Namakan Lake

Namakan Lake
Namakan Lake Show map of Minnesota Namakan Lake Show map of the United States
Location	United States / Canada (Minnesota / Ontario)
Coordinates	48°25′48″N92°43′16″W / 48.4300°N 92.7211°W / 48.4300; -92.7211
Type	Natural lake
Part of	Namakan Reservoir
Primary inflows	Ash River, Kabetogama Lake, Crane Lake
Primary outflows	Rainy Lake via Kettle Falls
Basin  countries	United States, Canada
Surface area	24,066 acres (97.4 km²)
Max. depth	150 ft (46 m)
Surface elevation	1,122 ft (342 m)

Namakan Lake is a large freshwater lake located along the international border between northern Minnesota, United States, and Ontario, Canada. The majority of the lake is situated within Voyageurs National Park in St. Louis County, Minnesota, and the surrounding wilderness in Rainy River District, Ontario. Namakan Lake forms part of the interconnected Namakan Reservoir system, which includes Kabetogama Lake, Sand Point Lake, Crane Lake, and Little Vermilion Lake.

Geography

Namakan Lake covers an area of approximately 24,066 acres (97.4 km²) and has a maximum depth of around 150 feet (46 m). It sits at an elevation of about 1,122 feet (342 m) above sea level. ^[1] The lake is characterized by a rugged shoreline, dotted with numerous islands, coves, and peninsulas.

Hydrology

Namakan Lake receives water from several sources, including Ash River and Crane Lake. Its outflow occurs through the historic Kettle Falls, where water passes into Rainy Lake to the north. ^[2]

Historical significance

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Namakan Lake played a critical role in the fur trade, serving as a key transportation route for French-Canadian voyageurs navigating between the Great Lakes and the interior of Canada. Today, this legacy is honored within Voyageurs National Park. ^[3]

Ecology

Namakan Lake lies within the boreal forest biome, supporting diverse wildlife such as black bears, gray wolves, moose, bald eagles, and common loons. The lake itself is home to walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and black crappie. ^[4]

Recreation

Namakan Lake is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and angling. As it lies within Voyageurs National Park, visitors can also enjoy remote campsites, hiking trails, and wildlife observation. Access to the lake is generally by watercraft, with entry points located at Ash River, Crane Lake, and Kabetogama Lake. ^[5]

Conservation

Namakan Lake is part of the Namakan Reservoir Operating Plan, which regulates water levels to balance ecological health, recreational access, and hydroelectric power production. ^[6] The lake benefits from federal protections under the management of Voyageurs National Park.

See also

• Voyageurs National Park
• Rainy Lake
• Kettle Falls (Minnesota)
• Namakan Reservoir

References

1. "Namakan Lake". Lake-Link. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
2. "Voyageurs National Park: Kettle Falls". National Park Service. Retrieved March 17, 2025.^{[ dead link ]}
3. "Voyageurs National Park History & Culture". National Park Service. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
4. "Namakan Lake". Fishidy. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
5. "Boating in Voyageurs National Park". National Park Service. Retrieved March 17, 2025.^{[ dead link ]}
6. "Namakan Reservoir Rule Curves". International Joint Commission. Retrieved March 17, 2025.