Scenic Drives are abundant at Lake of the Woods. While most come to Lake of the Woods for the fishing, it’s also enjoyable to take excursions around the area and enjoy the natural resources here. One of the activities whether you are fishing and go for a drive in the evening or actually come up to enjoy less traffic and a plethora of wildlife is to go for that scenic drive.  There are many to choose from.

Did you know the Lake of the Woods area is absolutely full of a variety of wildflowers?  It is estimated that more than two million orchids along throughout the area.  One of the most popular of course is the showy lady slipper.  Named the state flower of Minnesota, the showy lady slipper is very rare throughout other parts of the state, but abundant around Lake of the Woods.

There are a number of scenic drives around this beautiful area and the Wildflower Route is certainly one of them.  In 1990, Governor Rudy Perpich declared 81 miles of Highway 11 a Minnesota Wildflower Route, in honor of the hundreds of thousands of Showy Lady’s-Slippers growing within sight of the road. The state put up signs depicting the Showy Lady’s-Slipper to mark the route, and pledged to expand the highway only to the south, protecting the masses of Showy Lady’s-Slippers on the north side of the road.

Another of the beautiful scenic drives in the area is the Rapid River Forest Road which is singled out as the best place to enjoy the fall colors. The segment between County Road 7 on the east and Peet’s Bridge on the west parallels the South Branch of the Rapid River for much of its length.

This is the area of Beltrami Island State Forest. Here you will see such varieties of trees such as: birch, aspen, silver maple, black and green ash, Balm of Gilead, bur oak, and basswood. The original Rapid River Road was formed when the south branch of the Rapid River was channelized with a dredge. The dredged soil was leveled and used for a road for the next 60 years. This portion of the road was rerouted in 1986 because the river was nibbling away at the road base. The old road segments make great walking trails along the river. These segments form loops that begin and end on the present road. This is a prime opportunity to view wildlife.

The bog drive follows the Pitt Grade Forest Road from Cty. Rd. 3 on the north to the Rapid River Forest Road on the south. The Pitt Grade was built by leveling the spoil heap left when a drainage ditch was dug through the heart of the bog about 1915.

The Pitt Grade forest road crosses the North Branch of the Rapid River at the Lundeen Bridge and the South Branch of the Rapid River at the Schuh Bridge. The bridges are named after the people who homesteaded the land near the bridges.

Birdwatchers should watch for Spruce Grouse and Great Gray Owls. Fishermen may wish to try for trout on the north end of the Pitt Grade. The ditch adjacent to the road is a designated trout stream in that area. Bog plants provide a visual feast at certain times of the year. During June there are numerous wildflowers and flowering shrubs that bloom along the road.

The red or Norway Pine will continue to grow vigorously for 100-120 years before its growth slows. It’s valuable for saw timber and poles when mature. Red pine stands are thinned periodically starting at about age 40. Thinning the stand reduces competition for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients for the remaining trees. Old homestead fields throughout the forest were planted with Red Pine by CCC and WPA workers in the 1930’s.

The lure of free land drew people to the Lake of the Woods area after the turn of the century. For the “proving up.” Drive the Faunce Road between the Stoney and the Spina Forest Road to see what those plantations look like today.

The blueberry is a favorite wild summer fruit. It is found as part of the plant community growing on the sandy beach ridges that glacial Lake Agassiz left behind as it retreated northward 10,000 years ago.

Travel the openings along the Bankton Forest Road where there are vestiges of the farm fields left by the homesteaders. The location of the homesite is often marked with a willow tree or lilac bush planted by the settlers. Two cemeteries established by the homesteaders remain along the Bankton Forest Road. Lake of the Woods being so far north creates special opportunities to see variety that you may not see at home.  For some, this is a highlight. For others, perhaps a break from fishing.  Whatever the case, be sure to bring your camera!

Now, let’s not forget a couple more areas of beauty. Travel to the east along Highway 11 and you will come to Clementson Rapids. It’s a sight to behold. Our local Rotary Club has invested time and monies to beautify this area and make it a great place to picnic or bird watch. Spring brings the arrival of the beautiful white pelican. They show up by the hundred and navigate the waters of the rapids and the bay it flows into. If you continue to travel to the east the view of the Rainy River is incredible as it twists and turns towards International Falls.

