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Prior Lake
Prior Lake is the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro core — over 1,400 acres of connected water in a thriving lakefront suburb.
Photo: WorldIslandInfo.com (Flickr), CC BY 2.0
Prior Lake is the largest lake in the Twin Cities metro core — over 1,400 acres of connected water in a thriving lakefront suburb.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About 25 miles, roughly 35 minutes via I-35W.
Walleye is the primary stocked and managed species, alongside largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, white bass and perch.
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 Prior Lake specialist who knows this shoreline. It's free to get matched.
More lakes, the towns nearby, and the easiest ways to take a next step on Prior Lake.
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