Here is a breakdown of what you can expect when looking to rent or purchase a boat slip across White Bear Lake, Lake Minnetonka, and the St. Croix River.
The market for boat slips varies drastically depending on the body of water. While rentals are available across all three, the St. Croix River is the primary destination if you are looking to purchase a "dockominium" as a real estate investment.
Market Comparison Overview
Location | Rental Availability | Est. Seasonal Rent | Purchase (Dockominium) Availability |
White Bear Lake | Good (Municipal & Private) | $2,600 – $3,000+ | Very Rare / Not standard |
Lake Minnetonka | Very High Demand (Waitlists) | $6,200+ (Premium) | Rare (Usually deeded to real estate) |
St. Croix River | Excellent (Resort Marinas) | $4,400 – $7,000+ | Excellent (Member-owned associations) |
1. White Bear Lake
Rentals: Options are split between city-run and private marinas. The City of White Bear Lake offers municipal slip rentals, priced around $2,680 per season for residents and $3,000 for non-residents. For private options, marinas like The Docks of White Bear Lake (located near Admiral D's) offer 250 floating slips for boats up to 24 feet. These private marinas often provide full-service perks like shrink-wrapping, winterizing, and storage.
Purchases: Standalone slip purchases are virtually non-existent on White Bear Lake. Access relies entirely on seasonal rentals, private club memberships, or owning waterfront property.
2. Lake Minnetonka
Rentals: Because Minnetonka is a premier boating destination in the metro, demand is incredibly high, and most marinas maintain waitlists. Prices command a premium; for example, slips for the 2026 season at Minnetonka Marina started around $6,200.
Purchases: Buying a standalone slip is quite rare. When slips are sold, they are almost exclusively deeded to luxury condos, townhomes, or waterfront properties rather than sold independently.
3. St. Croix River
Rentals: The St. Croix River features massive, resort-style marinas capable of accommodating large vessels and yachts. Seasonal leases at locations like Bayport Marina range from roughly $4,400 to over $7,000, depending on slip size (32' to 70') and whether the slip is covered. Sunnyside Marina in Stillwater charges around $210 to $225 per slip foot, plus an annual membership fee, but packages often include spring launch, haul-out, and winter storage.
Purchases (Dockominiums): The St. Croix River is the best local market for purchasing a "dockominium." Buying a slip here generally means you own a percentage share of the marina's real estate and corporation. Prices vary heavily based on slip size and marina amenities. For example, a 54-foot slip at Hub's Landing in Hastings recently listed for around $80,000, while slips at Sunnyside Marina can command $120,000 or more and are often treated as long-term investments.
About the Author: Tony Sampair and The Luxury Lake Team at Lakeplace.com are the #1 locally and regionally dominant experts for the most coveted waterfront markets. From the historic Stillwater to the shores of White Bear Lake to Bald Eagle Lake & the premier properties of Forest Lake and the Chisago Lakes area, Tony Sampair has sold over 500 properties in this specific area, in his 40 year career, he also makes White Bear Lake his home on the shores of Bald Eagle Lake. No other agent has more sales volume or experience in this area than Tony Sampair. Tony is truly the #1 Real Estate Agent in the NE metro lake area. Call him at 651-208-1701 and have him become your #1 resource for Water Front Real Estate.
