Pleasant Lake Annandale MN: A Buyer's Guide

Some lake buyers want a big lake and a long boat ride. Others want to be on the water and still run to town for milk in five minutes. If you're in the second group, Pleasant Lake deserves a look.

Pleasant Lake sits in Wright County, about a mile from Annandale. It's a real lake with room to boat, and it stays close to town life. Here's what I'd want you to know before you start touring.

The basics

Pleasant Lake covers 597 acres and reaches 74 feet at its deepest. Lake-Link lists an average depth of 16 feet, so most of the lake is much shallower than that deep hole suggests.

The DNR classifies about 49 percent of the lake as littoral, meaning 15 feet deep or less. That's a higher share than you'll find on Lake Sylvia, where it's about a third. Littoral water is where aquatic plants are most likely to grow, and fish tend to like it too.

What does that mean when you're shopping? Shoreline varies. One lot may have firm footing and a short walk to swimming depth. Another may have a soft bottom and plants near the dock. Neither is wrong. It just depends on how you'll use the lake.

Water clarity

The DNR reported average summer clarity of 10.8 feet in 2019 and rated the lake higher mesotrophic. In plain terms, that's a moderately productive lake. Expect more plant and algae growth than on the clearest lakes in the area, along with plenty of life in the water.

Clarity changes from year to year and month to month. If it matters to you, visit in August, when lakes tend to show their true summer character.

Getting on the water

Public access listings show boat ramps on both the north and south ends of the lake. That's handy if friends want to trailer in. It's also worth considering if you're looking at a home near a ramp. Drive by on a summer weekend and see how it feels.

Ask about invasive species

Starry stonewort was first recorded in Pleasant Lake in 2018. The DNR's report, updated in 2020, also listed Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed, and it described spot treatments and work focused around the north access. Those details are several years old, so ask for the current status.

Wright County commissioners also approved an ordinance requiring inspections of water-related equipment entering Pleasant Lake, along with East and West Lake Sylvia and Lake John.

None of this should scare you off. Plenty of good Minnesota lakes share these issues. You just want to know what's near your stretch of shoreline before you fall in love with it. A DNR invasive species specialist can tell you what's been confirmed.

Five things to check on any Pleasant Lake home

Sewer or septic? Some homes may connect to municipal sewer, and others won't. If there's a septic system, Wright County's point-of-sale rules may apply.
Well water. If the home is on a well, get it tested. The Minnesota Department of Health suggests testing for coliform bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, and manganese.
The shoreline itself. Walk in if you can. If it's November, ask the seller for summer photos.
Dock and lift. Find out if they stay with the home, and get it in writing.
Future plans. Thinking about adding on or building a new garage? Call Wright County Planning & Zoning, or the city if the home is inside city limits, before you write an offer.

Who it fits

Pleasant Lake could fit you if you want lake life and a short drive to school, groceries, and everything else on a busy Tuesday. It may not fit if your top priority is the clearest water in the area. That's why I like to tour a few lakes before narrowing things down. You learn a lot by standing on two or three different docks.