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A cloud bank lit orange over Slim Lake at sunset, reflected across the width of the water

Lake trip · Aitkin County, Minnesota

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Where to stay at Minnewawa Lake

Minnewawa Lake covers 2,351 acres in Aitkin County and carries a water-quality grade of C (Fair). Compare cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals below. The grade measures nutrients and algae — it is not a stay-or-skip rating. Open water runs roughly Apr 18 to Nov 23, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.

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Slim Lake, Washburn County, Wisconsin. Photo: LakeQualityOriginal photograph

Places to stay near Minnewawa Lake

Cabins, resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals near Minnewawa Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota — live availability and prices. Add your dates to see totals.

Top-rated places to stay near Minnewawa Lake

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

About the water

Minnewawa Lake grades C for nutrients and algae — Fair. Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Water clarity is about 5 ft of visibility. Algae (chlorophyll-a) measures 11 µg/L. The letter is not a reason to skip cabins and rentals around the lake.

See the full Minnewawa Lake water-quality report →

Best time to visit

Open water runs roughly Apr 18 to Nov 23, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Check the National Weather Service forecast for Minnewawa Lake

About Minnewawa Lake

Surface area
2,351 acres
Max depth
21 ft
Public boat launches
3
Public beaches

Fish: bigmouth buffalo, black bullhead, black crappie, bluegill, bowfin (dogfish), brown bullhead, burbot, hybrid sunfish.

Fishing & license

When to fish Minnewawa Lake — the seasonal windows by species, from state survey data.

Minnesota fishing license

$25 resident$51 non-resident

Anglers under 16 are not required to have a license. Residents age 90+ also exempt. · The Minnesota walleye, northern pike, and bass season opens the Saturday two days before Mother's Day. Most other species are open year-round.

Prices as published by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2026.

Camping & RV near Minnewawa Lake

Base your trip at a nearby state park for tent and RV camping and trails, with Minnewawa Lake a short drive away — or search all public campgrounds and RV sites in the area on Recreation.gov.

  • Savanna Portage State Park · State Park10.1 mi

Find campgrounds & RV sites on Recreation.gov →

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Cabins, resorts, and vacation rentals around Minnewawa Lake in Aitkin County, Minnesota are on the map above with live availability and nightly prices. Waterfront rentals put you on the dock; lodging in the nearest town is usually cheaper with more choice. Savanna Portage State Park is about 10.1 miles away for campground options.

Minnewawa Lake has a water quality grade of C (Fair). Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality. Always check local health-department advisories before swimming.

Open water runs roughly Apr 18 to Nov 23, with June through August the peak stretch for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Guide

LakeQuality Lake Trip Planner (2026)

Free trip-planning guide for Minnewawa Lake: how to pick a clean lake, the water-quality signals that matter, best swimming and fishing windows, and where to stay.

Lodging availability and prices are provided by Stay22 and its booking partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia); LakeQuality may earn a commission from bookings at no extra cost to you. Water-quality grades are independent of lodging listings. Always check current health-department advisories and managing-agency conditions before you travel.