Tanager Lake is situated west of Browns Bay, nestled within the city of Orono, Minnesota. This picturesque bay, comprising 54 acres of water, features over a mile of serene shoreline. The area was previously disconnected from the larger Lake Minnetonka until the creation of a narrow dredged channel. Residents in this beautiful locale enjoy the benefits of the highly regarded Orono School District.
The lake reaches a maximum depth of 20 feet, offering a pleasant environment for recreational activities. According to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, Tanager Lake holds a C rating for water quality, indicating that it provides suitable conditions for swimming and boating, particularly later in the summer season.
There are no specific boating restrictions, allowing for unrestricted enjoyment of the lake.
Access to Tanager Lake is facilitated by the Tanager Marina, located in Orono. This well-equipped marina offers amenities such as electricity, water, and fuel, along with restrooms and on-site parking. Friendly dockhands are available to assist visitors daily from 8 am until dusk. Tanager Marina features 40 dock slips, while just across Shoreline Drive, Browns Bay Marina provides an additional 58 slips with similar amenities.
Tanager Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, thanks to its relatively secluded bay setting on Lake Minnetonka, which limits boat traffic. Anglers can expect to catch a diverse range of fish species, including Bullhead, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Crappie, and Yellow Perch. Just a short boat ride away in Wayzata Bay, visitors can dock at the downtown Wayzata Public Docks, where they can explore local shops such as Sun and Slope, Shop 44 North, and Fashion Avenue 2, or enjoy a meal at popular dining spots like Giannis Steakhouse, COV, and Wayzata Bar and Grill.