As the leaves are starting to come down in big numbers and we begin experiencing some of the first light snowfalls of the season around Lake of the Woods, life encourages us to look ahead.  For some, looking ahead means cold winters.  To others, it means a winter wonderland of opportunities.  One of those opportunities that often times gets overlooked in these parts because of the world class ice fishing is snowmobiling, and this exact topic was featured in MN Snowmobiling Magazine!

In past years, myself and a couple of friends had the chance to embark on this snowmobiling adventure around the area and it has been fantastic.  It was something we wanted to do for a long time.  With a busy schedule and also out of fairness, being a walleye nut, never made the time for.

Here is the text of the article, enjoy!

 

Sleeper Snowmobiling Destination Will Have You Coming Back

By Joe Henry

Lake of the Woods for snowmobiling?  Absolutely.  There is no doubt in these parts there is a lot of attention focused on ice fishing.  Consequently, what flies under the radar screen are the incredible snowmobile trails.  Hundreds of miles of nicely groomed trails through some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer.  For those who enjoy trail riding where there aren’t hundreds of sleds, this area might be just what you were looking for.

If you like to snowmobile, think about this… 

-There are staked and groomed snowmobile trails extending from Wheeler’s Point at the lake south to Baudette on the Rainy River, 42 miles north to the NW Angle and west to Warroad.

-There are 273 miles of land trails on the south end of Lake of the Woods alone.

-The trails extend from Baudette east to Birchdale and then to Big Falls.  This is probably the most wilderness type trail in the state.  It goes for 87 miles one way and only crosses two roads.  There are gas stations in Birchdale and in Big Falls.  The stretch from Birchdale to Big Falls is 53 miles.

-Trails also extend west from Baudette to Williams, Zippel Bay State Park and over to Warroad.  You can also go south from on that trail and hit Roosevelt and enter part of Beltrami Island State Forest.

-To the south, trails go from Baudette south all the way to Washkish.

-There are staked and groomed trails across the lake to the NW Angle from both Warroad, Rocky Point and Wheeler’s Point.  Not only is this a quick ride across the lake, for sledders, this provides an opportunity to visit the NW Angle and save both driving around the lake via automobile and checking through at customs as the snowmobile trails across the lake are in MN.

-While up at the NW Angle, land trails extend through the wilderness from Angle Inlet throughout the northernmost point of the contiguous U.S.

Local Snowmobile Clubs.  There are two local snowmobile clubs in Lake of the Woods County that do a great job.  The Lake of the Woods Drifters Snowmobile Club is on the south end of the lake.  Up at the NW Angle the NW Angle Edge Riders keep the trails groomed and in good shape.  Both clubs connect trails to neighboring clubs who do a nice job with trails as well.  What this means for sledders is a variety of quality trails.

Snowmobile Shelters.  There are a variety of different shelters available to snowmobilers along the trail.  These are for both safety and an area to take a break, warm up or simply regroup with your party.  It is good to know where these shelters are before you begin your trip.

Variety of area resorts.  Lake of the Woods is home to dozens of resorts, hotels and a variety of sleeper fish house outfitters.  Resorts and hotels on the Rainy River, in Baudette, along the south shore and up at the NW Angle are a good place to start.  Depending upon who is in your group and how you roll, there are lots of options.

Bon appetite!  For snowmobilers, one of the fun experiences is sampling the variety of good food and drink throughout the area.  Some resorts are small, quaint and have specialties like hand pressed cheeseburgers or homemade pizza.  Some of the larger resorts have salad bars and more elaborate food such as prime rib and shrimp.  Take your pick as it is fun to have options.

Visit the Igloo Bar!  When snowmobiling around Lake of the Woods, consider a stop at the Igloo Bar on the lake ice in front of Zippel Bay.  This bar has big screen TV’s, electric lights, bar, hot food and heated porta-poddies.  Oh, and if you would like, you can actually fish in the bar!  For many, this is nirvana.  For snowmobilers, the igloo bar is sure a fun stop.

