In most instances to utilize your use and pleasure of your lake home, you will need a dock.  With most existing lake properties a dock is included as personal property.  When looking at lake property the type and length of the existing dock is a good indication of water depth in front of the property.  For example  if there are only 3 o 4 sections  (eight feet each)  the lake bottom probable drops rather quickly and may or may not be suitable for your use.  Docks can be a very expensive part of your total lake shore investment. 

Depending upon material, size and accessories docks can cost from $2,000 to $10,000.00+.  If one hopes to use the lake for boating, a boat lift is almost a necessity.  A lift has a two fold  purpose.  The first is to allow one to leave their boat in the lake when one is gone , this is a very pracical function.  The second purpose is for the boats protection.  With a cover, the boat is protected from the sun rain and weather and the lift gets the boat out of the water so that it is not bobbing and banging against the dock in stroms and wind.  Again lifts vary in size, amenities, materials and price. 

Most newer lift are aluminum and a new good size lift can cost close to $10,000.00 or more.    There are, however, an abundance of used lifts available for much less.  Another option, is to have a  boat slip.  This is more common on larger lakes  or with condominum complexes..  This provides a protected area that allows the boat to remain in the water while anchored to a dock…this may or maynot be covered.   It is more common for Marinas to lease or sell boat slips. 

Costs of boat slips on Minnesota lakes vary.  You can purchase marina or municiple boat slips or lease your slip for the summer season.  Expect to pay between $1,000 to $10,000+ for a boat slip depending on the length of your motor boat or sailboat.

Boating Tip: Always check with DNR rules/regulations before purchasing and constructing a Minnesota dock, boat lift or boat slip.