When Does Big Lake Freeze? Typical Ice-In Nov 19, Ice-Out Apr 22
Big Lake in Carlton County, Minnesota usually freezes over around Nov 19, and usually has ice-out around Apr 22, based on Minnesota DNR ice observations recorded between 2003-2024. That works out to roughly 211 days of open water a year. These are typical dates across many winters, not a forecast — individual years swing by weeks in either direction.
Ice record for Big Lake
| Typical freeze-up (ice-in) | Nov 19 |
| Typical ice-out | Apr 22 |
| Earliest freeze-up on record | Nov 6, 2003 |
| Latest freeze-up on record | Dec 2, 2024 |
| Earliest ice-out on record | Mar 13, 2024 |
| Latest ice-out on record | May 14, 2013 |
| Open-water season | ~211 days |
| Winters observed | 10 |
| Location | Carlton County, Minnesota |
These are dates, not an ice-safety reading
A typical freeze-up date tells you when Big Lake has usually iced over — it does not tell you the ice is safe, and we hold no thickness measurement for this or any lake. The Minnesota DNR is explicit that no ice is ever completely safe: thickness varies across a single lake, and current, springs, aerators, and insulating snow all weaken it. Ice that held a truck last week may not hold a person today.
Read the ice-thickness guidelines before going out, and check current conditions with the Minnesota DNR ice-safety page and local bait shops, which track conditions lake by lake.
How much the timing varies
Ice-out on Big Lake has landed as early as Mar 13, 2024 and as late as May 14, 2013 — a spread of weeks around the Apr 22 median. Freeze-up has ranged from Nov 6, 2003 to Dec 2, 2024. That year-to-year swing is why a median date is a planning tool, not a schedule. Freeze-up is driven by accumulated cold after the lake turns over in fall; ice-out by late-winter air temperature, sun angle, and how much snow sits on top of the ice reflecting it. The full nutrient and algae breakdown for Big Lake is on the lake report.
Source: Minnesota DNR Climate Office ice-in / ice-out records, observations from 2003-2024.
Stays via Stay22
Where to stay near Big Lake
Compare cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Big Lake in Carlton County, Minnesota. Live availability and prices for your nights. Switch the map to Satellite to see how close each stay is to the water.
Top-rated places to stay near Big Lake
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a trip to Big Lake?
Get lake water-quality updates plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Big Lake — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Watch Big Lake water quality
Get an email when the clarity or algae readings change. Unsubscribe anytime.