---
type: lake
name: "Esther Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Hovland"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 78
max_depth_ft: 35
latitude: 47.98031
longitude: -90.11123
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "16002300"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/esther-lake
---

# Esther Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Hovland

- **Surface Area**: 78 acres
- **Max Depth**: 35 ft
- **Average Depth**: 16 ft
- **Shoreline**: 3 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 8.4 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Esther Lake is a 78-acre lake near Hovland in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 35 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 16 feet, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 8.4 feet.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 3 fish species here, including rainbow trout and splake. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

There is one public boat launch (gravel or earth surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Esther Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: 1 public boat launch (gravel or earth)
- **Managed by**: Minnesota DNR
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 3
- **Stocked**: Yes
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Campground

### Campgrounds

- Esther Lake Campground

## Fish Species

Rainbow Trout, Splake, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Chester Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/chester-lake) - 1.3 miles, 52 acres
- [Devilfish Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/devilfish-lake) - 1.4 miles, 405 acres
- [Greenwood Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/greenwood-lake) - 3.2 miles, 2,043 acres
- [Stump Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/stump-lake) - 4.6 miles, 254 acres
- [Tom Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/tom-lake) - 4.7 miles, 404 acres
- [Otter Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/otter-lake) - 5 miles, 75 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.98031,-90.11123)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16002300)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

---
*Source: [MinneLakes.org](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/esther-lake)*