Working together for great snowmobile trails!  Local snowmobile clubs, like in a lot of areas, put much planning, time and effort making the border trails in this region so special.  They take great pride in summer clearing, opening and grooming trails weekly, making sure there is good signage and creating access trails to resorts, restaurants and bars. 

Some of the trails in this area are funded by the DNR through the Grant-in-Aid program using license fees and gas tax monies. The State of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, Roseau County and private landowners are the people that make these great trails possible.

As in many areas, local trails cross the property of many private citizens, as well as lands which are administered by various levels of government.  As snowmobilers, we owe the landowners our thanks and advocate respecting their property.

Although ice fishing receives most of the attention in these parts during the winter months, snowmobiling opportunities abound and fly under the radar screen.  With not nearly the traffic as more cosmopolitan snowmobile areas and with a climate a bit colder than most Midwest destinations, the trails stay in nice shape often into March. 

Lake of the Woods is an epic place to snowmobile.  Think of the variety.  There are land trails across the south shore going through some of the most beautiful forests the state has to offer as well as established trails providing accessibility to all parts of the lake.

The trail on the Rainy River connects the City of Baudette and all of its amenities with the resorts on the Rainy River, resorts along the south shore of the lake as well as the 42-mile-long trail across the lake up to the NW Angle. 

The Lake of the Woods area isn’t known as your cosmopolitan snowmobiling destination which is perfect for those who would prefer to have the trails to themselves.  The trails are beautiful, provide a variety of different snowmobiling experiences and are very well maintained.  Those who have experienced snowmobiling in these parts usually come back.

If you like snowmobiling, a destination on your list needs to be Lake of the Woods.  The two snowmobile clubs, the Lake of the Woods Drifters in the south and the NW Angle Edge Riders on the north end of the lake, are active and do a great job of maintaining the trails.  The trails go through some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes around.

There are seven shelters along the trails to stop and take a break.  These, for many, are nice places to stop, talk about the trails, plan on next stops and just pause for a moment to appreciate the beauty of being in the woods. 

 

Click here to learn more about snowmobiling Lake of the Woods

Click here to learn more about the Lake of the Woods area

Click here to find lodging around Lake of the Woods

 

Are you seeking a change?  Maybe your are an adventure seeker?  Work up at Lake of the Woods!  Many resorts, hotels and others are Now Hiring.  Did you know most people regret not taking enough chances in life and simply settling?  Are you someone who has visited Lake of the Woods and thought, “I could live here?”  This is a great time to consider Lake of the Woods.

Lake of the Woods isn’t just a great place to fish, hunt and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s an excellent place to find good employment and do business. Not only is there a steady flow of visitors, there is a thriving local economy that boasts an educated workforce, world-class technology and an abundance of resources for those interested in opening, relocating or expanding a business. This area is a dream getaway.  Lake of the Woods employment opportunities abound.

People visit Lake of the Woods County for the stunning international waters and the breathtaking scenery of Northern Minnesota. Lake of the Woods offers four seasons of world-class fishing, a hunter’s paradise and a vast array of outdoor recreation.  Winter is actually the busiest season at Lake of the Woods.  The world class ice fishing, consistent ice conditions, daytime bite, millions of walleyes and saugers, and great resort community cater to anglers from many regions.

Many couples have found success working amongst the resorts as there are a number of important jobs available.  This is hospitality at it’s finest.  Imagine the possibilities, ice guide, front desk, housekeeping, cook, servers, marketing and business managers, and bartenders.  Lots of opportunities right now across the lake as resorts have openings and are staffing up.

Do you have a favorite resort?  If so, give them a call and inquire directly about openings.  Opportunities await across the lake (and river).

Employment Opportunities!  Have you ever thought about working in an area you love to vacation?  There are a variety of opportunities and many have taken the step to work where they play and area businesses are hiring.  Imagine fishing, hunting and simply living in an area people travel across the country to get to!

