---
type: lake
name: "Vera Lake"
county: "Lake"
nearest_town: "Ely"
lake_type: "lake"
acres: 250
max_depth_ft: 55
latitude: 48.05632
longitude: -91.31314
lake_score: 43
dnr_lake_id: "38049100"
url: https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/vera-lake
---

# Vera Lake

Lake in Lake County, Minnesota, near Ely

- **Surface Area**: 250 acres
- **Max Depth**: 55 ft
- **Shoreline**: 6.2 miles
- **Water Clarity**: 16.7 ft
- **Lake Type**: lake
- **Public Access**: Portage access only
- **Lake Score**: 43/100 (composite of public data, not a visitor rating)

## About

Vera Lake is a 250-acre lake near Ely in Lake County, Minnesota. It reaches 55 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 6.2 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 16.7 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. 7 campgrounds are mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays.

## Access

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

- [Ashigan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ashigan-lake) - 2.2 miles, 153 acres
- [Ensign Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ensign-lake) - 2.5 miles, 1,411 acres
- [Ima Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/ima-lake) - 3.2 miles, 742 acres
- [Jordan Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/jordan-lake) - 3.3 miles, 142 acres
- [Birch Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/birch-lake) - 3.5 miles, 836 acres
- [Boot Lake](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county/boot-lake) - 3.7 miles, 197 acres

## Links

- [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=48.05632,-91.31314)
- [Minnesota DNR LakeFinder](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=38049100)
- [All lakes in Lake County](https://www.minnelakes.org/lakes/lake-county)

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