Here Are The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Minnesota in 2025

Are we now going to be known as the Land of 10,000...Snakes?!?

Here in Minnesota, our lakes are known for being a haven for anglers, boaters, and the occasional duck, loon, heron, or loon. But here in 2025, some of those beloved bodies of water have now also become prime real estate for something a little more… slithery.

Our mild winter and (hopefully) early spring have many Minnesotans itching to get back outside and enjoy the great outdoors. And while it might be just a *tad* too early to head up north, put on the swimsuit and take a dip in one of our 10,000 Lakes, there is likely some native wildlife already lurking in those waters.

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So, if you're going to head up to the cabin and spend some time at the lake here in the North Star State this summer, you might be sharing your time in the water with one of the many varieties of snakes that also call the Bold North home.

And while you might associate snakes with other parts of the country, like the desert southwest, several species of snakes are native to the North Star State. In fact, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says that 17 different kinds of snakes are native to Minnesota, including the garter snake, water snake, bullsnake and even a Timber Rattlesnake!

While that sounds like a lot, the DNR notes that only two of them are venomous and are rarely found around human dwellings or activities:

Of the 17 snake species in Minnesota, only two are venomous -- the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga. Both are found only in the southeastern counties and are rarely encountered.

You might, though, encounter one of those 17 species of snake in one of the following bodies of water here in the Gopher State. AZ-Animals says three species of watersnakes can be found here in Minnesota: the northern water snake, the plains garter snake, and the common garter snake.

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According to their research, you're much more likely to encounter one of those reptiles on the following four Most Snake-Infested Lakes in Minnesota:

Lake Pepin (CSJ/TSM-Rochester)

Lake Pepin - Located along (and formed by) the Mississippi River on Minnesota's eastern border from just south of Red Wing all the way south to Read's Landing, AZ-Animals says you can find the common garter snake and the northern water snake here.

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Red Lake - One of Minnesota's biggest inland bodies of water, there are actually two Red Lakes, both Upper and Lower, and both are located in Beltrami County about 175 miles northwest of Duluth. AZ-Animals says Red Lake is home to the common garter snake and plains garter snake.

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Otter Tail Lake - Otter Tail Lake is located in Otter Tail County and is located about 125 miles northwest of St. Cloud. AZ-Animals says you can find the common garter snake and the plains garter snake in the waters of Otter Tail Lake.

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Lake of the Woods - Lake of the Woods is a massive body of water on Minnesota's far northern border with Canada, about 235 miles northwest of Duluth. AZ-Animals says only one snake is native to these waters: the common garter snake.

Seeing that only four out of Minnesota's 11,842 actual lakes contain snakes, you're probably not all that likely to encounter one if you're heading out for a swim or on your paddleboard. Keep scrolling to learn more about the 17 snakes that call Minnesota home.