The Jewel of the North.
Take in this breathtaking aerial view of Sugarcrest’s dock, the sandy bottom and the unmatched beauty of a glacial gem. With 26 foot water clarity, Sugar (also known as Siseebakwet), is one of the clearest, cleanest lakes in the land of 10,000. The high concentration of calcium carbonate in the water offers natural protection from acid rain, has been rumored to provide healing properties (Ojibwe tribes believed there was magic in the water), and produces the beautiful Caribbean/aquamarine colors that make it the jewel of the North. Little Sugar Lake, located just to the southwest of the main lake, lacks the brilliant color, but makes up for it with plenty of bass, crappie, bluegill and even a northern or two eager to give you a fight.
Fast Facts
Boat/Watercraft Restrictions: None known
Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake
Surface Area: 1,500 acres
Shoreline Length: 8 miles
Normal Elevation: 1,329 feet
Minimum Elevation: 1,328 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1,330 feet
Average Depth: 44 feet
Maximum Depth: 105 feet
Water Clarity: 26 feet
Water Volume: 52,648 acre-feet
Water Residence Time: 6.5 years
Drainage Area: 7 sq.miles
Trophic State: Oligotrophic
Fish Species: Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Pike, Crappie, Bluegill, Sunfish, Perch, Yellow Perch.
Fishing tips: Best fishing at night and on cloudy days due to extreme water clarity. Head to Little Sugar Lake any time for a fishing ego boost.
History: First lake in Minnesota to have a lake owners' association and first lake with restricted waterfront deeds.
Helpful Links
One of the best Sugar Lake write-ups can be found at Lake Lubbers.
Also, the Minnesota DNR provides many helpful details about Sugar Lake including results of fish surveys and fish stocking reports:
DNR Stocking Report (walleyes are stocked every other year on odd years)
View to east from Sugarcrest dock/beach to Sugar Lake Lodge.
Even from a satellite Sugar Lake stands out from neighboring lakes.
Sugarcrest's grand scale can be seen when viewed next to Sugar Lake Lodge and its 18 hole golf course.
Looking southwest you can see Sugarcrest's location on Sugar Lake with Sugar Lake Lodge in the foreground and Big Thunder Peak (highest point in Itasca County) and Little Sugar Lake in the background.
The sandy beach is a big hit with kids and adults alike and extends east of the dock and stone boathouse. Kick back in one of our Adirondacks or wade into the crystal clear water and grab a kayak or paddle board. Our plug-and-play mooring system (seen above) means no lugging your gear in and out of the water. Just un-clip and go and re-clip when you return.