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Tofte Lake

Tofte Lake is 155 acres in size and reaches a depth of 70 feet. There are 4 back country campsites and a boat ramp on the lake. It is a designated trout lake and is managed for rainbow trout and splake.

Lakes nearby include Glacier Pond 1, Glacier Pond 2 and Ojibway and Triangle Lakes.

General Information

Dispersed Camping

There are 4 back country campsites on this lake.

Please use facilities provided such as fire rings, tent pads, and latrines and pack out garbage. 

Open 24 hours/day

Trout stamps on fishing licenses are required. Please check the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources information for other trout lake regulations.

No Fees are required for this site.

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.

Kawishiwi building

Address: 1393 Highway 169 Ely, MN 55731
Phone: (218) 365-7600
Hours: April 28 – September 30, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, closed weekends. No BWCAW permit issuance and no retail sales products. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.Superior_NF@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.96222752

Longitude: -91.57037344

Directions

Tofte Lake is located 14.5 miles northeast of Ely.

  • From Ely, take State Highway 169 (turns into Highway 18/Fernberg Road) northeast for 14.5 miles to Forest Road 1541/557.
  • Turn left on Forest Road 1541 for 0.2 miles to the boat access.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & Pond Info

Permit:

See current Minnesota Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.  

Recreation Groups

USDA Forest Service Logo

The 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail takes visitors across federal, state, county and private land.  Upon completion the trail will extend from Crown Poi

Last updated March 29th, 2025