Pelican Lake
Lake Information
Maps, ice records, educational resources, stewardship links, and more.
3,986
Acres — Pelican Lake
1,625 littoral acres · 55 ft max depth · 17 mi perimeter · DNR ID 56078600
345
Acres — Little Pelican
256 littoral acres · 25 ft max depth · 6.26 mi perimeter · DNR ID 56076100
1,317 ft
Average Lake Elevation
Northwest Otter Tail County · Part of the Pelican River Chain of Lakes
Maps
Click any map to view full size. For a detailed topography chart, download the Pelican Lake Depth Chart (PDF).
Ice-In / Ice-Out Records
Historical ice-in and ice-out dates recorded on Pelican Lake since 1965. Ice-in tracking began in 2000; years prior show ice-out only.
| Year | Ice In | Ice Out |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — |
| 2025 | Dec 3 | Apr 16 |
| 2024 | Dec 2 | Mar 19 |
| 2023 | Nov 28 | May 6 |
| 2022 | Dec 1 | May 6 |
| 2021 | Dec 10 | Apr 5 |
| 2020 | Nov 30 | Apr 26 |
| 2019 | Dec 2 | Apr 16 |
| 2018 | Nov 20 | Apr 30 |
| 2017 | Dec 12 | Apr 5 |
| 2016 | Dec 9 | Apr 1 |
| 2015 | Dec 19 | Apr 12 |
| 2014 | Nov 20 | Apr 27 |
| 2013 | Nov 24 | May 13 |
| 2012 | Dec 9 | Mar 24 |
Education & Resources
Guides, reports, and fact sheets covering shoreline management, fisheries, water quality, and invasive species. Click any item to view it in your browser — no download required.
Stewardship & Government
Organizations and agencies working to protect and manage Pelican Lake and the surrounding watershed.
Recycling & Disposal
Local options for responsible waste disposal and recycling in the Pelican Lake area.
- Otter Tail County Transfer Station (Pelican Rapids)
- Becker County Transfer Station & Demolition Landfill
- Ballard Sanitation
- Otter Tail Household Hazardous Waste Program
- Local recycling spots: Fair Hills, Lakeland, Pelican Hills, Cormorant Village
Pelican Lake Yacht Club & Sailing School
The Pelican Lake Yacht Club and Sailing School offers sailing instruction and racing for all ages and skill levels on Pelican Lake. Whether you are a first-time sailor or an experienced racer, the club provides a welcoming community on the water.
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