Lake Independence
Homes & cabins for sale
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.
About Lake Independence
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Life on Lake Independence
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.
What makes Lake Independence distinct
- Baker Park Reserve forms the entire southeast shore — roughly 2,700 acres of permanent public green space, not future development
- 27 minutes from downtown Minneapolis via US-12
- 58 feet deep on 832–851 acres
- A visible cabin-to-estate mix — one-bedroom originals beside multi-acre estate homes
- Orono School District
Featured Lake Independence businesses
Resorts, marinas, dock builders, and lake-area pros our community relies on.
What the seasons bring on Lake Independence
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.
The Lake Independence real estate picture
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.
Lake Independence by the numbers
Source: Minnesota DNR · view surveyHomes for sale on Lake Independence
Common questions about Lake Independence
How big and deep is Lake Independence?
Roughly 832–851 acres with 7 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 58 feet. Average depth isn't published.
What's the water quality like?
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.
Why would someone buy here anyway?
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.
What is Baker Park Reserve?
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.
What kinds of homes are on the lake?
An unusually wide mix — small original one-bedroom cabins, multi-acre estate homes, and newer lakefront townhomes.
What fish are in the lake?
Walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, muskie, crappie, bluegill and perch.
Are there boating restrictions?
Yes — a slow-no-wake ordinance triggers at 957.8 feet lake elevation for three consecutive days, enforced jointly by Medina and Independence.
How do I see new listings?
Use the form on this page, or get matched with a local agent who can send them the day they hit MLS.
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Guides covering Lake Independence
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