Compare the lakes. Then go see them.
A source-cited hub for lake facts, so you can compare waters before you tour a shoreline property.
Itasca County is lake country. Official county materials describe more than 1,400 lakes across 2,665 square miles, with Grand Rapids as the county seat on the Mississippi River (Itasca County 2025 CHA/CHIP). The figures in the table below come from Minnesota DNR lake-survey data. They are for orientation only. A listing’s acreage of frontage, depth off the dock, or “sandy bottom” claims must be verified for that property.
| Lake | Official DNR figures |
|---|---|
| Pokegama (31-0532-00) | 6,721.3 acres; max depth 112 ft; shoreline 57.15 miles; average clarity 16.1 ft; 7 public accesses; Itasca County. |
| Deer (31-0719-00) | 4,093.48 acres; max depth 121 ft; shoreline 26.05 miles; average clarity 13.3 ft; Itasca County. Not the same as the city of Deer River. |
| Bowstring (31-0813-00) | 9,528.13 acres; max depth 32 ft; shoreline 34.1 miles; average clarity 5.3 ft; Itasca County. |
| Swan (31-0067-00) | 2,455.53 acres; max depth 65 ft; shoreline 17.51 miles; average clarity 14.1 ft; Itasca County. |
There is more than one Trout Lake in Itasca County in DNR records (including 31-0410-00 and 31-0216-00), so this page does not assign a single acreage to “Trout Lake near Coleraine” without a verified DOW number.
For a buying conversation, go to the lake and luxury lake homes page. For town context, use the service area guides.
Frequently asked questions
How many lakes are in Itasca County?
Itasca County’s 2025 Community Health Assessment states that the county includes over 1,400 lakes and covers 2,665 square miles.
What are official size figures for Pokegama, Deer, Bowstring, and Swan lakes?
Per Minnesota DNR lake-survey data: Pokegama (31-0532-00) 6,721.3 acres, 112 ft max depth; Deer (31-0719-00) 4,093.48 acres, 121 ft; Bowstring (31-0813-00) 9,528.13 acres, 32 ft; Swan (31-0067-00) 2,455.53 acres, 65 ft. These figures describe the lakes, not individual properties.
Is Lake Winnibigoshish in Itasca County?
Itasca County’s 2025 CHA/CHIP names Lake Winnibigoshish among notable waters associated with the county. The Minnesota DNR lake-survey record lists Winnibigoshish (DOW 11-0147-00) under Cass County, with 56,471.4 acres and a 69.8-foot maximum depth. The lake is large and may relate to more than one county; confirm shoreline location for a specific property.
Can Jillian help me buy a lake home if I only know the lake name?
Yes. Name the lake, your timing, and whether you want a year-round home, a second home, or a luxury property. If you are not sure which lake fits, start with a conversation rather than a guess.
Sources
- Itasca County 2025 CHA/CHIP
- Minnesota DNR LakeFinder / lake survey JSON, Pokegama 31-0532-00
- Minnesota DNR lake survey JSON, Deer 31-0719-00
- Minnesota DNR lake survey JSON, Bowstring 31-0813-00
- Minnesota DNR lake survey JSON, Swan 31-0067-00
- Minnesota DNR lake survey JSON, Winnibigoshish 11-0147-00 (Cass County in DNR record)