Now let’s go to the furthest point on the continental US. I’m speaking of the Northwest Angle. To reach this area you must travel into Manitoba, Canada and travel through some beautiful country. When the road turns to gravel, you know you’re not far from re-entering the US and soon will see the beautiful opening to Lake of the Woods…..a site to behold. Waters there are pristine and you won’t be disappointed with the hospitality of the people who live there.

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find lodging, check out our lodging page.

Check out our FaceBook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

About 10 years ago, a small group from the Lake of the Woods area began an effort to educate, promote and enforce those using Lake of the Woods in keeping trash and human waste off of the ice.  This group, of course, is called Keep It Clean.  Fast forward ten years later and today there are about 30+ areas around the state of Minnesota who have joined in on the efforts.  This expanded group has been busy behind the scenes working on a variety of efforts which will ultimately lessen the amount of trash and human waster entering our waters, the largest being the passing of the Keep It Clean bill at our most recent legislative session.

The expanded group has been working with a variety of stakeholders from Minnesota to push through legislation that will have a very positive impact on Minnesota bodies of water.  In a nutshell, starting in August, 2023, it will be illegal to place any garbage or waste on the ice.  This means all garbage will need to be kept in your fish house, your vehicle or in a garbage can attached to one of the above.  Not a big lift, but legislation that will ultimately keep tons of unsuspecting trash and waste from being left on the ice and entering our waterways.

Most ice anglers and others who use the ice for recreation in the winter months are conscientious about keeping track of their garbage and making sure they are responsible about when Mother Nature calls and they have to do number two.

With that being said, good meaning people who, as an example, spend multiple nights on the ice have good intentions.  “Let’s just set these garbage bags outside the fish house for now and we will pick them up before we leave.”  However, out on a frozen lake, things happen.  Things such as 50 mph winds, birds, bags freezing into the ice, snowfalls and simply picking up most of the garbage but leaving a bit behind.

With the popularity of ice fishing in today’s world, leaving just a little bit behind multiplied by tens of thousands of ice anglers, equates to tons of garbage.  This newly passed Keep It Clean bill will help to eliminate a good amount of that.  It is not a hard lift, as they would say, but a measure that will really make a positive impact on our waterways.

In addition, it helps those out of the ice to plan ahead as to where they will use the bathroom when Mother Nature calls.  If you are staying at a resort, many offer facilities out on the ice.  If you are on your own, it is important to have a realistic plan.

Lake of the Woods area has two winter pump out stations for wheelhouses who have heated holding tanks with sewage and chemicals.  This is on purpose as in the past, cold weather dump stations were lacking during the winter months.  Other areas in the state are starting to create winter dump stations in their area as well.

This legislation also provides MN DNR Conservation Officers the opportunity to enforce trash and waste issue on the ice.  In the past, the way laws were written, it was very difficult to enforce garbage left behind.

Here is the legislation as passed in the Minnesota House File (HF) 2310. 

205.6 Sec. 65. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 97C.355, is amended by adding a subdivision
205.7 to read:
205.8 Subd. 9.  Placing waste on ice prohibited.  A person using a fish house, dark house, or
205.9 other shelter on the ice of state waters is subject to section 97C.363.
205.10 Sec. 66. [97C.363] STORING GARBAGE AND OTHER WASTE ON ICE.
205.11 Subdivision 1.Prohibition.A person using a shelter, a motor vehicle, or any other
205.12 conveyance on the ice of state waters may not deposit garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters,
205.13 debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage, or any other waste
205.14 outside the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance unless the material is:
205.15 (1) placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle, or conveyance;
205.16 and
205.17  (2) not placed directly on the ice or in state waters.
205.18 Subd. 2.Definition.  For purposes of this section, “sewage” means excrementitious or
205.19 other discharge from the bodies of human beings or animals, together with such other water
205.20 as may be present.
205.21 Subd. 3.Penalty.  A violation of this section is a petty misdemeanor, and a person who
205.22 violates this section is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation.

