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Lake Minnewashta

680 acres, 70 feet deep, and the best water clarity of any lake in this comparison — 20 minutes from Minneapolis. Get matched with an agent who knows it.

Lake Minnewashta waterfront real estate in MN
Photo: Thomson200, CC0

About Lake Minnewashta

Living here

Life on Lake Minnewashta

Lake Minnewashta in Carver County sits in Chanhassen, with Minnewashta Regional Park on its shore — a clean, sought-after southwest-metro lake minutes from the Minnetonka corridor. It blends suburban convenience with quality water.

The market is established year-round homes; clean frontage, the regional park, and the desirable Chanhassen location drive value.

At a glance

What makes Lake Minnewashta distinct

Year-round

What the seasons bring on Lake Minnewashta

Summer is swimming, boating, and regional-park life close to the suburbs. Fall brings calm and color.

Winter is metro ice fishing and park trails, with an easy commute year-round, reopening at ice-out.

Buying here

The Lake Minnewashta real estate picture

Typical property types: Private residential lakefront within Chanhassen. Small lake, limited frontage, and a regional park occupying a full shore means the private inventory is inherently small.

What drives price here: Clarity and proximity are the premium. Frontage, elevation and which shore you're on drive the rest. With only 9 miles of shoreline and a third of it parkland, supply is structurally tight.

One live issue worth knowing before you buy. As of late 2025, Chanhassen was petitioning the DNR to raise the slow-no-wake trigger elevation from 945.0 to 945.5 feet, after residents reported losing 34 boating days over two years — including repeated Fourth of July disruption to the annual waterski show — to high-water no-wake restrictions. A 120-day DNR review was pending. If reliable boating season matters to you, ask a local agent where that stands now.

Frequently asked

Common questions about Lake Minnewashta

How far is Lake Minnewashta from Minneapolis?

About 20 miles, roughly 28 minutes via MN-5 — the closest-in lake in this comparison.

How big and deep is it?

680 acres with 9 miles of shoreline, 70 feet maximum depth and 15 feet average — deep for its size.

How clear is the water?

Very. Clarity measured 11.5 feet with an A (Excellent) grade, second-best of 38 monitored lakes in Carver County and materially clearer than nearby Lake Waconia.

Is there a boating restriction issue?

There has been. Residents reported losing 34 boating days over two years to high-water slow-no-wake restrictions, and as of late 2025 Chanhassen was petitioning the DNR to raise the trigger elevation. Ask a local agent where that review landed.

What fish are in the lake?

Walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch, rock bass and bullhead.

How much of the shoreline is public?

The 340-acre Lake Minnewashta Regional Park occupies the east shore, with trails, a swimming beach and a boat ramp. The rest is private residential within Chanhassen.

Are there invasive species?

Curly-leaf pondweed and Eurasian watermilfoil, both actively treated by the Lake Minnewashta Preservation Association. Shoreline owners may clear a 15-foot access path through aquatic vegetation without a DNR permit.

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.

Ready to make a move on Lake Minnewashta?

Whether you're buying your place on the water or thinking about selling, start with a local Lake Minnewashta specialist who knows this shoreline. It's free to get matched.

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