Turtle Lake in Shoreview, Minnesota is a 450-acre, 28-foot-deep gem in Ramsey County — and one of the most desirable lakes in the Northern Suburbs. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping families buy and sell homes on Turtle Lake, giving me a front-row seat to how the shoreline, architecture, and lifestyle have evolved.
It’s a lake with history, character, and high demand — and it continues to trend upward as one of the premier waterfront markets north of the Twin Cities.
Why Teardowns and Rebuilds Are Transforming Turtle Lake
Many original Turtle Lake properties began as small seasonal cabins built decades ago. These homes sat on some of the best lots in the metro — large parcels, mature trees, and incredible lake orientation.
As the market has matured, builders and homeowners have recognized the potential. Today, we’re seeing a steady conversion from dated cabins to $2–4M architect-designed estates offering:
-
Modern layouts
-
Large lakeside windows
-
High-end finishes
-
Expanded garages
-
Improved shoreline access
-
Premium outdoor living spaces
This shift is driven by the perfect combination of:
-
A 450-acre recreational lake
-
Solid depth (28 ft)
-
Large, well-positioned lots
-
Proximity to Minneapolis (15 min)
-
Proximity to St. Paul (20 min)
-
Highly rated Mounds View schools
Few lakes in the metro check all these boxes, which is why Turtle Lake rebuilds are happening — and why values continue to climb.
Location & Community Perks That Drive Demand
Turtle Lake offers more than great water and strong shorelines — it offers a lifestyle people actively seek out.
Unmatched Twin Cities Access
Located in Shoreview, Ramsey County, residents can easily commute to both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul while enjoying quiet lake living at home.
Top-Tier Schools
The Mounds View School District is consistently ranked among the best in Minnesota — a major driver for families choosing this lake.
Year-Round Recreation
Turtle Lake supports:
-
boating
-
fishing
-
wake sports
-
tubing
-
kayaking
-
skating
-
lakeside gatherings
It’s an active, welcoming community with a true neighborhood feel.
Lifestyle Amenities Nearby
Grocery, dining, parks, trails, shopping, and community amenities are all minutes away — making it a lake that feels “up north” without sacrificing convenience.
My Personal Take (From Someone Who Knows the Lake)
I’ve skied it, fished it, and sold homes on it — and Turtle Lake continues to be one of my favorite lakes in the Northern Suburbs. Watching the shoreline evolve from older cabins into custom luxury homes has been incredible. Every rebuild lifts the neighborhood, increases equity, and enhances the long-term market strength for homeowners.
For buyers, Turtle Lake offers top-tier value, strong appreciation, and lifestyle benefits that are hard to match.
For sellers, demand remains strong for well-located lots, tear-down opportunities, and updated lake homes.
If you’re considering new construction, exploring lakefront options, or curious about the value of an older cabin, Turtle Lake offers outstanding long-term upside.
Ornell Group Real Estate | Tim Ornell
Tim Ornell | Real Luxury | Ornell Group Real Estate
Northern Suburbs Luxury, Lakefront & Waterfront Specialist
$200M+ Sold | 200+ Transactions | Recent Turtle Lake & Premier Lakefront Sales
Real Luxury Division (Earned Through Luxury Sales Performance)
Institute for Luxury Home Marketing — GUILD Certified
[email protected] | ornellgroup.com
Content and insights provided by Ornell Group. Real estate services brokered by Real Broker. Luxury lake properties marketed through Ornell Group | Real Luxury. Content enhanced with AI support for clarity and accuracy. All market data, pricing, and property information subject to change.
