An Iron County Lake Where the Northwoods Welcome You
Why Rent On Stanley Lake
Stanley Lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula covers nearly 400 acres and sits in the heart of Iron County, one of the most wild and scenically rewarding corners of the entire state. Sand beaches, maple and birch woods, abundant walleye, bass, and panfish, and the unexpected pleasure of deer coming close enough to feed by hand make this a destination that stays with guests long after they have returned home.
Fishing, Skiing, and Year-Round ORV Trails
The fishing on Stanley Lake is excellent across multiple species, and the surrounding terrain is laced with ORV and snowmobile trails for those who want to explore beyond the shoreline. Ski Brule, one of the Midwest’s premier ski and snowboard destinations, is just minutes away with over 660 acres of terrain. Lac O’ Seasons Resort is a nearby family-friendly facility with an indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, and lakeside cottages.
A Peaceful Setting That Restores the Spirit
The mature maple and birch forest surrounding the lake produces extraordinary fall color, and the wildlife activity, from deer to eagles, makes time outdoors feel richly rewarding throughout the year. This is the kind of destination where the pace of life genuinely shifts within a few hours of arrival.
Cabins and Rentals That Complete the Experience
Vacation cabins and lakehouses near Stanley Lake offer cozy, well-appointed accommodations with beautiful lake views, full kitchens, fire pits, and comfortable bedrooms that sleep groups of all sizes. Pet-friendly options are available. For families who want a genuine Upper Peninsula experience with both natural beauty and real recreational variety, Stanley Lake is one of the region’s best answers.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.8
- Max depth (ft)
- 30
- Elevation (ft)
- 849.74
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 0.02
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Marinas on Stanley Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Stanley Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, swimming is not allowed in Standley Lake. This is because the lake serves as a drinking water supply for three cities, and to maintain water quality, swimming and wading are prohibited.[
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Stanley Lake in Michigan is a popular destination because of its crystal-clear water and scenic location. The lake offers 600 feet of wooded shoreline, footpaths down to the water, and is close to Ski Brule, snowmobile trails, and ATV trails, making it ideal for various recreational activities. It is also surrounded by 37 acres of Maple and Birch woods.
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For Stanley Lake in Michigan, the proposed walleye size limits and possession rules are as follows: Anglers can possess walleye 15 inches to 18 inches and only one walleye 23 inches or greater. The daily possession limit is three fish, and anglers cannot possess any walleye measuring between 18 inches and 23 inches.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Stanley Lake. The Stanley Lake Day Use Area offers a great beach and picnic area where you can enjoy the lake and the views of McGown Peak. There is also a boat ramp nearby.
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Towns near Stanley Lake include Hailey, Boise, and Mountain Home. These towns are located in central Idaho, with Hailey being the closest, while Boise and Mountain Home are a bit further but still within driving distance. Stanley itself is a small town adjacent to the lake, situated in the Sawtooth Mountains.
