Lake Independence is an 850-acre clear-water lake on the west edge of Hennepin County, with Baker Park Reserve covering its quiet eastern shore.
Lake Independence is an 850-acre clear-water lake on the far west edge of Hennepin County, with Baker Park Reserve covering much of its shore — a Twin Cities lake that still feels rural and natural. Protected parkland keeps its character intact.
The market is year-round homes for buyers who want quiet, clean water within commuting distance of the cities; the park and clarity are the appeal.
Summer is swimming, paddling, and Baker Park recreation on clear water. Fall brings color across the reserve.
Winter offers Baker Park trails and ice fishing close to the metro, reopening at spring ice-out.
Typical property types: Original small cabins (some beautifully renovated), multi-acre estate homes, and newer lakefront townhomes. Few metro lakes offer this much variety in one place.
What drives price here: Lot size and whether a property is an original cabin, a renovation or a newer build. Because the stock varies so widely, comparable sales need care here — a job for someone who knows the lake.
Water quality is the honest headline, and it's poor. Lake Independence grades D (Poor) with clarity at 4.8 feet and phosphorus at 68.8 µg/L; it's classified eutrophic and swimming is not recommended on current data. It was designated an MPCA impaired water in 2003 and carries a formal TMDL restoration plan from 2007 targeting a 23% phosphorus reduction. Sources cited include agricultural runoff, animal waste, urban development, failing septic systems and geese. Phosphorus has been improving over the recent monitoring window. A buyer who wants swimmable clear water should probably look elsewhere; a buyer who wants land, space, park frontage and a metro commute may still find this the right lake. They just need to be told.
Roughly 832–851 acres with 7 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 58 feet. Average depth isn't published.
Poor, and buyers should know before they visit. The lake grades D with clarity at 4.8 feet and high phosphorus, is classified eutrophic, and swimming is not recommended on current data. It was designated an impaired water in 2003 with a formal restoration plan from 2007. Phosphorus has been improving in recent monitoring.
Space, lot size, Baker Park Reserve frontage, the Orono School District, and a 27-minute drive to downtown Minneapolis. For buyers weighting land and location over swimming, it can be the right trade — it just has to be a conscious one.
A roughly 2,700-acre Three Rivers Park District reserve that forms the entire southeast shoreline, with a two-lane boat ramp, swimming beach and shore fishing. It means that shore will never be developed.
An unusually wide mix — small original one-bedroom cabins, multi-acre estate homes, and newer lakefront townhomes.
Walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie, bluegill and perch.
Yes — a slow-no-wake ordinance triggers at 957.8 feet lake elevation for three consecutive days, enforced jointly by Medina and Independence.
Use the form on this page, or get matched with a local agent who can send them the day they hit MLS.
Whether you're buying your place on the water or thinking about selling, start with a local Lake Independence specialist who knows this shoreline. It's free to get matched.
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