The “Northern Lights” as they are commonly called occur year around and are a result of solar flare activity. Listed below is one of the better web sites that deal with this topic in depth. Suring a solar flare electro-magnetically charged particles are released into space. These particles enter our earth’s atmosphere at both poles and create the spectacular light displays we see routinely in our northern Minnesota county and on Lake of the Woods.

Although the Aurora Borealis occurs whenever there is a solar flare, there are times of the year when we are able to see them better than others. For example, during a full moon even a dazzling display of northern lights will be diminished by the brightness of the moon itself. Another factor is cloud cover; clouds can obliterate the display, or lessen the degree of the observation. The winter months typically have less loud cover so you can also check a weather report for periods of precipitation. The web site below also offers a forecast for the best times to view the Northern Lights.

Website:
www.geo.mtu.edu/weather/aurora

Start planning your trip to the Lake of the Woods by ordering your brochures and maps HERE.

... Lake of the Woods is at peak season for fall; most noticeable is the change in weather, the coloring of the trees, and the waves of emerald lake shiners. The shiners will start their run into the mouth of the Rainy River and the migration of the walleye is sure to follow. The air will soon be crisp and cool, the trees blushed in hues of red, yellow and orange, and the cooler nighttime temperatures bring on the fall run of the walleye. Don’t miss your chance to take home a limit of Lake of the Woods walleye. Many resorts are offering great fall specials. What are you doing this weekend? Why not head up to the big lake?

... in the Lake of the Woods area. The air is crisp and cool and the sky seems a deeper shade of blue against the fall colors. The trees blush in hues of red, yellow and orange. The cooler nighttime temperatures bring on the fall run of walleye on the Rainy River. This is also the perfect time to do some upland game hunting, or perhaps just take an ATV ride down any mile of wilderness trail in the Beltrami Island State Forest.

The wilderness areas of Lake of the Woods County have impressive numbers of small and large game. Many hunters are drawn to the area because of the immense amount of state public hunting lands. Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse and black bears are commonly taken during fall. The area annually boasts trophy bucks, and many black bear licenses are available in the region.

Black bears used to be abundant throughout Minnesota, but now can only be found in the northern woodlands. Adult bears can weigh between 250 and 300 pounds and stand two to three feet at the shoulders. The black bear’s coat color can vary from a light brown, “cinnamon,” to deep, shiny black. Hunting the black bear can be the thrill of a lifetime for the first time hunter. The black bear season begins in September.

The unique location of Lake of the Woods offers hunters superlative waterfowl opportunities. Mallards, bluebills, and Canada geese form large rafts among the lake’s countless islands. Fall brings full bags of these traditional migratory waterfowl.