One of North-Central Minnesota's Most Distinctive Lakes
Why Rent On Star Lake
Star Lake in Otter Tail County earns its name from the three outstretched arms that give it a genuinely distinctive shape across 4,721 acres of varied and beautiful water. With depths reaching 94 feet, a diverse landscape of islands, peninsulas, and shallow bays, and outstanding fishing for northern pike, walleye, largemouth bass, and crappie in both open water and ice fishing seasons, Star Lake offers a lake experience with real variety built into its geography. A lakeside cabin or vacation home here gives your family a private waterfront position in one of the state’s most visually interesting lake environments.
Fishing in Open Water and Ice
The lake’s combination of shallow bays and deep open water creates conditions that support a healthy and varied fish population year-round. Anglers who visit in summer find excellent walleye and bass opportunities, while winter ice fishing on Star Lake draws a loyal crowd who return season after season. The lake’s size and shape give boaters a genuinely exploratory experience, with new coves and channels to investigate across multiple days.
Maplewood State Park and the Surrounding Region
Maplewood State Park, just 10 miles west of Star Lake, is one of Minnesota’s finest state parks and provides hiking, camping, and a forested landscape formed by ancient glacial activity that rewards visitors with genuinely beautiful terrain. Sandy beaches along Star Lake’s shoreline are ideal for family swimming and picnicking. The casinos at Cass Lake and Walker are within reasonable driving distance for guests who want an evening entertainment option.
Why Families Choose Rentals on Star Lake
Vacation lakehouses and cabins on Star Lake come with private docks, beautiful lake views, full kitchens, and comfortable bedrooms for groups of all sizes. The mix of private residences, resort-style properties, and standalone rental cabins gives families genuine choice across a range of budgets and group sizes. Many listings are pet-friendly. For Otter Tail County lake country, Star Lake’s unusual geography and exceptional fishing make it one of the most rewarding and distinctive destinations a family can choose.
- Surface area (mi)
- 11.87
- Max depth (ft)
- 94
- Elevation (ft)
- 1332.02
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 38.03
Popular activities
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Star Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Star Lake. At Lone Star Lake Park, swimming is allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15. At East and West Star Lake Campgrounds, there are also specific areas for swimming access around the lake.
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Star Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing opportunities. In New York, it is known for species like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and landlocked salmon, while in Minnesota, it offers crappie, walleye, and northern pike. The lakes also feature scenic landscapes and recreational access points.
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The daily bag limit for crappie in Star Lake, Minnesota is 5, and for sunfish, it is 10. These special regulations were implemented to maintain the quality of the fish population. They differ from some statewide regulations and are specific to Star Lake.
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There are no dog-friendly beaches on Star Lake. Star Lake in Wisconsin does not have any beaches that allow dogs. If you’re looking for dog-friendly activities, you might need to consider other locations.
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Towns near Star Lake in New York include Potsdam, Ogdensburg, and Watertown. Star Lake is located in the Adirondack Mountains of St. Lawrence County, with parts of the community in the Town of Clifton and the Town of Fine. It is also close to Canadian towns like Brockville and Prescott.
