Square Lake

About Square Lake

Square Lake is a 350-acre gem tucked into the St. Croix River valley near Stillwater and Denmark Township in Washington County. It's known for exceptional water clarity — one of the clearest lakes in the entire Twin Cities metro area. On a calm summer day you can see ten feet down or more, which makes it a favorite among swimmers and families.

Unlike the larger, busier lakes in the metro, Square Lake has a quiet, residential feel. The shoreline is a mix of year-round homes and seasonal cabins, with thick hardwood forest crowding the water's edge. There's no bustling commercial district on the lake — just the sound of loons, the occasional motorboat, and the gentle lap of clear, clean water. This guide covers everything you need to know about Square Lake — water quality, fishing, boating access, activities, and what it's really like to live here.

Water Quality

Square Lake consistently ranks among the clearest lakes in the Twin Cities metro. Its relatively deep basin (about 50 feet at maximum depth) and protected watershed in the St. Croix River valley keep nutrients low and clarity high. The lake is deep enough to stay cool through the summer, and the water quality supports a healthy aquatic plant community that further filters the water. It's a classic example of a lake that rewards good stewardship — local residents and the lake association work hard to maintain what makes it special.

Fishing

Square Lake supports a solid mix of warm-water species. Walleye, largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish including crappie and bluegill are the main draws. The lake's depth and water clarity create excellent habitat structure — deep holes near drop-offs hold walleye through the summer, while the weed beds along the shoreline provide cover for bass and panfish. Ice fishing is popular in winter, with anglers targeting walleye and northern pike through the ice.

Boating & Activities

Square Lake has a public boat launch on the southeast end of the lake, providing easy access for trailered boats. The lake is large enough for recreational boating, waterskiing, and tubing, but it's also quiet enough for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The clear water makes it especially appealing for stand-up paddleboarding — you can see the lake bottom beneath you as you glide across the surface.

Swimming is one of Square Lake's greatest draws. The exceptional clarity and clean shoreline make it feel more like a northern Minnesota lake than a metro-area lake. Many homes have private docks with swimming ladders, and there are a few quiet public access points for a quick dip.

Scuba Diving

Square Lake's exceptional water clarity makes it one of the best places in the Twin Cities for scuba diving training. On a clear day, visibility stretches ten feet or more — rare for a metro-area lake, and a big reason divers keep coming back.

What makes it even more interesting? Sitting on the lake bottom is a life-sized statue of Jason Voorhees — the iconic masked slasher from the Friday the 13th horror films. Placed there by local divers, it's become a famous underwater landmark and a rite of passage for anyone training at Square Lake. If you see divers suiting up at the boat launch, they're probably headed down to pay Jason a visit — a thrill that adds a little Hollywood horror to an otherwise peaceful lake.

The Midwest School of Diving regularly uses Square Lake for open-water dive training and certification specifically because of the exceptional water clarity — the best visibility in the metro area. For divers-in-training, spotting the Jason statue on a descent is an unforgettable part of the experience. It's one of those quirky local details that makes Square Lake feel like more than just another metro lake — a hidden gem even above the surface, and a unique underwater attraction below it.

Public Boat Access

The public boat launch on Square Lake's southeast end provides paved ramp access for trailered boats. Parking is available but can fill up on summer weekends — arriving early is a good idea. The launch area also provides hand-carried access for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. There's no formal swim beach, but the shoreline near the launch offers several shallow entry points.

Square Lake Park

One of the best ways to enjoy Square Lake — especially if you don't have a home on the water — is through Square Lake Park, a beautiful public park operated by Washington County. Tucked into the forested hillside on the lake's southeast shore, the park offers genuine public access to everything that makes this lake special.

The park's boat launch is the main public entry point for trailered boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. There's also a sandy swimming beach that's perfect for families — the clear, shallow water near the shore is ideal for kids to splash around while parents keep an eye on things from the grass. Pack a cooler and grab one of the picnic tables under the shade of the big oaks, and you've got yourself a full afternoon.

Beyond the water, the park has a network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding woods — perfect for a post-swim walk or a quiet morning hike before the crowds show up. The trails are easy to moderate, great for all ages, and offer lovely views of the lake through the trees.

For families who want to spend the day on Square Lake without lakefront property, Square Lake Park is the place. It's one of those spots that reminds you why this area is so special — clear water, big trees, and a pace that feels a world away from the city, even though you're only thirty minutes from downtown St. Paul. Bring the kids, bring the dog, and settle in for a real Minnesota lake day.

Lake Lifestyle

Square Lake's character is defined by its quiet, residential feel. There's no waterfront restaurant or busy marina — just homes, cabins, and the natural beauty of the St. Croix River valley. Many properties are seasonal cabins passed down through generations, while a growing number of year-round homes reflect the area's increasing popularity.

The nearby towns of Stillwater (about 10 minutes away) and Marine on St. Croix provide shopping, dining, and services, so residents enjoy the best of both worlds: peaceful lake living with easy access to charming river towns.

Nearby Communities

Square Lake is situated near several charming communities in the St. Croix River valley. Stillwater is the closest major town, offering historic downtown shopping, dining, and the scenic St. Croix riverfront. Denmark Township provides the rural residential feel that many square lake residents appreciate. Marine on St. Croix is a short drive north with its own unique character.