Lake Pepin: Birthplace of waterskiing

Lake Pepin
Lake Pepin
William Lager | MPR News

Lake Pepin has made the top eight in our most-loved lake contest. See all the finalists and cast your vote here.

Lake Pepin, the birthplace of waterskiing, is the largest lake on the Mississippi River, according to the DNR.

Lake Pepin, circa 1948.
Lake Pepin, circa 1948.
Minnesota Historical Society

We'll let Barbara Mathias describe its splendor:

"Lake Pepin is a beautiful lake nestled in between the bluffs of Minnesota and Wisconsin. With the Mississippi River flowing through it, the lake changes and is a fresh experience each time you are in it or admiring it's beauty. A wide variety of water activities are enjoyed daily!" she told us in the Public Insight Network, or PIN.

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Another bit of trivia on the lake: Pepin's Lake City Marina is home to the only working lighthouse on the entire Mississippi.

It's a unique lake full of memories for many Minnesotans.

"I am from Rochester but my family lived in Lake City every summer as I was growing up. My husband and I moved to Arizona 25 years ago but recently bought a condo on Lake Pepin. What wonderful memories my kids and now our grandkids will hold of such a beautiful fun lake," Cheryl Caulfield told us on PIN.

Tell MPR News and the Water Main: What makes your lake special?