Buttonbox Lake
About Buttonbox Lake
Buttonbox Lake is an 81-acre lake near Togo in Itasca County, Minnesota. It reaches 18 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 11 feet, clearer than most lakes in the state.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 6 fish species here, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2007.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Buttonbox Lake Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Buttonbox Lake
- 81 acres, up to 18 feet deep, near Togo
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 11 feet
- Camping close to the water at Buttonbox Lake Campground
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 81 acres
- Max depth
- 18 ft
- Shoreline
- 3 mi
- Water clarity
- 11 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 68 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Buttonbox Lake Campground
Best For
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 6
- Game fish
- 5
- Stocked
- No
- Last DNR survey
- 2007
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Camping & Reservations
Buttonbox Lake Campground is mapped on or near Buttonbox Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Buttonbox Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Five Island Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie214 acres
0.9 miles away
Poplar Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo112 acres
2.4 miles away
Battle Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie243 acres
2.8 miles away
Mirror Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Togo109 acres
3.6 miles away
Pickerel Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie241 acres
3.6 miles away
Deer Lake
62 out of 100 Lake ScoreItasca · Effie1,855 acres
4.2 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buttonbox Lake?
Buttonbox Lake is in Itasca County, Minnesota, near Togo. It covers 81 acres and reaches 18 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Buttonbox Lake?
Buttonbox Lake covers 81 acres with about 3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 18 feet.
What fish can you catch at Buttonbox Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Buttonbox Lake?
Yes. Buttonbox Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Buttonbox Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Buttonbox Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Buttonbox Lake stocked?
The DNR has no stocking report on file for Buttonbox Lake; its fishery is sustained by natural reproduction or has not been stocked recently.
Can you camp at Buttonbox Lake?
Yes. Buttonbox Lake Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.