Centerville Lake, Reshanau Lake & Peltier Lake

Centerville Lake, Reshanau Lake, and Peltier Lake form a connected group of lakes within the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities. Located within the Centennial School District, these lakes create one of the more established recreational lake environments in the northern metro. The chain sits roughly 20–25 minutes from both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, making it one of the more accessible lake communities in the Twin Cities.

While each lake has its own identity, the three together create a residential market centered around lake recreation, outdoor living, and established waterfront neighborhoods. Within the chain, Centerville Lake is widely considered the crown jewel, attracting the most attention from waterfront buyers in recent years. As lake management efforts continue and water clarity improves, Centerville Lake has increasingly begun to compete with nearby lakes such as Bald Eagle Lake and Lake Owasso, two of the more recognized recreational lakes in the northern suburbs.

Centerville Lake: The Crown Jewel of the Chain

Centerville Lake sits at the center of the Rice Creek Chain and is widely recognized as the strongest lake in the system from a recreational and real estate standpoint. The lake covers roughly 455 acres and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 19 feet, allowing for full recreational use including boating, swimming, fishing, and paddle sports. From a water quality standpoint, Centerville Lake stands out within the chain. Seasonal monitoring has shown clarity levels generally ranging between approximately 2 to 3 meters, with some readings exceeding that depending on seasonal conditions. Compared to the other lakes in the chain, Centerville consistently maintains the strongest water clarity, which has become an important factor for buyers evaluating waterfront properties.

In recent years, alum treatments and watershed management efforts have helped stabilize phosphorus levels and improve overall water quality. These improvements have helped strengthen the lake’s long-term outlook and increased interest from buyers looking for recreational lakes close to the Twin Cities. From a real estate perspective, lakes that show improving clarity and strong recreational use often gain attention over time. Centerville Lake has begun to follow that pattern. Today, Centerville Lake is increasingly competing with nearby lakes such as Bald Eagle Lake and Lake Owasso as buyers discover the lake’s combination of location, recreation, and improving water quality.

The Centerville Lake Lifestyle

Buyers looking at Centerville Lake are typically prioritizing lake lifestyle and recreation. Residents spend summers boating, swimming, fishing, and enjoying time on the water with family and friends. The lake also connects to parks, trails, and open space throughout the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, creating strong access to outdoor recreation. Neighborhoods surrounding the lake have an established community feel, with mature trees and residential streets that reinforce the character of the area. Because the lake sits within the Centennial School District, Centerville Lake also attracts families looking for both lake living and strong schools.

For many buyers, Centerville Lake offers a rare combination of:

• full recreational lake living
• improving water clarity
• proximity to parks and trails
• strong school district access
• close distance to the Twin Cities

As a result, interest in Centerville Lake real estate has steadily increased in recent years.

Reshanau Lake: A Private Residential Lake

Just west of Centerville Lake sits Reshanau Lake, a quieter and more private lake within the chain. Reshanau Lake covers roughly 330 acres and is surrounded primarily by established homes and wooded shoreline. Unlike Centerville Lake, Reshanau does not have a public boat launch, which significantly limits outside traffic on the water. Because of this, Reshanau tends to feel more peaceful and private compared to many lakes in the northern suburbs. Water clarity on Reshanau Lake typically ranges around 1 to 2 meters, depending on seasonal conditions. The lake supports fishing, kayaking, and small recreational boating, though activity levels are generally lower than on Centerville Lake. For homeowners, the appeal of Reshanau is its quiet residential atmosphere and limited lake traffic, making it attractive for buyers who prefer a calmer lake environment.

Peltier Lake: The Largest Lake in the Chain

Peltier Lake sits just south of Centerville Lake and is the largest lake within the Rice Creek Chain. The lake spans roughly 550 acres with a maximum depth of about 18 feet. Because of its shallow depth and large watershed, Peltier Lake has historically experienced higher nutrient levels and periodic algae blooms. Local watershed organizations have worked on water management and restoration efforts, including drawdowns and vegetation management to improve long-term lake health. Despite these challenges, Peltier Lake remains a popular recreational lake supporting boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The lake also plays an important role in the broader Rice Creek watershed system that connects the entire chain.

Three Lakes, One Recreation Corridor

While each lake has its own identity, the Centerville chain offers something unique within the northern suburbs. Centerville Lake provides the strongest recreational lake environment and the clearest water within the chain. Reshanau Lake offers a quieter and more private residential lake setting. Peltier Lake provides the largest body of water within the chain and an important ecological component of the watershed.  Together, these lakes create a recreational corridor that attracts buyers looking for lake living within the Centennial School District while remaining close to the Twin Cities.

Surrounding Communities

In addition to waterfront homes, the surrounding communities of Centerville and Lino Lakes offer a wide range of residential options near the lakes. Many homes sit within walking distance or a short drive of the chain while still providing access to parks, trails, and open space throughout the Rice Creek watershed. For buyers who want proximity to recreational lakes without necessarily living directly on the shoreline, these neighborhoods provide strong alternatives.

Market Dynamics

Waterfront homes on Centerville Lake, Reshanau Lake, and Peltier Lake tend to trade less frequently than homes in surrounding neighborhoods. Limited shoreline inventory and long-term ownership patterns contribute to relatively low turnover. When waterfront homes do become available, pricing is typically influenced by:

• shoreline positioning
• water clarity and lake reputation
• lot size and depth
• architectural scale of the home
• proximity to parks and trails

As lake management efforts continue — particularly on Centerville Lake — interest from buyers in this area has steadily increased.

Preparation creates leverage.
Relationships outlast transactions.

Tim Ornell
Waterfront Advisor | Ornell Group
Real Broker Luxury Division (NASDAQ: REAX)
651.263.8480
ornellgroup.com