Nelson Lake
Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Parkers Prairie. DNR lake ID 56006500.
Nelson Lake is a 337-acre lake in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, near Parkers Prairie. Its deepest point reaches 7 ft, and about 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet. Summer water clarity averages 9.3 feet in Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring, which places it in the mesotrophic nutrient class. It is not on the DNR infested waters list as of September 2026.
Buying or selling on Nelson Lake? Ask us what lakeshore here actually sells for, which stretches of shoreline buyers compete for, and what’s coming up before it’s listed.
Tell us about your dream home on Nelson LakeWhat’s my Nelson Lake property worth?Call (218) 656-6469
Quick facts
| DNR lake ID | 56006500 |
|---|---|
| County | Otter Tail County, near Parkers Prairie |
| Surface area | 337 acres |
| Maximum depth | 7 ft |
| Share under 15 ft | 100% |
| Water clarity (summer) | 9.3 ft through 2022 |
| Phosphorus (summer) | 19.4 µg/L |
| Algae, chlorophyll-a (summer) | 4.4 µg/L |
| Nutrient class | Mesotrophic |
| Invasive species | Not on DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026) |
| Public water accesses | 0 |
Water quality
Summer averages from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency monitoring through 2022: clarity 9.3 ft, phosphorus 19.4 µg/L, algae (chlorophyll-a) 4.4 µg/L. Using the Carlson trophic state index, Nelson Lake rates as mesotrophic.
Fishing regulations
No lake-specific regulation found in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Regulations change. Confirm with the DNR before fishing.
Invasive species
Not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means no confirmed listing, not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Public boat access
No public water access on DNR record.
Nearby lakes
- Fish Lake 2.3 mi, Otter Tail County
- Adley Lake 3.1 mi, Otter Tail County
- Horsehead Lake 3.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Block Lake 4.8 mi, Otter Tail County
- Wing River 7.7 mi, Otter Tail County
- Trulse Lake 10.2 mi, Otter Tail County
- Siverson Lake 10.4 mi, Otter Tail County
- Ellingson Lake 10.6 mi, Otter Tail County
Questions about Nelson Lake
How deep is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake reaches a maximum depth of 7 ft according to Minnesota DNR records. About 100% of the lake is shallower than 15 feet.
How big is Nelson Lake?
Nelson Lake covers about 337 acres in Otter Tail County, Minnesota.
How clear is Nelson Lake?
Summer water clarity on Nelson Lake averages 9.3 feet (Secchi depth) in MPCA monitoring through 2022. Its trophic state is mesotrophic.
Does Nelson Lake have zebra mussels or other invasive species?
Nelson Lake is not on the Minnesota DNR infested waters list as of September 2026. That means there is no confirmed listing; it is not a guarantee the lake is free of invasive species.
Are there lake homes for sale on Nelson Lake?
Homes on Nelson Lake come up for sale throughout the year, and some sell before they’re ever publicly advertised. Tell us what you’re looking for and our agents will run a custom search and send you matching homes on Nelson Lake and nearby lakes, including off-market opportunities when available.
What is it like to live on Nelson Lake?
A mid-size lake with room for boating and fishing, about 100% shallow shoreline under 15 feet, and summer clarity around 9.3 feet. Conditions vary by property, so walk the frontage and ask us what similar homes have sold for.
Are there special fishing regulations on Nelson Lake?
No lake-specific regulation was found for Nelson Lake in Minnesota Rules or the DNR sunfish list. Statewide and zone regulations apply.
Ask us about Nelson Lake
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, our team works Otter Tail County lakes every day. Send us a note or call (218) 656-6469.
Sources: Minnesota DNR LakeFinder records, DNR fish surveys (latest not on record), DNR infested waters list (Sept 2026), Minnesota Rules 6264.0400 (April 2026), MPCA monitoring via the Water Quality Portal, DNR water access records (2023), LAGOS-US. Lakewide information from public data; it does not describe any specific property. Verify shoreline, bottom type, and depth at any frontage.