---
type: lake
name: "Vista Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 166
max_depth_ft: 47
latitude: 47.99343
longitude: -90.48615
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "16022400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vista-lake
---

# Vista Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 166 acres
- **Max Depth**: 47 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.5 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 10 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Vista Lake is a 166-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 47 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.5 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 10 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state. 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.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 5 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 1993.

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

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 5
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 1993
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Burbot, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Horseshoe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/horseshoe-lake) - 1.2 miles, 188 acres
- [Little Trout Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/little-trout-lake) - 1.8 miles, 127 acres
- [Caribou Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/caribou-lake-2) - 2.4 miles, 246 acres
- [Swamp Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/swamp-lake) - 2.5 miles, 181 acres
- [Gaskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gaskin-lake) - 3 miles, 372 acres
- [Ram Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/ram-lake) - 3 miles, 68 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.99343,-90.48615)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16022400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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