HomeMichiganIron County

Holmes Lake

Iron County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Holmes Lake Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Holmes Lake
Holmes Lake Boat Launch
Bewabic State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Specific inflow and outflow data for Holmes Lake is limited. It sits within the broader watershed network of Iron County's western UP drainage systems, an area laced with small lakes, creeks, and state forest land.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a small lake in Iron County, Holmes Lake freezes reliably through UP winters and likely sees some ice fishing use. Always check ice thickness before heading out, especially early and late in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Holmes Lake in Michigan?
Holmes Lake is in Iron County in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. It's a remote, lightly developed lake with no nearby towns of significant size — true backcountry UP territory.
Is there a boat launch on Holmes Lake?
Yes, there's one launch on Holmes Lake. It carries a 4.5-star Google rating, though with only a handful of reviews. Expect a basic, no-frills access point suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Are there campgrounds near Holmes Lake?
Several campgrounds are in the area, including Glidden Lake State Forest Campground, Wilderness Shores (WE Energies), Lake Ellen Camp, and Newberg Park Campground in Sagola Township. The state forest campground is a good rustic option for a base camp.
Is Holmes Lake crowded?
No. Reviewers call it "a nice little lake in the middle of nowhere," and with just one launch and limited development, you're unlikely to encounter much traffic even on summer weekends.
Can you kayak or canoe on Holmes Lake?
Yes — a small, quiet lake like Holmes is well-suited for paddling. Low boat traffic and a remote setting make it a peaceful spot to explore by kayak or canoe.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Holmes Lake is a small, remote lake tucked into Iron County in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula — the kind of place reviewers describe as "a nice little lake in the middle of nowhere." With just one launch and minimal development, it's a quiet spot suited for small boats, kayaks, and anglers looking to avoid crowds. Iron County is sparsely populated even by UP standards, and Holmes Lake fits that character perfectly.

Several campgrounds are within reasonable driving distance, including Glidden Lake State Forest Campground and Lake Ellen Camp, so it's possible to build a multi-day trip exploring several small UP lakes in the area. Don't expect amenities — this is pack-it-in, pack-it-out territory.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment