---
type: lake
name: "Vernon Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 240
max_depth_ft: 101
latitude: 47.94398
longitude: -90.57657
lake_score: 60
dnr_lake_id: "16026700"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vernon-lake
---

# Vernon Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 240 acres
- **Max Depth**: 101 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.9 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 14.9 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Public access on record
- **Lake Score**: 60/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Vernon Lake is a 240-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 101 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 14.9 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, tullibee (cisco), and lake whitefish. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2024.

The DNR lists public water access for the lake; confirm the launch type before towing a trailer in. A campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: Public access on record
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2024
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Camping

## Amenities

Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Tullibee (Cisco), Lake Whitefish, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Echo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/echo-lake) - 1.9 miles, 121 acres
- [Swan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/swan-lake) - 2.4 miles, 199 acres
- [Winchell Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/winchell-lake) - 3.5 miles, 876 acres
- [Star Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/star-lake) - 4.1 miles, 107 acres
- [Gaskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gaskin-lake) - 4.3 miles, 372 acres
- [Ball Club Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ball-club-lake) - 4.4 miles, 206 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.94398,-90.57657)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16026700)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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