Right now, area resorts are looking for valued employees for a variety of positions.  Whether it is an ice guide, working the front desk, cleaning rooms, food service, various hospitality positions, outside maintenance, marketing and the list goes on.

A listing of local resorts can be found on the Lake of the Woods Tourism lodging page.  Resorts are hiring on their resort websites, some on Facebook, and some positions may not be listed at all but there is still a need.

It is sometimes good if you are looking for work, to simply pick up the phone, call and inquire about open positions.  It has been said about 80% of potential open positions are not advertised for.  As a candidate for employment, this is also a good technique that also shows your willingness to work.

Quality healthcare and education.  People stay in Lake of the Woods County because of the community. We take pride in our outstanding healthcare and nationally-recognized education with Lake of the Woods Schools ranking very high in Minnesota schools. There are positive things happening in town, such as the new Lake of the Woods International Arena, a new international bridge to Canada, a major remodel of Lake of the Woods Foods, addition of a Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bagels, a new distillery on Main Street and more.

As the winter months approach, many of the resorts are looking for good people to take advantage of excellent Lake of the Woods employment opportunities. Again, winter fishing on LOW is known to be some of the best in the world. Look no further than Here for many of the employment vacancies!

Right now there are openings and various area employers would love to meet with you. Visit www.gethookedforlife.com for more valuable information and also www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com.  Another good option is to look at the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging page.  Many of the resorts and hotels are hiring for a variety of positions, email them or give them a call.  You can also email Lake of the Woods Tourism at info@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

 

 

Click here for the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

Click here to view Lake of the Woods Lodging options.

Seasons come and go and are always changing at the Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods. Sportsmen have great adventures all year long whether it’s catching their favorite fish, duck hunting, white tail deer hunting, or exploring the beautiful forest areas by ATV travel.  If you’re planning a vacation and bringing the whole family, it’s important to plan your schedule and be able to entertain them with great food options.

I believe one of the best kept secrets of our area is all of the dining availability here. Between the City of Baudette and the resort area, there are enough dining places for you to eat at a different location every night of the month if you so desire.

 

Although this season of COVID-19 has changed some things, proprietors of dining facilities have taken this opportunity to add special areas to comply with social distancing and safety. Those precautions are still in effect but it doesn’t affect the “Minnesota Nice” type of hospitality that each establishment offers. Many facilities have outside dining, patio areas and deck areas or picnic tables to enjoy the warm seasons.

Of course, now mother nature is changing the season so we get to enjoy the comforts of inside dining with fireplaces blazing and great fragrances from the kitchen.  Did you know that when you catch your limit of fish whether in the summer or the winter, that dining facilities will not only clean your catch, but will prepare your catch of the day with all the fixings for a great dining experience.

 

Let’s take a dining journey to see what there is to offer. Of course, I will not be able to mention all the possibilities, but I can assure you, each business has excellent choices.  If you are interested in pizza, there are many options both in the City of Baudette and at the resort community.  Subway, Teco’s Tacos and McDonalds are available for quick take out items. The city also has some great “Ma and Pa” restaurants where you can order great breakfast menus, specialty coffees, baskets to eat in or take out, and especially prepared steak dinners.

If you head towards the lake area this season, locals will tell you to try the pizza at a couple of resorts where one night is set aside as pizza night that features especially homemade crusts loaded with whatever toppings you enjoy. Resorts offer specials to the local clientele and their customers whether it’s prime rib, shrimp, blackened walleye, or liver and onions.  The summer season boasts of two “all you can eat” walleye feeds served out in the open air. Resorts have additions that have enhanced  the wonderful décor of each establishment.

How about sitting on a beautiful patio on the Rainy River and enjoy the view, the sunshine and watching the boats come and go. Don’t forget about the dining areas where you can watch the beautiful sunsets over Lake of the Woods. The dining experience features facilities that serve up baskets or full meals while gazing at the beautiful waters of Big Traverse. You can see water for miles and miles and the sight is only enhanced while dining on steak sandwiches, shrimp baskets or even walleye cheeks.

