The Little Gratiot River and Haven Creek feed Lac La Belle from the west. The lake drains east through the Mendota Canal into Lake Superior, giving boaters a direct — if sometimes rough — connection to the big lake. The lake sits within the Lake Superior watershed at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
At 38 feet max depth in the Keweenaw, Lac La Belle freezes reliably and hard each winter. Ice fishing is popular, and the frozen lake offers dramatic views of Mount Bohemia and the surrounding forested landscape. Always verify ice thickness — the Mendota Canal connection to Lake Superior can create variable conditions near the outlet.
How big is Lac La Belle?
Does Lac La Belle connect to Lake Superior?
Is there a boat launch on Lac La Belle?
Can you swim in Lac La Belle?
Are there campgrounds near Lac La Belle?
Where is Lac La Belle?
Is there a fee to launch at Lac La Belle?
Lac La Belle is a 1,146-acre lake tucked into the Keweenaw Peninsula in Keweenaw County — about as far north as you can get in Michigan without boarding the Isle Royale ferry. The lake sits at 38 feet max depth with a muddy bottom, surrounded by dense forest that gives it a genuine wilderness feel. What makes it unusual: the Mendota Canal connects Lac La Belle directly to Lake Superior, so you can technically launch here and run out to the big lake. The Little Gratiot River and Haven Creek feed the west side. Mount Bohemia ski resort sits right next door, and Isle Royale ferry services operate nearby — this is deep Keweenaw country.
Fishing is solid — reviewers report cleaning large fish at the station, and charter fishing operates on the lake. The single state-owned launch on the north shore gets strong reviews (4.8 stars) for its paved lot, easy-angle ramp, and sturdy docks. The lake freezes hard in winter, offering ice fishing and dramatic views of the surrounding terrain and Mount Bohemia. Fair warning from locals: the mosquitoes here are legendary — "Jurassic era predators" who treat DEET as a condiment. Cell reception actually works here, which is a genuine surprise for this part of the Keweenaw.