Prior Lake
Homes & cabins for sale
Prior Lake is the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro core — over 1,400 acres of connected water in a thriving lakefront suburb.
About Prior Lake
Agents who work Prior Lake
Local agents who work this lake. Free to get matched.
Life on Prior Lake
Prior Lake is the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro core — over 1,400 acres of connected water in Scott County's thriving lakefront suburb, 25 minutes from Minneapolis. Upper and Lower Prior together make it a true metro boating hub.
The market is suburban lake homes from accessible to high-end; connected water, metro proximity, and a strong lakefront economy drive demand.
What makes Prior Lake distinct
- Two basins joined by a navigable channel under Eagle Creek Avenue (County Hwy 21) — you can boat between them
- 35 minutes from downtown Minneapolis — full commuter distance
- Lower Prior named among Minnesota's most expensive lake-home markets
- Over 1,340 combined acres inside an incorporated city of 27,000
- Active, well-organised Prior Lake Association with published boating rules
Featured Prior Lake businesses
Resorts, marinas, dock builders, and lake-area pros our community relies on.
What the seasons bring on Prior Lake
Summer is the metro boating scene at full tilt across the connected lakes. Fall brings calmer water and color.
Winter is suburban ice fishing and a year-round community, reopening at spring ice-out.
The Prior Lake real estate picture
Typical property types: Suburban lakefront, higher-end waterfront on Lower Prior, and some townhome and deeded-access product. Primary residences dominate.
What drives price here: Which basin matters. Lower Prior is larger, deeper, clearer and generally commands more than Upper. Beyond that: frontage, exposure, and proximity to the connecting channel.
Two things buyers should know before making an offer. First, clarity is only fair — Upper Prior grades C at 5 feet, Lower at 10 feet; this is a suburban lake, not a clear northern one. Second, there is an active no-wake regime: under 5 mph within 150 feet of shore and in marked channels, and the entire lake goes no-wake when water reaches 903.9 feet, with a $500 fine and the restriction lifting only after three consecutive days below that level. If reliable boating matters, understand that rule first.
Prior Lake by the numbers
Source: Minnesota DNR · view surveyHomes for sale on Prior Lake
Common questions about Prior Lake
Is Prior Lake one lake or two?
Two connected basins. Upper Prior flows north into Lower Prior through a navigable channel running under Eagle Creek Avenue, so you can boat between them from one dock.
How big are they?
Upper Prior runs roughly 354–386 acres at 50 feet deep with 6 miles of shoreline; Lower Prior runs roughly 810–956 acres at 60 feet deep with 15 miles. The City describes the combined system as over 1,340 acres.
Which basin is better to buy on?
They're different markets. Lower is larger, deeper and clearer, and has been named among Minnesota's most expensive lake-home markets. Upper is smaller and generally more accessible. A local agent should walk you through both.
How clear is the water?
Fair, honestly. Upper Prior grades C at 5 feet of clarity; Lower Prior grades C at 10 feet. This is a suburban lake rather than a clear northern one.
What are the boating rules?
Strict and worth understanding. Under 5 mph within 150 feet of any shoreline and in marked channels and bays. The entire lake becomes no-wake when water reaches 903.9 feet, with a $500 fine, lifting only after three consecutive days below that level.
How far is it from Minneapolis?
About 25 miles, roughly 35 minutes via I-35W.
What's the fishing like?
Walleye is the primary stocked and managed species, alongside largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, white bass and perch.
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.
Get matched on Prior Lake.
Tell us you're searching Prior Lake and we connect you with a vetted, licensed local specialist who actually knows this shoreline — free, and no obligation.
Ready to make a move on Prior Lake?
Whether you're buying your place on the water or thinking about selling, start with a local Prior Lake specialist who knows this shoreline. It's free to get matched.
Guides covering Prior Lake
Discover more in Twin Cities Metro
More lakes, the towns nearby, and the easiest ways to take a next step on Prior Lake.
Other lakes in Twin Cities Metro
Towns connected to Prior Lake
Ready to take the next step?
Get matched with a Prior Lake agent
We'll connect you with a vetted agent who specializes in Prior Lake and the Twin Cities Metro lake market. Free, no obligation.
Looking to sellGet matched to sell
Connect with a Prior Lake listing specialist who knows how lakefront and near-lake homes are really priced and marketed.
Looking to rentFind a lake rental specialist
Get matched with a local agent for seasonal or year-round rentals around Prior Lake.
Are you looking to buy or sell?
We'll match you with the right local specialist for your Prior Lake move — free.
Own a lake-area business near Prior Lake? Get listed free →