In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s not too difficult to find a beautiful body of water among the thousands of Minnesota lakes. All but four Minnesota counties have at least one natural lake. On the flip side, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, has more lakes than any other county in the United States.

But where do you go when you’re looking for a place to get away from it all? There are plenty of lakes to choose from, but some are more remote than others. If you want to truly get away from it all, consider a trip to Knife Lake. It’s in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (“BWCAW”) on the Canadian border, not only is Knife the most remote lake in Minnesota, it’s also the most peaceful. To get there, though, you’re going to have to paddle, so make sure you’ve got all the right equipment!

Knife Lake is a huge body of water in the BWCAW along the Minnesota-Ontario border. It covers more than 3,500 acres and has 99 miles of shoreline.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
In 2014, Minnesota DNR writer Tom Anderson and then-University of Minnesota research fellow Andy Jenks determined that Knife Lake is farther from a road than any other lake in Minnesota. As the crow flies, it is more than 12 miles from any road.
This means that paddling is really the only practical way to reach the lake.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
A part of the Boundary Waters, Knife Lake is a remote destination for those who love paddling. There are many routes in and around the lake, and it’s a trip that requires careful research and planning to do safely. Moreover, you’ll need a permit from the U.S. Forest Service to enter the Boundary Waters. These are issued via lottery from May to October.
Those that do will find an incredible wilderness area that is miles from any town and hundreds of miles from any major cities. In short, it’s likely the most remote lake in Minnesota.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
The scenery in and around this lake is nothing short of spectacular. Huge, thick forests surround the lake. These may make for some difficult portages depending on your route.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr

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Along the way, you may spot some of the many critters that make homes along the lakes. There will be birds aplenty, as well as small mammals such as squirrels and rabbits. Larger mammals are also around, though they are much more elusive.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
There are also some historic spots in the lake. Dorothy Molter lived on the lake for decades starting in 1934. She became famous for providing root beer to passing paddlers. You can visit Isle of Pines, the island where she lived for 56 years.
North8000/Wikipedia
You can taste still taste her root beer recipe on a visit to the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely.
When it comes time to rest, there are many rustic campsites along the lake. You must reserve them in advance at the time your Boundary Waters permits are issued.
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
You can preview Knife Lake and potential camping spots on this map.
At night, your remote location will be underscored by the scene that stretches out above you. Far from any source of light pollution, the night sky above this Boundary Waters lake is the best entertainment you’ll ever find. It is simply spectacular!
imagenusphoto/Flickr
In fact, the Boundary Waters is one of the largest dark sky sanctuaries in the world.
All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself!
Greg Gjerdingen/Flickr
Check out YouTuber Mark Potaczek’s trip to Knife Lake:

All in all, this remote lake is a beautiful destination for those looking to truly get away from it all. With a little legwork and a lot of paddling, you can experience it for yourself! Have you been to Knife Lake? What are your other favorite Minnesota lakes? Feel free to let us know in the comments or by filling out our nomination form!

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More to Explore

Most remote place in minnesota

Trent Jonas | July 02, 2023

What is the most remote place in Minnesota?

At more than 12 miles from the nearest road and even farther from any real population center, Knife Lake is not only the most remote lake in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it’s probably the most remote place in Minnesota. That said, you’ll find man-made campsites and trails and probably see other paddlers on your way to Knife Lake, if not on Knife Lake, itself.

But what if you really want to get away from it all in Minnesota - away from all signs of civilization and other people - where do you go then? According to Minnesota DNR writer Tom Anderson and GIS specialist Andy Jenks, who determined that Knife Lake was the most remote lake in Minnesota, you’re going to want to head to the Big Bog area of Minnesota. It’s the largest peatland bog in the Lower 48. Specifically, there’s a spot out in the Red Lake Peatlands SNA, that’s almost nine and a half miles from any road. Out there, there are no trails, no campsites, and likely no signs of humans - with the possible exception of an occasional plane flying over.

According to Anderson, heading out to this spot at any time of year when the ground is not frozen would be nearly impossible, if not downright dangerous. But if you don’t mind the cold and enjoy winter camping, you could certainly give it a try. On the other hand, you could also enjoy all that this fascinating part of Minnesota has to offer with a visit to the front country Big Bog State Recreation Area with its mile-long boardwalk and its sandy, Red Lake beach.

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