Most anglers and other who use the ice really do a nice job of picking up their trash.  The slogan “pack it in, pack it out” is especially known with this topic.

Many, including the many unsung heroes called ice guides across Lake of the Woods and other lakes in MN, go out of their way to pick up after others on a regular basis.  If you are one of these conscientious folks, kudos to you and thank you.

We also want to thank the many organizations and legislators who assisted and backed up this legislation.  Various legislators, a variety of people from the MN DNR, MN Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Lakes and Rivers, MN-FISH, various members of Keep It Clean across the state and others.  This is the type of legislation that makes good sense and will have a positive lasting impact on the waterways of Minnesota.  Kudos to all of you!

Learn more or sign your area up for Keep It Clean

Lake of the Woods Info

Lodging and Guiding on Lake of the Woods

The NW Angle.  It’s the northernmost point of the contiguous United States.  It is where the 14,552 islands begin.  It is also known to anglers as some of the best fishing in North America.  With that being said, there is so much more to this area most don’t know and certainly will ever discover, until now.  Welcome Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours.

Retired Polaris Engineer and acclaimed explorer Joe Laurin has started providing informative and explorative tours of the northern portion of Lake of the Woods.  By northern portion, basically Garden Island north throughout the NW Angle and amongst the entire islands region of the Ontario portion of the lake all the way to Kenora.

You might remember Laurin as the creator of the Lake of the Woods Exploring App.  This app was released a few years ago and is a way for guests to do self exploration tours.  It lists waypoints and explanations of a variety of unseen attractions such as waterfalls, interior lakes, abandoned gold mines, WWII prisoner of war camps, Cheerio beach, Fort St. Charles, pictographs and petroglyphs.  Now that Laurin has his Coast Guard license, all of these options and more are now available as a tour.

There are so many gems in this area many visitors don’t even realize exist.  Through his app, and now his tours, Laurin is enabling others to get a deeper dive into the many special and unique wonders this area possesses. 

Some may come for a series of exploration tours in one of the most beautiful regions in North America.  Others may add a day of exploring to their traditional fishing trip.

There are a few pre-set tours as well as an option for creating a custom tour.

1.  Essentials.  Northernmost Point Buoy, Fort Saint Charles, Cheerio Beach, Massacre Island, Flag Island Lighthouse Home Tour.
2. The Loop.  Pinnacle Rock and waterfalls.  History includes 1930’s cars, Schoolhouse Point, French Portage Church and an old cemetery.  Experience the rope swing!  Discover and explore pictographs and petroglyphs, beautiful interior lake portages and abandoned gold mines.
3. Custom.  Search for clues on the lake from past stories and legends.  Travel by boat 40+ miles through thousands of islands and unforgettable beauty to Kenora, Ontario.  Eat, drink, shop and explore!

Imagine taking an extra day and traveling to Kenora via boat amongst the thousands of islands.  That in itself would be an incredible adventure.  Once to the public docks in Kenora, guests will be able to explore up and down the quaint streets of Kenora amongst the many small shops, restaurants, taverns and brewery.  When the day is over, sit back and relax enjoying the beauty and wildlife on the ride home or possibly stop at a couple of good fishing spots just to test the waters.

The tour boat is 22′ long for comfort and it has an enclosed cabin for inclement weather.  It can take up to six passengers. 

Tours are offered via half day or full day excursions.

Another open water option offered is Jet-Ski tours.  For those who enjoy traversing on a Jet-Ski or wet bike, this is a fun option.  Guests must bring their own Jet-Ski and follow along the guided tour.

Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours, as the name indicates, will also offer a winter option.  Traveling in these parts via snowmobile is a special treat.  It is also important to know where the good ice and bad ice areas are while exploring and Lighthouse Tours safely lead the way.  Much like the Jet-Ski tours, those wanting to do the snowmobile tours must provide their own machine.

The NW Angle is a special place with so much to see.  There is no doubt that most visit this area for the world class fishing amongst breathtaking beauty.  With that being said, there is so much more this area offers.  The wildlife and birding alone would make this destination stand out, let alone the many things to see throughout the islands area as well. 

