Northern Light Lake
This 378 acre lake has only one campsite available, a perfect place for solitude. With a shoreline of only 7 miles and a maximum depth of only 7 1/2 feet it can also be a great location for swimming (just watch the rocks).
Located just off the Gunflint Trail, near the Northern Light Overlook Trailhead, the Brule River travels through the lake on its 40 mile journey to Lake Superior.
The boat launch, located on the Brule River a mile or so north from Northern Lights Lake, is managed by the Minnesota DNR.
General Information
Dispersed Camping
Access to the 1 site on this lake is a boat ramp at the West end of the lake.
15 April
When visiting, please remember
- Only use facilities that are provided for fires, tents, and waste.
- Do not make additional fire rings, tent pads, or cat holes.
- You will need to pack out your garbage.
- Nine people per site limit, group sites are available at some sites.
Boating
When boating with your dog, follow all Minnesota State boating laws.
- Use care when getting your dog in and out of the boat to ensure their safety.
- Consider both you and your dog wearing a life jacket.
- Provide shade for your pet.
- Remember to bring their food and water as it may be unsafe for them to drink lake water.
Camping
- Keep dogs on a six-foot, or shorter, leash when they are not inside a tent.
- Store dog food in bear-resistant containers and feed your pet away from the campsite.
- Pick up and bag your dog’s waste. Place it in a provided trash receptacle or pack it out.
- Do not leave your dog unattended at any time.
- Keep your dog in your tent at night.
- Ensure that there is ample water available for your pet.
Address: 2020 W. Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN 55604
Phone: (218) 387-1750
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no Eastern National Forest Interpretative Association retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 47.91059294
Longitude: -90.26830092
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Fish species: burbot, green sunfish, northern pike, pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, central mudminnow, shiners
Get more information about fishing in Northern Lights Lake from the Minnesota DNR Lake Finder
Fishing - River/Stream Info
The Brule River runs directly through the lake and can be accessed on the western and eastern ends of the lake by boat.
Fish species
brook trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike
Find out more about the Brule River on the Minnesota DNR Streamfinder
Viewing Scenery Info
It's not called the Northern Lights Lake for nothing. While enjoying the camping and fishing at the lake, don't forget to look up and enjoy the night sky and perhaps get a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
Recreation Groups
Many lakes in the Gunflint Ranger District have boat ramps and docks suitable for launching a trailered boat. These lakes are open for use by motoriz