Upper Prior Lake vs. Lower Prior Lake: What’s the Difference for Lakeshore Buyers?

If you’re considering buying a lake home on Prior Lake, one of the first things to understand is that the lake is made up of two connected basins: Upper Prior Lake and Lower Prior Lake. While you can boat between the two, each offers a somewhat different experience when it comes to size, water depth, recreation, fishing, and overall setting.

So, what’s the difference between Upper and Lower Prior Lake, and which one might be the better fit for you?

What Is Upper Prior Lake Like?

At approximately 416 acres, Upper Prior Lake is the smaller of the two basins. Its smaller size can create a more intimate lake experience, while still providing access to everything Lower Prior Lake has to offer through the connecting channel.

Upper Prior Lake is home to several unique features, including Twin Island, a residential island with about a dozen homes, as well as Charlie’s on Prior, a popular waterfront restaurant accessible by both boat and car. Upper is generally shallower and can have more aquatic vegetation than Lower Prior Lake. For anglers, that can also create productive fishing areas, with species including panfish and carp among those found in the lake.

What Is Lower Prior Lake Like?

At approximately 956 acres, Lower Prior Lake is considerably larger and generally deeper than Upper Prior Lake. Its larger stretches of open water make it especially popular for recreational boating and water sports, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and tubing. Lower Prior Lake is also home to Sand Point Beach, the lake’s largest public beach, along with Candy Cove, a well-known gathering spot for boaters. With more open water and greater depth in certain areas, Lower can have a distinctly different feel from Upper, particularly on busy summer weekends.

How Are Upper and Lower Prior Lake Connected?

One of the benefits of living on either basin is that you aren’t limited to just one. Upper and Lower Prior Lake are connected, allowing boaters to travel between the two. Near the connection is Knotty Oar Marina, a convenient stop on the water offering fuel, boat slips, food, snacks, and other boating essentials. That means homeowners can enjoy the characteristics of their home basin while still having access to the rest of Prior Lake.

Which Side of Prior Lake Is Better for Lakeshore Buyers?

There isn’t one answer that fits every buyer. Upper Prior Lake may appeal to someone who prefers a smaller lake setting or enjoys fishing, while Lower Prior Lake may appeal to buyers looking for more open water and room for boating and water sports.

But choosing a Prior Lake lake home goes well beyond Upper versus Lower. The individual property’s shoreline, water depth, elevation, lake view, lot shape, privacy, and location on the basin can ultimately matter just as much. At Slater Realty Group, we help lakeshore buyers understand those differences property by property. With decades of experience on Prior Lake, Jim Slater knows that two homes located only a short distance apart can offer very different experiences on the water.

Bottom Line

Upper and Lower Prior Lake each offer something different, but because the two basins are connected, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of the entire lake. The better question isn’t necessarily “Is Upper or Lower Prior Lake better?” It’s “Which property and location best fit how I want to use the lake?” Understanding those differences before you buy can help you find a Prior Lake lakeshore home you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Upper Prior Lake connected to Lower Prior Lake?
Yes. The two basins are connected, allowing boaters to travel between Upper and Lower Prior Lake.

Which is bigger, Upper or Lower Prior Lake?
Lower Prior Lake is the larger basin at approximately 956 acres, compared with approximately 416 acres for Upper Prior Lake.

Which part of Prior Lake is better for water sports?
Lower Prior Lake generally offers more open water and is popular for activities such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and tubing.

Is Upper or Lower Prior Lake better for buying a lake home?
It depends on the buyer. Beyond the basin itself, shoreline quality, water depth, views, elevation, privacy, and the individual lot can all play an important role in choosing the right lakeshore property.

Sooner or later, you’ll call Jim Slater.