices may or may not be worth it depending on the business.