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Lake Ellen

Iron County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
143.3 acres73 ft deep1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Lake Ellen Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → 🎣 Fishing Guide → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Lake Ellen
Lake Ellen Boat Launch
Bewabic State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Lake Ellen is part of the broader Iron County watershed in the western Upper Peninsula. Specific inflow and outflow details are limited, but the lake sits in a region drained by tributaries feeding into the Menominee River system.

Winter & Ice Safety

Lake Ellen sits in Iron County in the western UP, where winters are long and cold. The lake likely freezes reliably and is suitable for ice fishing, but always check local ice thickness — conditions can vary, especially early and late in the season.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake Ellen in Michigan?
Lake Ellen is in Iron County in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, near the community of Sagola. It's a rural, lightly developed area typical of the central UP.
Is there a public boat launch on Lake Ellen?
Yes, there's one public launch with a 4.3-star Google rating. It's a simple ramp with 6-8 parking spots. Reviewers recommend keeping your boat at 16 feet or smaller — anything larger will be difficult to manage at this launch.
Can you swim in Lake Ellen?
Yes — there's a beach area at Lake Ellen, and another at nearby Wilderness Shores (WE Energies). The lake's rural setting and clean water make it a pleasant swimming spot.
Are there campgrounds near Lake Ellen?
Several options: Lake Ellen Camp is right on the lake, Wilderness Shores is a WE Energies campground nearby, and Newberg Park Campground in Sagola Township is also in the area. Good options for a quiet UP camping weekend.
Is Lake Ellen crowded?
No — this is a quiet, low-traffic lake. The single launch has limited parking (6-8 spots), which naturally caps boat traffic. Multiple reviews describe it as a nice, quiet lake. Wildlife sightings — loons, eagles — are part of the experience.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Lake Ellen is a quiet lake in Iron County in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula — the kind of place where you're watching loons and eagles rather than dodging jet skis. It sits in a sparsely populated stretch of the UP near Sagola, with a single public launch that's functional but modest. Reviews note limited parking (6-8 spots) and a ramp best suited for smaller boats — 16 feet or under is the practical limit.

Fishing reports are mixed — some anglers enjoy the quiet water while others find it underwhelming. The real draw here seems to be the solitude and natural setting. Several campgrounds are nearby, including Lake Ellen Camp right on the water and Wilderness Shores (a WE Energies site), making it a solid base for a low-key UP camping trip. Michi-Aho Resort & Bait Shop is in the area for supplies and local intel.

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

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