| Bay Lake | |
| Coords: | 46.3854°N -93.8565°W |
| Catchment: | 23sqmi |
| Basin Countries: | United States |
| Area: | 2393acres |
| Max-Depth: | 74feet |
| Residence Time: | 4-7 years |
| Cities: | Bay Lake |
| Pushpin Map: | Minnesota |
| Pushpin Map Alt: | Location of Bay Lake in Minnesota |
Bay Lake is a body of water located in the Brainerd Lakes region of Minnesota. The lake has a surface area of 2319.84acres and approximately 19miles of shoreline. The maximum depth of the lake is 74feet with a water clarity of 10feet. The Ojibway called the lake Ses-sa-beg-a-mah, which has been translated as "lake of many bays" or "lake of many arms."
Bay Lake is located within Bay Lake Township, approximately 15miles east of Brainerd, Minnesota and five miles (8 km) northwest of Garrison, Minnesota. Like many other lakes in the area, Bay Lake is surrounded by commercial resorts and private cabins, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water skiing. Access to the lake and resorts is via Minnesota State Highway 6 for the western shore and Crow Wing County Highway 10 for the eastern shore.
There are three islands on the lake. The largest of these, the 72acres Church Island, is used as a Lutheran church camp. Outdoor services, open to the public, are held on the island each Sunday during the summer.
Bay Lake is part of the headwaters for the Ripple River, and the river is common spawning spot for fish.