If you are interested in setting up a tour, contact Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours at flagislandlighthouse@outlook.com or at 763-350-4700.

Info about the NW Angle

Info about the Lake of the Woods area

LOW Lodging and Guides 

The next time you’re up to Lake of the Woods don’t forget your golf clubs. There’s always time to squeeze in a quick round or maybe you only have time for 9 holes. The best part about Lake of the Woods is the variety of recreation you can enjoy while you’re vacationing here. Lake of the Woods is a renown fishery and is known as the Walleye Capital of the World. After you’ve caught your limit and have eaten at one of the local dining areas that fix your catch of the day. Head out to the Course and hit a few balls.

If you’re staying near Baudette on the Rainy River or at any of our south shore resorts,  Oak Harbor Golf Course is your stop. This beautiful 18 hole, par 72 championship course will provide golfers of all skill levels and abilities with fair, enjoyable and exciting golf experiences. The vintage front nine, created in 1968, offers a true and natural layout nestled along the Rainy River with scenic fairways carved into mature and heavily wooded confines. Also check them out at: www.facebook.com/oakharborgolflakeofthewoods/

The newly designed back nine is a Scottish link style with fairway and greenside bunkers, large ponds and quick greens. It features a fairway bunker that is self-proclaimed to be the world’s largest walleye attraction. Located 9 miles north of Baudette, Minnesota on Highway 172. The course itself is 6549 yards long from the tips.

The greens are firm so even some the best will be challenged. Oak Harbor Golf Course also comes with a full bar and grill which is quite the eye catching hangout after a round to have some of your favorite beverages. Tournaments, leagues, and events are held here and can be viewed on the course webpage.

Youth are taught to golf through the high school program at Lake of the Woods Schools. They have had great success over the years as they compete in tournaments around the area.

The Northwest Angle Golf Course also provides a chance to golf will visiting. The course has 2 grass greens and 7 sand greens.  The sand is local sand and is firm so you can actually putt on it.  As Risser says, “Sometimes it isn’t as smooth as the grass so you have to hit the ball a bit harder.”  Everyone is putting on the same green so it is equal across the board.

Facebook site at Northwest Angle Life: Northwest Angle Life | Facebook reports these current facts:

Yes, it’s still open. Yes, 9 holes with sand greens. Unique hazards – deer, geese and other critters on the fairways . Small clubhouse, men’s and women’s leagues. On-site post office . Owned by Judy and George Risser. 223-8001.

There is an etiquette to using sand greens that is good to know.  A special two sides rake is used to groom the green.  One side of the rake is toothed to create grooves in the sand.  The other side is smooth to create a smooth putting surface to the hole. Two holes border the water, holes #4 and #5.  The scenery on this course cannot be beat.  And neither can the hospitality.

Angle Inlet, MN is a small community and having a golf course is a privilege.  There are leagues, tournaments, etc. just like a normal golf course. The course rents clubs, has balls and tees and actually has two golf carts for rent that they keep in the storage sheds across the road.  “Everyone is welcomed” so come and enjoy.

The next time you are up to fish or on vacation throw the clubs in the car, you never know if you will need them for a quick round or two.

For more information and Lodging Availability see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Check out our FaceBook Page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

It’s the Minnesota Fishing Opener, a day some look forward to all winter.  If you are from MN or fish in MN, you are certainly aware of it.  The 2023 MN Fishing Opener took place this past weekend and Lake of the Woods did not disappoint, rewarding anglers with good numbers of walleyes as well as some big walleyes.

Known as The Walleye Capital of the World, Lake of the Woods is one of the best fisheries in the world for walleyes.  It is a natural choice for angler looking at experiencing some excellent walleye action.  The majority of the anglers caught limits of walleyes and saugers with a lot of trophy walleyes mixed in.  When we say trophy walleyes, we are talking walleyes over 28 inches which is typically about an 8 pounder with a good share of fish over 30 inches as well.

Jigging for Walleyes.

The majority of fishing opener walleye anglers used jigs and minnows or frozen shiners.  On some lakes, anglers are used to moving around slowly with jigs and minnows trying to get over more active fish.  On Lake of the Woods, however, anchoring up and jigging is a very effective method for a number of reasons.  First off, the walleyes and saugers on LOW seem to move around a lot which bodes well for still fishing and simply staying put.

