Lake Manitou is a 713-acre spring and ground water fed lake located in Rochester. It was created in 1827 as a reservoir for a grist mill. There are two public access boats ramps at the lake, one owned by the City on East 9th Street and another state owned ramp on East Country Club Drive. Lake Manitou is both an excellent fishing and waterskiing lake with no motor restrictions. There is access to several eating establishments by water and many cottage rentals in season. Lake Manitou has 500+ surrounding homes with approximately 60% of them being 2nd residences. City water/sewer and fiber optic cable/internet are available to lake residents. The watershed community accounts for over 60% of the city's tax base and operates many of its improvement projects through its non-profit Lake Manitou Association.