Lakes Data for Minnesota

A wealth of GIS data delineates and describes Minnesota's lakes. Available data sets include the federally-sponsored National Hydrography Dataset and the Minnesota DNR Hydrography lake delineations, Public Waters Inventory delineations, and lake bathymetry. The MPCA maintains extensive lake water
Example of lakes on satellite imagery quality data collections. DNR's LakeFinder site links users to lakes information produced by many state agencies, including general characteristics, fisheries resources, lake levels, lake depth, water quality, water consumption advisories, and invasive species.

Data Resources

  • Hydrography/Bathymetry

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    National Hydrography Dataset

    The National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) is a national framework database of digital surface water features that are combined into "reaches" and a reach-addressing system that provides a way to link water-related data to the surface drainage network. These links also enable the display and analysis of water data in upstream and downstream order.     		USGS Nationwide 1:24,000 Current Vector GIS

    DNR Hydrography: Lakes and Open Water

    Extracted from Mn DNR Hydrography: contains lake and open water polygons, including 2-D river features. Originally from USGS DLG 100K lakes, but with extensive editing to provide best available delineations from a number of sources. Spatially integrated with rivers layers.  Attributed to meet DNR business needs.    		 DNR Statewide 1:24,000+ Current Vector GIS

    Public Waters (PWI) Basin Delineations

    The Public Waters Inventory (PWI) was a legal process initiated in the 1970s which counties used to designate lakes, wetlands, and rivers as protected, or public, according to legislative guidelines. These data were developed as an aid to making regulatory decisions regarding Public Waters Basins. There is also a file for Public Waters Watercourses.    		 DNR Statewide 1:24,000+ Current Vector GIS

    Public Waters Inventory (PWI) Scanned Maps and Lists

    Scanned, georeferenced PDF-format files of the official Public Waters Inventory (PWI) Maps, as well as official lists of PWI rivers, lakes, and wetlands, are available for download.    		 DNR Statewide Various (county level) 1970s Georeferenced PDF

    Lake Bathymetry

    This file geodatabase contains the following layers: Lake Bathymetric Contours, Lake Bathymetric Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Lake Bathymetric Outline, and Lake Bathymetric Aquatic Vegetation. Bathymetry data exists for almost 1900 lakes.    		 DNR Selected lakes Various Current Raster or vector GIS

    Lake Superior Coastal Bathymetry

    Hydrographic and topographic data collected along the Lake Superior coast of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Data extends offshore from the shoreline to extinction depth or 1 km, whichever is closer, and onshore from the shoreline to 30 meters. Download from DNR LiDAR ftp site is for Minnesota shoreline only.    		 NOAA Lake Superior coastline 2011 LiDAR (several formats)

    National Map Water Data

    This link opens the Water category of the National Map Small-Scale Data Catalog where various generalized water data such as "Streams and Waterbodies" may be downloaded.    		 USGS North America 1:2,000,000 Various Vector GIS, Table, GeoTIFF
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  • Quality

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type

    Lake Water Quality Assessment Program

    This webpage contains links to lake water quality information on the PCA website, including the Lake Water Quality Assessment program which assesses 3100 lakes in Minnesota and produces individual lake assessments and county-based reports that are updated annually. The reports provide lake water quality criteria and information which can be used by those involved in lake management, such as lakeshore owners and lake associations.    		 PCA Statewide N/A Ongoing Text

    Environmental Data Access - Surface Water

    Find water quality information from Minnesota's surface water monitoring sites using MPCA's Environmental Data Access site. Where available, also view conditions of lakes and rivers that have been assessed. Available through a map-based search or a text-based search.    		 PCA Statewide Various Current Web Application, Text-based Search

    WHAF for Lakes Application

    The interactive "WHAF for Lakes" application uses lake health scores to compare and contrast lakes found within a spatial boundary selected by the user. Lake details are available that summarize lake health metrics and basic lake morphology information.    		 DNR Statewide Various Current Web Application, Spreadsheets

    Environmental Info Management Systems

    View and download water quality data on lakes, rivers, streams and rain gauges for the region.    		 Metropolitan Council Twin Cities Metro Various Current Spreadsheet and JSON

    How's My Waterway

    Learn the condition of local lakes, streams and other waters quickly and in plain language using a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. See if local waterways were checked for pollution, what was found, and what is being done. Information source: State water quality monitoring reports.     		EPA Nationwide Various Current Web Application
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  • General

    Name Source Geographic Area Scale Time Period Data Type
    DNR Lakes Information DNR Water Statewide N/A 6/2/2000 Text
    LakeFinder DNR, MDH, PCA, and UMN - WRRC and Remote Sensing Laboratory Statewide Various Various Web Application
    Lake (depth) Mapping in Minnesota DNR Ecological Resources Statewide N/A 8/24/1999 Text
    Hydrography Basin Standard Gov. Council Statewide N/A Current Text
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