---
type: lake
name: "Swan Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 199
max_depth_ft: 122
latitude: 47.95431
longitude: -90.52669
lake_score: 41
dnr_lake_id: "16026800"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/swan-lake
---

# Swan Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 199 acres
- **Max Depth**: 122 ft
- **Shoreline**: 4.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 9.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 41/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Swan Lake is a 199-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 122 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 4.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 9.7 feet. Access is by portage through Superior National Forest; most lakes reached this way lie in or beside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where an entry permit is required.

The DNR has no fish survey on file for this lake, so treat any fishing as exploratory.

Public access is by portage — plan on a canoe, kayak or small boat you can hand-launch. 3 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Portage access only
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Permit or fee required
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Activities

Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

No DNR fish survey on file

## Nearby Lakes

- [Little Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-trout-lake) - 2.3 miles, 127 acres
- [Vernon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vernon-lake) - 2.4 miles, 240 acres
- [Ball Club Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ball-club-lake) - 3.2 miles, 206 acres
- [Vista Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vista-lake) - 3.3 miles, 166 acres
- [Gaskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gaskin-lake) - 3.5 miles, 372 acres
- [Bower Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/bower-trout-lake) - 3.6 miles, 133 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.95431,-90.52669)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16026800)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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