---
type: lake
name: "Winchell Lake"
county: "Cook"
nearest_town: "Grand Marais"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 876
max_depth_ft: 160
latitude: 47.99276
longitude: -90.59725
lake_score: 49
dnr_lake_id: "16035400"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/winchell-lake
---

# Winchell Lake

Lake in Cook County, Minnesota, near Grand Marais

- **Surface Area**: 876 acres
- **Max Depth**: 160 ft
- **Shoreline**: 15.7 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 15.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 49/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Winchell Lake is an 876-acre lake near Grand Marais in Cook County, Minnesota. It reaches 160 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 15.7 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 15.7 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota. 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. 8 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

- [Henson Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/henson-lake) - 1.2 miles, 111 acres
- [Gaskin Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/gaskin-lake) - 2.4 miles, 372 acres
- [Echo Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/echo-lake) - 2.8 miles, 121 acres
- [Meeds Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/meeds-lake) - 3.3 miles, 351 acres
- [Vernon Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/vernon-lake) - 3.5 miles, 240 acres
- [Rush Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county/rush-lake) - 3.6 miles, 261 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.99276,-90.59725)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=16035400)
- [All lakes in Cook County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/cook-county)

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