Water Activities
With so many lakes, it is no surprise that water activities like boating and swimming play a part in many people's trip to the Superior National Forest. Seventy seven boat accesses and several swimming areas make it easy to get onto, or into, the water.
Boating is divided above into Motorized Boating and Non-Motorized Boating. As a general rule, areas listed under Motorized Boating are those lakes or campgrounds with a drive down boat ramp for launching a trailered boat. These lakes can also be accessed by non-motorized boats.
Areas listed under Non-Motorized Boating are lakes or campgrounds with water that can be used by non-motorized boats. This includes lakes with boat ramps for trailers, lakes outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with carry down access trails from which launching a trailered boat is impossible, and Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness entry points.
On most of the lakes outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, there is no prohibition on motors and on lakes with carry down trails and no ramps, boaters may carry down small trolling motors. Be aware though that carry down trails can be long and steep, and motors can be heavy. Also, there are a few of these lakes on which motors are prohibited. Check with District offices for these exceptions.
Both motorized and non-motorized boats in Minnesota must be registered and in compliance with all Minnesota regulations. For current boating regulations, as well as important safety information, visit the MN DNR website and look under Recreation - Boating.
There are several lakes that lie on the US-Canada border. If you are boating on a border lake, be aware of current regulations regarding border crossings - illegal entry can be considered a serious offense.
Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area
For lakes that are entry points for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, refer to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness section of the website. Special rules concerning motors and entry to the BWCAW apply.
Boating - Motorized
The lakes listed below are equipped with boat ramps suitable for launching a trailered boat. Often boat ramps and lake access are parts of a campground, but there is parking for boaters that are not staying at the campground. These lakes can also be used by non-motorized boats.
The areas listed below with names such as "All Lakes with Boat Access" show maps and tables of lakes with both ramps and carry down access. Check the table for the type of access. These areas show lakes that may be too small to have their own separate listing. Motors may be used on lakes with carry down access, if you are willing to carry it down!
Our Boating and Fishing Guide has a list of lakes with both drive down and carry in access on the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts.
All boats in Minnesota must be registered and comply with Minnesota boating regulations. This includes possessing a wearable Personal Flotation Device for each occupant and for boats longer than 16 feet other than canoes and kayaks, having a throwable flotation device in the boat. For detailed descriptions of PFDs and current regulations, visit the MN DNR website.
Boaters in Minnesota should also be aware that alcohol and boating don't mix. Boating while intoxicated is illegal and can result in heavy fines and possible jail time.
Don't spread aquatic invasives! Remove all weeds and debris from your boat and trailer; empty live wells, bait storage, bilges, and motor cooling systems of lake water. It's not just a good idea, it's the law.
Docks associated with boat launches on the lakes below are usually taken down in the fall and put in in the spring. Precise dates vary with weather conditions.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas listed for Non-Motorized Boating may include lakes or campgrounds with a carry down access to the water, lakes or campgrounds with boat ramps suitable for launching trailered boats, and entry points for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Lakes with boat ramps may be used by both motorized and non-motorized boats. People in canoes and kayaks have the right of way over power boats, but should be aware of the other boaters and mindful of their wakes.
Lakes with carry down access have trails leading to the water down which you must carry your boat. Some trails are longer than others. Outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, most, though not all, of these lakes do not have a prohibition against motors, and people may carry down small trolling motors and use them.
Designated canoe routes are series of lakes or waterways connected by portage trails. There are backcountry campsites (see camping section) along the route which are similar to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness campsites. Since these canoe routes are outside of the BWCAW, you do not need a reservation. Some canoe routes may briefly enter the BWCAW, and on those routes you will need a self-issued day use permit for entry. Day use permits are available at the access point.
Lakes that are entry points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness may be entirely in the BWCAW or partially in the BWCAW. There are special rules that apply to these lakes and boaters should refer to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness section of the website.
All boats in Minnesota, including canoes and kayaks must be registered and comply with Minnesota boating regulations. Out of state registrations are accepted, but if your boat is from state that does not require registration, you must register your boat in Minnesota. Other regulations include possessing a wearable Personal Flotation Device for each occupant and for boats longer than 16 feet other than canoes and kayaks, having a throwable flotation device in the boat. For detailed descriptions of PFDs and current regulations, visit the MN DNR website.
Swimming
A hot day, a cool lake: what could be better than a swim? There are several developed swimming areas in the Superior National Forest and plenty of other swimming holes as well.
When choosing your own swimming hole, be careful of currents in rivers. Fast moving water and slippery rocks can make even relatively small streams dangerous.
If you're swimming during a camping trip, be sure to Leave No Trace and don't use the lake as a bathtub. Soaps and shampoos, even biodegradable ones, should not be used in a lake.
Developed swimming areas do not have lifeguards and swimmers swim at their own risk. They do usually have toilet facilities and picnic areas nearby, but probably do not have changing rooms, showers, or sinks.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Agassa Lake
Astrid Lake Area
August Lake
Baker Lake Rustic Campground
Ball Club Lake
Bear Island Lake
Bearskin Lake Backcountry Site
Big Lake
Big Rice Lake
Birch Lake