Best Lakes Near Duluth, MN
50 lakes within 50 miles of Duluth ranked by water quality grade.
Duluth sits in a lake-rich part of the upper Midwest: 50 graded lakes within reach, average grade B. Third Lake (A) leads the cluster.
The lakes below are sorted by overall letter grade. If you have a specific activity in mind — swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing — the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.
| Lake | Distance | County | Grade | Depth | Fish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Lake | 19.7 mi | Carlton | A | - | 0 |
| Pat Martin Lake | 21.1 mi | Carlton | A | - | 0 |
| East Twin Lake | 22.6 mi | St. Louis | A | - | 0 |
| Big Lake | 25.7 mi | Carlton | A | 25 ft | 9 |
| Dodo Lake | 26.4 mi | St. Louis | A | 53 ft | 7 |
| Rose Lake | 26.8 mi | St. Louis | A | 31 ft | 0 |
| Park Lake | 28.5 mi | Carlton | A | 16 ft | 13 |
| Nichols Lake | 29.7 mi | St. Louis | A | 31 ft | 12 |
| Stewart Lake | 32.2 mi | Lake | A | 20 ft | 7 |
| Murphy Lake | 40 mi | St. Louis | A | 24 ft | 10 |
| Cadotte Lake | 41.9 mi | St. Louis | A | 18 ft | 5 |
| Pleasant Lake | 45.7 mi | St. Louis | A | 33 ft | 11 |
| St. Marys Lake | 48.6 mi | St. Louis | A | 44 ft | 14 |
| Pine Lake | 48.7 mi | St. Louis | A | 14 ft | 8 |
| Ely Lake | 49.2 mi | St. Louis | A | 70 ft | 14 |
| Bear Lake | 49.5 mi | Lake | A | 31 ft | 4 |
| Amnicon Lake | 21.2 mi | Douglas | B | 31 ft | 5 |
| West Twin Lake | 23.2 mi | St. Louis | B | 18 ft | 7 |
| Lake Nebagamon | 27 mi | Douglas | B | 56 ft | 5 |
| Lake Minnesuing | 27.5 mi | Douglas | B | 43 ft | 5 |
| Half Moon Lake | 36.9 mi | Bayfield | B | 10 ft | 3 |
| St Croix Flowage Lake | 38 mi | Douglas | B | - | 0 |
| Saint Croix Flowage Lake | 38.1 mi | Douglas | B | - | 0 |
| Long Lake | 38.5 mi | Bayfield | B | 28 ft | 4 |
| Elliot Lake | 39.7 mi | St. Louis | B | 13 ft | 11 |
| Sand Bar Lake | 39.7 mi | Bayfield | B | 49 ft | 3 |
| Tomahawk Lake | 40.1 mi | Bayfield | B | 42 ft | 4 |
| Eagle Lake | 40.3 mi | Carlton | B | 35 ft | 12 |
| Eagle Lake | 40.4 mi | Bayfield | B | 52 ft | 6 |
| Whitefish Lake | 41.1 mi | Douglas | B | 102 ft | 5 |
| Leader Lake | 42.6 mi | Douglas | B | 56 ft | 4 |
| Robinson Lake | 42.9 mi | Bayfield | B | 36 ft | 4 |
| Middle Eau Claire Lake | 43.5 mi | Bayfield | B | 66 ft | 6 |
| Lower Eau Claire Lake | 43.7 mi | Bayfield | B | 41 ft | 6 |
| Upper Eau Claire Lake | 44.4 mi | Bayfield | B | 92 ft | 6 |
| Cranberry Lake | 44.7 mi | Bayfield | B | 12 ft | 5 |
| Red Lake | 45 mi | Douglas | B | 37 ft | 4 |
| Upper Kimball Lake | 45.4 mi | Washburn | B | 11 ft | 3 |
| Middle Kimball Lake | 46 mi | Washburn | B | 77 ft | 3 |
| Siskiwit Lake | 46.1 mi | Bayfield | B | 13 ft | 5 |
| Gilmore Lake | 46.5 mi | Washburn | B | 36 ft | 4 |
| Lower Kimball Lake | 46.5 mi | Washburn | B | 6 ft | 3 |
| Pigeon Lake | 47.3 mi | Bayfield | B | 26 ft | 3 |
| Lake Nancy | 48.2 mi | Washburn | B | 39 ft | 6 |
| Horseshoe Lake | 49 mi | Washburn | B | 21 ft | 4 |
| North Twin Lake | 50 mi | Washburn | B | - | 0 |
| St. Louis Bay Lake | 6.3 mi | Douglas | C | - | 0 |
| Spirit Lake | 7.9 mi | Douglas | C | - | 0 |
| Spirit Lake | 8 mi | St. Louis | C | - | 0 |
| Upper Estuary Lake | 11 mi | Douglas | C | - | 0 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many lakes are near Duluth?
There are 50 graded lakes within 50 miles of Duluth, Minnesota. 16 of these have an A water quality grade (excellent).
What are the best lakes near Duluth for fishing?
39 lakes near Duluth have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine good water quality grades with diverse fish populations. 25 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.
Where to stay near Duluth
Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Duluth — book a place close to the best-rated lakes in the area.
Top-rated places to stay near Duluth
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.