Views are very important to enhance the dining experience. Lake of the Woods is divided into three strategic areas:  the Rainy River area, the South Shore and of course, the beautiful Northwest Angle. Each season brings its own beauty and can be enjoyed by your company group or family group.

As the waters and currents slow and the lake begins to freeze over for its winter season, it’s always so welcoming to come in from fishing the big lake to the warm atmosphere of fireplaces and the smell of good food and warm beverages to warm up the body and sooth the soul while dining at some of the best places in the world.

One very unique experience on Lake of the Woods near Zippel Bay is the Igloo restaurant. A local gentleman designed this facility to look exactly like an igloo. They serve sandwiches and pizza to clientele and after the lunch happens, the table lifts and you can fish through the holes drilled through the ice. There are even heated outhouses on the lake. Now, no visit to the area is complete without seeing and experiencing this dining opportunity during the beautiful winter season.

For more information, see our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Click Here for a list of great Lake of the Woods Lodging Options.

 

Friends, family and travelers from many locations are excited to hear the news that the United States Border will be opening up on November 8^th.  The border crossing we are mentioning here is located at Baudette, MN, a gateway into our neighboring country of Canada. When Covid 19 hit in March of 2020 both the US and Canadian governments decided to close their borders allowing only those who were essential workers to cross.

Canada opened its border recently to travel into Canada and now the US has followed suit and will open to travelers very soon.  The reason the borders were closed was to help stop the spread of Covid 19 between the two countries.  We in this northland were saddened by this event because the towns of Baudette, MN and Rainy River, Ontario, Canada have been great neighbors and have shared jobs, sporting events and travelers between the two.

The Northern Light Region, the local newspaper in town, has just published an excellent article in this week’s paper by Reporter Robert Hopwood. The following is some information obtained from that publication.

“Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced this week that nonessential travelers vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to enter the United States at land and ferry border crossings. The policy goes into effect November 8, according to the white House. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minneapolis, who worked earlier this year to ease travel restrictions for Northwest Angle residents and recently called on the Biden Administration to end land-crossing restrictions, praised the decision. ‘As chair of the Senate group working with the Canadian parliament, I’ve long advocated to safely open up both land and air travel between the United States and Canada.’”

The community of Baudette, Lake of the Woods, was hit hard when the border was closed. Traffic across the international bridge which is the port of entry into the United States from Canada fell sharply as trucks crossing the border and also personal vehicles. The ripple effect hit retail sales, theater attendance, high school sports, liquor stores and the like. Lake of the Woods School, especially suffered since students from Canada were invited to participate on the school’s football, baseball, ice hockey and cross-country teams at both the junior high and varsity levels.

Baudette is excited to see the border open because during this season, many improvements have been made to the community. Lake of the Woods Foods has been remodeled with new concrete parking lots and the store added space as well as Caribou Coffee. The whole Main Ave of town has new sidewalks with trees and decorative corner containers for beautification added on a newly paved street. The American Legion has redone the front of the building making it a very attractive addition to the street. Ronnings Department Store remodeled their store and added a beautiful storefront showing off their wares. Decorative signs adorn the front of the building.

Another feature to the city of Baudette is ongoing as there is a new distillery being built inside one of the current buildings.

All of these features are here to welcome travelers to our area. Sporting more than 50 resorts, lodging is abundant and pristine waters of both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods contain an abundance of fish for the avid sportsman.

More information on crossing the border is oncoming, however, Canada has put some regulations in place for entering their country. One must download an app onto your phone called ArriveCan. People can use this app to download your vaccination card showing you have received the vaccines against Covid. They also require all nonessential travelers to show officials a negative Covid-19 test to visit or re-enter the country. Those tests are available at Thrifty White Pharmacy in Baudette from Monday to Friday for a fee.  This must be taken within 72 hours of crossing the border.

