---
type: lake
name: "Three Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Forest Center"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 904
max_depth_ft: 37
latitude: 47.88964
longitude: -91.44656
lake_score: 62
dnr_lake_id: "38060000"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/three-lake
---

# Three Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Forest Center

- **Surface Area**: 904 acres
- **Max Depth**: 37 ft
- **Shoreline**: 19 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 7.3 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Lake Score**: 62/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Three Lake is a 904-acre lake near Forest Center in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 37 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 19 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 7.3 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.

Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 9 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, and burbot. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.

There are 2 public boat launches (concrete surface) managed by the US Forest Service. 2 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

- **Public access**: 2 public boat launches (concrete)
- **Managed by**: US Forest Service
- **Launch fee**: Free at DNR public water accesses
- **Wilderness permit**: BWCAW entry permit required

## Fishing

- **Species on DNR survey**: 9
- **Stocked**: No
- **Last DNR survey**: 2025
- **Special regulations**: No
- **Ice fishing**: Yes

## Activities

Fishing, Ice Fishing, Boating, Paddling, Canoe Tripping, Camping

## Amenities

Boat Ramp, Carry-In Access, Campground

## Fish Species

Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Burbot, Lake Whitefish, Rock Bass, White Sucker

## Nearby Lakes

- [Horseshoe Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/horseshoe-lake) - 1.2 miles, 205 acres
- [Two Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/two-lake) - 1.7 miles, 516 acres
- [Four Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/four-lake) - 2.2 miles, 611 acres
- [North Wilder Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/north-wilder-lake) - 2.6 miles, 100 acres
- [One Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/one-lake) - 3.1 miles, 846 acres
- [Clearwater Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/clearwater-lake) - 3.5 miles, 640 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=47.88964,-91.44656)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38060000)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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