Boating and Dock Information

There are two public accesses on Prior Lake available for public use:

• Sand Point Beach, 14377 Crest Avenue NE

• Dewitte Avenue, 16800 Dewitte Avenue SE

For more information on lake access, rules, and regulations, please contact the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at (651) 259-5740.

This policy clarifies language published in DNR documents and guides the size, location and use of single docks or mooring areas located on individual riparian lots on Prior Lake and on the portion of Spring Lake within Prior Lake city limits. Click here to see the Policy Guiding the Placement of Personal Docks.

Seasonal Docks and Floating Structures Must:

• be removed from water on a seasonal basis (before winter freeze-up),
• have components which are removable from the lake or streambed by non-mechanical means,
• not be a hazard to navigation or endanger public health and safety,
• not be placed where site is a posted fish spawning area,
• not include fuel handling or sewage facilities,

• not be used or intended to be used for human habitation, as a boathouse or as a marina,
• allow for free flow of water beneath it.

NOTE: Temporary structures which do not extend from the shore, such as: swim rags, slalom courses, ski jumps or buous of any kind, may not be placed in waters of the state between sunset and sunrise without a permit from the county sheriff. Those structures not left in the water overnight are still required to be placed so that they do not create a hazard on the water body or obstruct navigation. Contact the Scott County Sheriff's department for permit information.

For additional information, visit the DNR website on boating and water safety, or call the DNR Boat and Water Safety Section at (651) 296-3336.