Boat Ramps Nearby
Illustration Ramp etiquette
12 rules regulars expect you to know
Staging, courtesy docks and the Clean, Drain, Dry laws that can bring a fine.
Ramp etiquetteBoat ramps in Detroit Lakes, MN
There are 6 places to launch a boat in Detroit Lakes. Another 2 are within 25 miles.
Search the map around Detroit Lakes Kayak & canoe launches in Detroit LakesFishing piers in Detroit Lakes
More boat ramps around Detroit Lakes
- 20 mi Maplewood State Park Canoe Access Pelican Rapids Kayak launch
- 20 mi Maplewood State Park Boat Ramp Pelican Rapids Boat ramp
Launching in Detroit Lakes at a glance
| Boat ramps | 6 |
|---|---|
| Kayak and canoe launches | 3 |
| Fishing piers and access | 1 |
| Marked free | 4 |
The launches in Detroit Lakes sit on Big Cormorant Lake, Detroit Lake, Leaf Lake, Little Cormorant Lake, Long Lake, Detroit Lakes.
Minnesota rules to know
- In Minnesota the drain plug has to come out before you leave the access, and it stays out on the road. Bilge and livewell must be drained too.
- In Minnesota, paddle craft longer than 10 feet need a registration.
- A watercraft operator's permit is being phased in for operators 12 and older of motorboats over 25 hp and all personal watercraft: born after June 30, 2004 since July 2025, after June 30, 2000 from July 2026, up to everyone born after June 30, 1987 by July 2028.
For closures and rules check Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Helpful before you go: launching a boat, ramp etiquette and launch fees.
Illustration 
Illustration Life jackets
The life jacket rule for every paddler
What the Coast Guard requires on kayaks and canoes, and kids' vests with head support.
Life jacket rulesBoat ramps in Detroit Lakes: questions and answers
Where can you launch a boat in Detroit Lakes, MN?
We list 6 launches in Detroit Lakes, including Big Cormorant Lake Public Water Access, Detroit Lake (South) Public Water Access and Leaf Lake Public Water Access. Another 2 are within 25 miles.
Where can you launch for free in Detroit Lakes?
Big Cormorant Lake Public Water Access, Detroit Lake (South) Public Water Access, Leaf Lake Public Water Access and Little Cormorant Lake Public Water Access are marked free in the map data. For the other launches in Detroit Lakes we have no fee details.
Where can you launch a kayak in Detroit Lakes?
Big Cormorant Lake Public Water Access, Leaf Lake Public Water Access and Little Cormorant Lake Public Water Access work for kayaks and canoes.
Is there a fishing pier in Detroit Lakes?
Yes: Little Cormorant Lake Public Water Access.
What water can you reach from the ramps in Detroit Lakes?
The launches in Detroit Lakes give access to Big Cormorant Lake, Detroit Lake, Leaf Lake, Little Cormorant Lake, Long Lake and Detroit Lakes.
Do I have to pull the drain plug after boating in Detroit Lakes?
In Minnesota the drain plug has to come out before you leave the access, and it stays out on the road. Bilge and livewell must be drained too.
If a launch is missing here, Send us a tip, we update the list regularly.