Lake Waconia is a 3,080-acre lake in Carver County, about 35 miles west of Minneapolis. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest and has about 11 miles of shoreline (the DNR lists 10.88). Its DNR lake ID is 10-0059-00. The city of Waconia sits on its south side, and Coney Island, a county park, sits in the lake.
Advertisement
Boating & Paddling
The DNR public access in Lake Waconia Regional Park has 36 trailer spaces and two boarding docks; other public accesses are listed on the DNR LakeFinder page. In Towne Marina downtown rents pontoons in summer, and Carver County rents kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at the regional park on summer weekends. The lake is infested with zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil, so clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before you leave.
Swimming
Lake Waconia Regional Park has the public swim beach, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There have been no lifeguards since 2024, so swimming is at your own risk. Pets are not allowed on the beach, playgrounds or picnic shelters.
The Regional Park
Lake Waconia Regional Park is a 164-acre Carver County park open 6am to 10pm daily, with the beach, the boat access, picnic areas, playgrounds and the Paradise Commons building. Shoreline fishing is not allowed in the park.
Winter
Lake Waconia is fished through the ice for walleye and panfish once safe ice forms. Ice conditions vary across the lake, so check thickness yourself and follow DNR ice safety guidance.
Getting Here
Lake Waconia is about 35 miles west of Minneapolis via Highway 5. Downtown Waconia's restaurants are on the lake's south side, close to In Towne Marina, so a day on the water pairs easily with dinner in town.
Fishing & Lake Data Resources
Depth Charts & Fish Surveys
The MN DNR LakeFinder has Lake Waconia's depth map, fish survey reports, stocking history, water access sites and invasive species status.
MN DNR Lake Waconia →Minnesota Lake Fishing Database
An independent site that compiles DNR data and lake maps across Minnesota lakes.
Explore MN Fishing Lakes →Plan Your Lake Waconia Day
Find places to eat, rent a boat and things to do around the lake.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big is Lake Waconia?
- Lake Waconia covers 3,080 acres, with a maximum depth of 37 feet and about 11 miles of shoreline (10.88 miles per the DNR).
- Where is Lake Waconia located?
- In Waconia, Carver County, Minnesota, about 35 miles west of downtown Minneapolis via Highway 5.
- Can you swim in Lake Waconia?
- Yes. Lake Waconia Regional Park has a public swim beach open Memorial Day to Labor Day. There have been no lifeguards since 2024, so swimming is at your own risk.
- Is there an island in Lake Waconia?
- Yes. Coney Island, which Carver County describes as a 34-acre island, held a resort run by the Zeglin family from 1889 to the late 1930s and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is now part of Lake Waconia Regional Park and is reachable only by boat.
- Does Lake Waconia have invasive species?
- Yes. The lake is infested with zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil. Clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear before leaving.