Aerial view of Lake Waconia Minnesota at golden hour sunset with marina and tree-lined shoreline
Your Definitive Travel Guide

Experience Lake Waconia

Your definitive guide to Minnesota's premier destination for boating, world-class fishing, and serene lakeside living.

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Maximum Depth

37 Feet

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Surface Area

3,080 Acres

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Fish Species

Walleye, Bass

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Water Clarity

12.5 Feet

Activities

From dawn to dusk, adventure awaits on the water

Family on a pontoon boat on Lake Waconia Minnesota on a sunny summer afternoonPremium Rentals

Boating & Sailing

From pontoon rentals to sailing lessons, Lake Waconia offers 3,080 acres of pristine water for every kind of boating adventure.

Marina Services
Walleye fisherman casting from a boat on Lake Waconia Minnesota at dawnLocal Expert

Professional Fishing

Lake Waconia is one of Minnesota's top walleye destinations. Hire a local guide or launch your own boat from three public access points.

Fishing Reports
Waterfront Culinary

Dining on the Water

Waconia's dining scene blends lakeside ambiance with farm-to-table freshness. From craft breweries to beloved burger joints, downtown delivers flavor with every visit.

Native prairie wildflowers along the Lake Waconia Minnesota shoreline conservation area
2024 Project

Conservation & Stewardship

Lake Waconia's pristine waters are the result of decades of dedicated conservation work. Local organizations and volunteers work year-round to protect this irreplaceable natural resource for future generations.

  • Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention
  • Water Quality Monitoring
Get Involved 🌿

Explore Interactive Map

Discover boat launches, parks, restaurants, and all the best spots around Lake Waconia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Waconia, Minnesota?
Waconia is a lakeside city in Carver County, Minnesota, about 35 miles west of downtown Minneapolis via Highway 5. It sits on the south shore of Lake Waconia.
What is Waconia known for?
Waconia is best known for Lake Waconia (3,080 acres — one of the largest lakes in the Twin Cities metro), its historic downtown, the annual Carver County Fair, Nickle Dickle Day, Waconia Brewing Company, and the historic Coney Island of Lake Waconia.
What does the name 'Waconia' mean?
'Waconia' is derived from the Dakota language, generally translated as 'fountain' or 'spring of water' — a reference to the lake's clear spring-fed waters.
How big is Lake Waconia?
Lake Waconia covers 3,080 acres with a maximum depth of 37 feet and over 12 miles of shoreline. The DNR lake number is DOW 10-0059-00.
What are the best things to do in Waconia?
Top activities include boating and fishing on Lake Waconia, swimming at Lake Waconia Regional Park, dining downtown at Iron Tap and Egg-Cetera Cafe, craft beer at Waconia Brewing Co., wine and cocktails at Schram Vineyards, the Carver County Fair, and seasonal events like Nickle Dickle Day, the Scarecrow Tour, and Tree Lighting in the Park.
What is the population of Waconia, MN?
Waconia has a population of approximately 13,500 residents and continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in Carver County.