Bear Island Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bear Island Lake |
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 Bear Island Lake
Location in Minnesota
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| Location | Birch Lake, St. Louis County, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 47°46′24″N 91°58′46″W / 47.77333°N 91.97944°W |
| Primary inflows | Beaver River |
| Primary outflows | Bear Island River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | 4 mi (6.4 km) |
| Max. width | 2 mi (3.2 km) |
| Surface area | 2,351 acres (9.51 km2) |
| Islands | 23 |
| Settlements | Rothman, Babbitt |
Bear Island Lake is a beautiful lake located in Minnesota, United States. It's about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of a town called Ely. The lake is quite large, covering about 2,351 acres (9.51 km2). It measures roughly 2 miles (3.2 km) wide and 4 miles (6.4 km) long.
Bear Island Lake is special because it has at least 20 different islands. Much of its shoreline is surrounded by state and national forests. This includes the Bear Island State Forest. Even though some parts of the lake are deep, it also has shallow areas. These shallow spots and natural sand beaches make it a great place for swimming.
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Fun Activities at Bear Island Lake
Fishing Adventures
Bear Island Lake is a natural lake, meaning it has a healthy fish population all on its own. You can find many types of fish here. Some popular ones include walleye, northern pike, and different kinds of bass. There are also crappie, bluegill, and perch.
The main river flowing into Bear Island Lake is the Beaver River. This river has rapids and beaver dams. These natural features make it harder for fish to move freely. The main river flowing out of the lake is the Bear Island River. It has an old dam that also limits fish movement when the water is low. There aren't many water plants along the shoreline. They only grow to a depth of about 7 feet (2.1 m).
Winter Sports: Cross-Country Skiing
If you love winter sports, Bear Island Lake is a great spot for cross-country skiing. The Bear Island Ski Trail offers 10 miles (16 km) of groomed trails. These trails are perfect for skiing.
The ski trail system has two main parts. One part winds through the beautiful Superior National Forest. Along this trail, you'll find a nice picnic spot near Perch Lake. The other part of the trail follows the shoreline of Bear Island Lake. It's a wonderful way to explore the area in winter.
Exploring Nearby Lakes
The area around Bear Island Lake is full of other interesting lakes to discover.
Bear Head Lake State Park
One nearby lake is Bear Head Lake. This lake is part of the larger Bear Head Lake State Park. It's a great place for outdoor activities.
Eagles Nest Lake
Another interesting spot is Eagles Nest Lake. This is actually three separate lakes. They are called No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3. There's also a place called Big Island in this area.
Voyageurs National Park
Farther north, close to the border with Canada, you'll find Round Bear Island. This island is located in Kabetogama Lake. Kabetogama Lake is part of Voyageurs National Park. This park is known for its beautiful waterways and islands.
