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Pelican Lake vs Cross Lake Reservoir

Two of the top-scoring lakes in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, side by side.

Pelican Lake is the larger of the two at 8,367 acres against 1,815 for Cross Lake Reservoir. On our rankings, Pelican Lake comes out ahead for swimming, Pelican Lake comes out ahead for boating, Cross Lake Reservoir comes out ahead for camping, Cross Lake Reservoir comes out ahead for paddling, and Pelican Lake comes out ahead for ice fishing.

MeasurePelican LakeCross Lake Reservoir
Lake Score82 / 10076 / 100
Nearest townBreezy PointCross Lake
Surface area8,367 acres1,815 acres
Max depth104 ft84 ft
Shoreline27.8 mi21.9 mi
Water clarity16.6 ft16.5 ft
Public access4 public boat launches (concrete)3 public boat launches (concrete)
Fish species1721
Game fishWalleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black CrappieWalleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie
StockedYesYes
Special regulationsNoYes
Swim beachYesNo
CampingNoYes
Invasive specieszebra musselzebra mussel

Which lake is better for…

  • Swimming
    Pelican Lake
  • Boating
    Pelican Lake
  • Camping
    Cross Lake Reservoir
  • Paddling
    Cross Lake Reservoir
  • Ice Fishing
    Pelican Lake

The lakes

More comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger, Pelican Lake or Cross Lake Reservoir?

Pelican Lake is bigger at 8,367 acres; Cross Lake Reservoir covers 1,815 acres.

Which is deeper, Pelican Lake or Cross Lake Reservoir?

Pelican Lake is deeper, with a maximum depth of 104 feet against 84 feet.