The United States will also require that nonessential travelers be vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be issuing guidance on what that means for the federal government.

All in all this northern border is rejoicing that friends and family will be reunited, businesses will prosper and even better, the welcome mat is once again extended to all travelers. Keep watching the Baudette Northern Light Region for more information or contact www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com to keep abreast of regulations.

Many anglers look forward to a longstanding tradition created by Mother Nature, the fall run on the Rainy River.  Now, it could be argued if the actual “run” is referring to the emerald shiners that make their way from Lake of the Woods up the Rainy River each fall, the walleyes that love the shiners and follow them up or both.  Either way, anyone with an average sized boat and a liking to jig for walleyes will enjoy this adventure.

There is nothing better than getting together with some friends and jigging for fall walleyes.  On a recent trip to the Rainy River, I had the chance to do just that.  John Bergsma is the host of Fisherman’s Digest, an outdoors TV show that originates out of Michigan but is seen across the U.S. on a variety of outdoor channels as well as more local channels in Michigan.  John and I have known each other for a number of years and always enjoy getting out on the water together.  This was a nice opportunity.

Interestingly enough, our guide for the day was another great angler many might be familiar with, Greg Jones of Midwest Outdoors.  To have two TV hosts, great anglers and friends in the boat at the same time was a treat.  As you can see, they are obviously good sticks as well.

John has a history of fishing various pro walleye tournaments.  For a good number of them, his partner was Brian Ney of Adrian’s Resort.  Consequently, John, in addition to loving the Lake of the Woods area and having fond memories of fishing tournaments here, loves coming back and seeing his old fishing partner.

As many anglers, I feel pretty confident in my fishing abilities.  I will say, on this given day (can’t wait for another chance), John had the hot hand.  He has a ton of experience on a variety of water and I wish I had more time in the boat with him.

I think if someone has the right attitude, they can learn from other anglers.  When the fish are biting, almost anyone can catch them.  When they are a bit more finicky, that is when the little nuances become a much bigger deal.  Trust me, I was watching John trying to pick up any little tool for my walleye toolbelt.

One thing was interesting was he knew exactly which jig he wanted to use and stuck with it.  He had caught so many walleyes over the years on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River he just knew this was the right jig.

On this given day on this given year, the bite wasn’t great honestly and there weren’t a ton of walleyes in this stretch of river we decided to fish.  But, it is fall and it’s the Rainy River so compared to most bodies of water, even on a day that was mediocre, it was pretty darn good.

From the mouth of the Rainy River to Birchdale there is 42 miles of navigable river.  As a reference, the City of Baudette (which has some great fall spots in proximity to the city) is 12 miles from the mouth of the river called Wheeler’s Point.  Birchdale is approximately 30 miles east of Baudette.

There are many public boat ramps along the river.  Depending upon where you want to fish and how you roll, some anglers enjoy going for a nice boat ride to the stretch of river they are fishing while others would rather trailer their boats to the stretch of river they plan on fishing.

The Rainy River is our international dividing line with Canada.  Technically, half way across the river, shoreline to shoreline is the line.  When navigating, you are allowed to cross the line for safety reasons, such as avoiding other boats or perhaps shallow water.

If you want to fish the Ontario side of the river, you must have an Ontario fishing license, adhere to different fish limits, and cannot possess any  bait that you brought into Canada from the U.S.  That means live, frozen, dead, etc, are off limits if brought from the U.S.  Since Canada implemented this rule in October, 2020, U.S. anglers who boat into Ontario waters from Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River have been using plastics on their jigs and spinners.  There is plenty of water and good spots on the U.S. side, but this info might be helpful nonetheless.

The Rainy River in the fall is special for a lot of reasons.  The fishing, scenery, migration, and peacefulness.  John Bergsma with the Fisherman’s Digest will tell you, it’s one of his favorites.

 

Info on the Lake of the Woods area

Info on the Rainy River

Lodging, charter and guide info