Second, some believe a mini ecosystem is actually created under your boat when anchored up and jigging.  Scent and scales from the minnows are in the water attracting fish.  In addition, anglers are jigging, often contacting the bottom of the lake and shaking their jig.  All of this commotion creates vibration which equates to a meal for a walleye or sauger.  More fish start to congregate, anglers are reeling in fish and there you have it, an ecosystem for angler success!

Walleyes Caught Around the Lake

Walleyes were caught in many locations during the opener.  Anglers fishing the Rainy River overall experienced the normal high water, but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year.  Lots of nice fish pics and reports from the river, although, with decent weather, most ventured out to Four Mile Bay or the big lake itself, Big Traverse Bay.

Four Mile Bay, as it traditionally does this time of year, held good walleyes.  When walleyes spawn in the Rainy River, some stay in the river and others slowly make their way back into the lake.  4 Mile Bay is a natural spot to hang out with it’s warmer water, many areas just off of the current and good forage offerings for walleyes.  Usually fishing the edge of the river channel as it sweeps water up into the bay is key.

The majority of anglers fished Lake of the Woods along the south shore.  There were good reports from the Lighthouse Gap all the way to Rocky Point.  The most popular depths were 8 – 15 feet, but walleyes and saugers were caught very shallow around 3 feet and deeper than 30′ as well.  As you know, walleyes are not all congregated in one area, especially in a lake with a lot of walleyes.

Up at the NW Angle, great success was also had during the opener.  Shoreline structure, points and neck down areas where there is some current was the best.  Once again, a jig and minnow was by far the most used presentation.  One resort commented on opening morning, guests said they caught walleyes in almost every spot they fished.  The action slowed a bit in the afternoon.

Right now is an incredible time to fish Lake of the Woods.  The fish are hungry and relatively close to shore.  They are caught in the river, bays and along shorelines.  The water is cold and the fish are hungry.

Nice Options for Novice Anglers

There are many ways to experience LOW.  Some anglers bring their own boat.  There are numerous nice public and private boat ramps to land a boat of any size along with safe parking.

Others who don’t own a boat or simply want to make their trip easy jump in with a guide or in a charter boat.  Contact your favorite resort for more information.   

Up at the NW Angle, most visitors will hook up with one of the guides who work through the resorts.  Guides up amongst the islands typically use a nice 20′ boat, perfect for accessing the 14,552 islands Lake of the Woods is famous for.  This is an adventure before you even wet a line navigating amongst the islands and many great fishing areas.

Don’t forget about Pike!

Pike have been active in back bays.  As some of the big females are working there way back to the big lake, there is plenty of action to be had.  Some anglers love fishing pike for the action and excitement.  Others enjoy eating pike.  As long as you filet them to get the “Y” bones out, they are delicious coming out of the cold waters of LOW.

The current limit of pike on LOW is 3, with all fish 30 – 40 inches having to be released.  Anglers are allowed to keep 1 fish over 40 inches as part of their daily limit.

Travel to the NW Angle.

There are a number of ways to travel up to the NW Angle.  You can certainly drive to the Angle.  All past COVID restrictions when traveling through Canada to reach the Angle have been lifted.  Simply credentials to cross the border such as a passport, passport card, enhanced driver’s license or a government issued ID along with a birth certificate.

If you want to avoid customs and traveling through Canada, there are a few ways to travel up to the NW Angle.   Boating across the lake from the south shore and staying in MN waters is one option.  Boaters have to make sure to have a large enough boat that can take big water.  It is also helpful to watch the weather and wind forecasts.  Many who boat up to the Angle leave at daybreak before the wind comes up.  Don’t have your boat overloaded and take all safety precautions.

Another option is the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service which will transport you from the south shore via charter boat to your favorite NW Angle resort.  No worries here.  The charter boats are big boats operated by a licensed charter captain.  Sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery and adventure.

Lake of the Woods is full of fish.  Whether you are after the most sought after fish, the walleye, or you are looking for other species such as pike, perch, muskies, sturgeon, or smallmouth bass, good fishing opportunities abound.

