The lake is a primary source of recreation for the city of Burnsville and the surrounding area.

Crystal Beach Park[1] , Crystal Lake West Park[2] and Tyacke Park[3] all have coastline along the lake and offer amenities such as boat landings, picnic areas, hard surfaced courts, playground equipment, walking trails, and others.

The most southerly parts of the lake extend into the city of Lakeville.

The lake has been found to contain the invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil plant species.

The DNR has plans to restock the lake with hybrid Muskies in even numbered years, but in the past few of legal size have been caught.