East Lake is an unincorporated community in Spalding Township, Aitkin County, Minnesota, United States.

State Highway 65 (MN 65) and Aitkin County Road 13 (360th Street) are two of the main routes in the community.

Nearby places include McGregor, Thor, Lawler, Tamarack, and Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

Today, East Lake serves as the administrative center for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, District II.

The community has an Assisted Living Unit, a Minnesota Charter School named Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy, and the East Lake Convenience Store and Laundromat.