The Minnesota Fishing Opener on The Walleye Capital of the World rarely disappoints.  If you have been to LOW, you understand.  If you have not, now is the time.  You wont’ regret it!

Click Here to view a list of Lake of the Woods lodging.

Click Here to view Lake of the Woods Tourism

Lake of the Woods County Fair Grounds at the city of Baudette, MN is the site of many exciting events this spring and summer. The local fair board has been working very hard this past year to Commemorate the 100^th Birthday of the Fair. Be sure to set aside the dates involved.

The summer kicks off this year at the LOW Fair Grounds celebrating an annual event. Willie Walleye is the patron saint of the area as he sits at Willie Walleye park overlooking the Rainy River which leads into Lake of the Woods. This walleye is so popular that his picture is taken many times a day with tourist from many parts of the country.

In Honor of Willie, a special weekend is set aside each year which hosts many great events. Willie Walleye Weekend is back in 2023 June 2nd-4th featuring food and craft vendors, a 5k, beer garden, horse events in the corral area and 2 grandstand events featuring the return of Midwest All-Star Wrestling on Saturday night and the debut of autocross in the grandstand on Sunday!

Superstar “Wild” Bill Irwin aka The Goon will join the stars of Midwest All-Star Wrestling in the grandstand on Saturday June 3rd! Location is 409 3^rd Ave SW, event time is 7:00 p.m.  Remember the fair board purchased new bleachers last year to enjoy the events even more.

3 weeks from today, June 4^th, the green flag drops on the first ever Autocross at Willie Walleye Weekend at the fairgrounds. Drivers, have you started working on those cars yet? Come one, come all! The event includes crafters, food trucks, and even those looking for a place to do a rummage sale! Give Sue a call today at 218-202-0809 and don’t miss out on Lake of the Woods County’s first big event of the summer!

Now for the exciting news!!!  The Commerative 100 year birthday of the Lake of the Woods County Fair. Here’s calling all Lake of the Woods County Fair exhibitors! The Home Arts Department has been planning some fun, exciting special events to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the fair. We hope many of you will participate.

In our “100 Year Challenge” we will pay $25 to each exhibitor that enters 100 exhibits in the Home Arts Department. Gather up your collections. Preschool through adults will be able to enter a collection of 100. It could be marbles, baseball cards, beanie babies, stamps, insects, thimbles, spoons, or whatever else you collect. There must be 100 of them and they need to be displayed in some type of container.

Just for kids from preschool to age 18. Create a Happy 100th Birthday poster with a fair theme to celebrate our centennial. You may use any medium but it must measure no less than one half sheet of poster board and no more than a whole sheet of poster board.

Happy 100th Birthday Decorated Cake Contest. We will have two classes: Decorate an edible birthday cake or decorate a non-edible birthday cake. The cake can be any size and any shape. The non-edible cake can be made from Styrofoam, cardboard, or any other materials. Use your creative imagination!

Happy 100th Birthday Fabric Banner or Flag: Use your talent to sew, embroider, quilt, paint, applique or any other technique to create a fabric banner or flag. It can be any size but it must have some way of hanging it.

So many opportunities for our youth in 4-H! We are so fortunate to be able to offer this wonderful opportunity in Lake of the Woods County. 4-H is such a huge part of the fair, these kids work so hard all year long on many different projects, check out all that this program has to offer!

Exhibitors feature their wares, food vendors offer exciting food options, and a great carnival will be on the midway for young and old alike. There is a free stage with entertainment in the pavilion each day. Horse will be present in the barn and also in the ring for competition and entertainment.

Stock car races and a demolition derby always draw crowds to the grandstand, but the greatest event closes out the weekend featuring. HAIRBALL. t’s just four months until Hairball rocks the County Fair with special guests Nite Hawk Band! Tickets are selling fast so don’t wait! Get yours today by visiting https://tickets.midwestix.com/event/hairball-low-23 and lock in your spot to rock on July 14th!

This closes out a well planned out weekend at Lake of the Woods County!!

For lodging check out our website at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

Also check out these facebook pages:  www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Or www.facebook.com/lowcountyfair