silhouette of 2 people riding on boat during sunset
Photo by Lee Vue on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Kimball Lake

Grand Marais, MN · Boat Ramp · Public

Kimball Lake is a public boat ramp on Kimball Lake near Grand Marais, Minnesota. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in summer.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Public launch on Kimball Lake in Minnesota. Beginner-friendly lake paddling near Grand Marais.

Paddlers visiting Kimball Lake in Minnesota can launch from Kimball Lake, a well-positioned access point on the lake.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water.

You can expect calm and sheltered water when paddling here. The recommended season runs June through August. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Located about 10 min from Grand Marais, Kimball Lake is a convenient option for Grand Marais-area paddlers.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Kimball Lake ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Paddling Tips

  • Morning hours offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing on the lake.
  • Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
  • Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Kimball Lake?
Kimball Lake is a public boat ramp in Minnesota. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Kimball Lake?
Kimball Lake supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Kimball Lake?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Kimball Lake?
The best time to paddle at Kimball Lake is during summer. June through August
What are the water conditions at Kimball Lake?
Water conditions at Kimball Lake include calm, sheltered.
Is Kimball Lake good for beginners?
Yes, Kimball Lake is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 47.8639, -90.2285

Quick Facts

Region
Great Lakes
Getting There
~10 min from Grand Marais
Get Directions

47.8639, -90.2285

Best Paddling in Minnesota

Read our complete guide →

Paddler Reviews

Write a Review

0/5,000 characters

Sign in to add photos to your review.

Trip Reports

Share a trip report

Sign in to write a detailed trip report for Kimball Lake

Sign In

Paddle Routes from Here

No paddle routes from this location yet.

Be the first to create one!