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Elbow Lake (Gunflint)

There are 16 Elbow Lakes in Minnesota. This particular one is located in Cook County and is 408 acres with almost 7 miles of shoreline. At a maximum depth of 9 feet, this lake is perfect for anglers to find yellow perch, bluegill, and walley.

General Information

Dispersed Camping

Access to the 2 sites on this lake is a boat ramp on the East side of the lake. Each site has a fire grate and latrine.

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.

Trail Use

Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, as long as they are kept on a leash. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to your pet, the natural resources of the area, and other forest visitors.

Wildlife

  • Do not allow them to interact with wildlife

Gunflint Station

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: 47.86081829

Longitude: -90.29713124

Directions

From Grand Marais

  • Take the Gunflint Trail north north for 12 miles. Go west for 1 mile on Elbow Lake Landing Road.

Parking

8 vehicle/trailer parking spaces

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

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: bluegill, northern pike, pumpkinseed, sunfish, walleye, yellow perch, white sucker, blacknose shiner, common shiner, golden shiner

There is a concrete slap ramp and a dock.

Recreation Groups

a man in a motorboat on a lake

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

Last updated April 10th, 2025