Posted in Minnesota Nature June 12, 2023 by

These Are The 15 Deepest Lakes In Minnesota And They Are Positively Stunning

With 10,000-plus lakes, Minnesotans always have plenty of swimming, boating, fishing, and even scuba diving options. Today we’re taking a look at some of the deepest lakes in Minnesota and all the activities that can be enjoyed in them. While many of them are mine lakes resulting from open pit mining, there are also a few naturally deep lakes in Minnesota.

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1. Lake Superior
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Naturally, Lake Superior is by far the deepest lake in Minnesota - also the largest lake in Minnesota or adjacent to the state - with depths as impressive as 1333 feet. Not only is Lake Superior one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, but there are plenty of beaches along the shoreline to sink your toes into and enjoy the view.
2. Sabin Lake (Embarrass Mine), St. Louis County – ID 69042900
Embarrass Mine, White Township, MN 55705, USA
Curtis Lahr/Youtube
This mine is a startling 465 feet deep, with over 33 feet of clarity! If you've been wondering, "What's the deepest lake in Minnesota?" Sabin Lake is probably the actual answer, since Lake Superior isn't technically "in" Minnesota, but rather borders the North Star State.
3. Portsmouth Mine Pit, Crow Wing County - ID 18043700
Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake, Crosby, MN 56441, USA
Wikimedia/Elkman
Located in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, a visit to this man-made Minnesota lake is sure to impress. Depths of over 450 feet make this mine pit one of the most scenic and deepest lakes in Minnesota.
4. Ore-be-gone (Gilbert Pit), St. Louis County - ID 69130600
Lake Ore-be-gone, Gilbert, MN 55741, USA
Curtis Lahr/Youtube
This big artificial mine lake near Gilbert is perfect for all types of aquatic recreation.
5. St. James Pit, St. Louis County - ID 69042800
St. James Pit, Unnamed Road, Aurora, MN 55705, USA
Google Maps
This pit lake near Aurora is an amazing spot to explore and a whopping 381 feet deep!
6. Rabbit (East), Crow Wing County - ID 18009301
Rabbit Lake Township, MN, USA
Google Maps
With a depth over 337 feet, this lake is another Cuyuna beauty.
7. Canisteo Pit, Itasca County - ID 31132504
Canisteo Mine, Coleraine, MN 55709, USA
Google Maps
Over 300 feet deep, this beautiful lake in Minnesota has crystal clear waters that will make you think you've slipped off to the Caribbean!
8. Hill Annex Mine Lake
Hill -Annex Mine, Marble, MN 55775, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
At Hill Annex Mine State Park, this amazing Minnesota lake is the perfect place to explore underwater mine remnants.
9. Lind Pit, Itasca County - ID 31128000
Lind Township, MN, USA
Google Maps
At 284 feet deep and with 25 feet of clarity, this lake can't be beat for its stunning water.
10. Saganaga, Cook County - ID 16063300
Saganaga Lake Public Water Access, West Cook, MN 55604, USA
Flickr/Ann
On the border, this 280-foot-deep lake is truly one-of-a-kind with all its surrounding islands.
11. Morroco Mine, Crow Wing County - ID 18052000
Morroco Mine Lake, Crosby, MN 56441, USA
Google Maps
This 265-foot mine lake is absolutely beautiful.
12. Pennington Mine, Crow Wing County - ID 18043900
Pennington Mine, Ironton, MN 56455, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
This mine lake has a depth of 259 feet!
13. Huntington Mine, Crow Wing County - ID 18044100
Huntington Mine, Ironton, MN 56455, USA
MNDiving/Youtube
258 feet deep, this mine lake in Minnesota is an epic scuba diving location.
14. Virginia Mine, Crow Wing - ID 18052100
Virginia Mine, Trommald, MN 56441, USA
Google Maps
Another mine lake, this one is 225 feet deep. One of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, Virginia Mine attracts scuba divers from all over.
15. Lake La Salle
LaSalle Lake, Fern Township, MN 56678, USA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Finally, rounding out the top 15 deepest lakes in Minnesota is the beautiful Lake La Salle in the Lake La Salle State Recreation Area has spots up to 213 feet deep.

Dreaming of splashing in the water? Check out these awesome swimming holes in Minnesota. Have you visited any of the deepest lakes in Minnesota? Let us know what you did there in the comments!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Deepest lakes in Minnesota

July 19, 2022
Jackie Ann

What are the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota?

With over 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, that’s a tough question! There are so many beautiful lakes in Minnesota, that it’s hard to choose a favorite, but Caribou Lake certainly is at the top of the list. This northern Minnesota lake is one of the clearest lakes in the state and if the water is calm, you can see down to 40 feet below the water. If you want to explore the more hidden gem lakes in Minnesota, check out Oberg Lake. This beautiful lake is tucked away in Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountain Range and there’s a 3-mile hike to get to the lake, you’ll feel a million miles away from it all.

Where can I find the bluest water in Minnesota?

For the most beautiful blue lake in Minnesota, seek out Deer Lake in Itasca County. The 4,000-acre lake boasts 22 miles of shoreline, so you’ll have no trouble finding a spot to call your own while you enjoy the sapphire lake’s intense color and gorgeous scenery. Feel free to bring your boat and see the lake from an entirely new perspective.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Minnesota?

There’s no better way to see The Land of 10,000 Lakes than by hitting the trails, and there are some truly picturesque hiking trails in Minnesota. The Caribou Falls Trail is less than a mile, making it one of the most kid-friendly hiking trails in Minnesota and it takes you straight to Caribou Falls, a stunning 35-foot waterfall. If you’re up for a longer hike, the 12-mile Angleworm Lake Trail will lead you through the Superior National Forest and straight to one of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota, Angleworm Lake.