Cross-Country Skiing in the Beautiful Northland

cross country ski trails

Exploring Winter Adventures in Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods

The breathtaking northland of Minnesota, especially the Lake of the Woods area, offers a true winter wonderland. While this region is widely known as the Walleye Capital of the World, it also provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond fishing. Whether you’re snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply soaking in the peaceful beauty of the frozen landscape, Lake of the Woods is the perfect winter escape. cross country ski trails

A Winter Playground for All

Lake of the Woods County and the surrounding areas provide a diverse winter experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it here.

  • Ice Fishing? We have it.
  • Snowmobiling? We have it.
  • Snowshoeing? We have it.
  • Cross-country skiing? You guessed it—we have that, too!

With a great base of snow this year, winter sports enthusiasts are thrilled to take full advantage of everything this beautiful area has to offer.

While world-class ice fishing often steals the spotlight, cross-country skiing is another incredible way to explore the natural beauty of Lake of the Woods. If you haven’t yet discovered this quiet, scenic sport, now is the time!

Top Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing Locations

Zippel Bay State Park

Zippel Bay State Park sign_winter One of the best-kept secrets for winter adventurers, Zippel Bay State Park features miles of beautifully groomed cross-country ski trails winding through aspen, birch, and pine forests.

The Friends of Zippel Bay organization actively promotes cross-country skiing at the park. A few times each winter, they host candlelight ski nights, offering skiers a chance to glide through illuminated trails while enjoying hot beverages and snacks. Snowshoeing is also welcome along the designated trails, making this a great family-friendly destination.

Beltrami Island State Forest

For those seeking untouched natural beauty, Beltrami Island State Forest is a must-visit. Snow-covered pines create a serene and picturesque backdrop for cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. This is the perfect place to escape the noise of daily life and enjoy the peaceful stillness of the forest.

Lake of the Woods School Forest

A hidden gem near Baudette, the Lake of the Woods School Forest offers groomed trails right next to the school, providing a fantastic opportunity for students and adults to explore winter recreation. Trail maps are available, and if you don’t have your own equipment, you can borrow skis or snowshoes from the school.

More Unique Winter Adventures

The Northwest Angle

For a truly unique experience, venture to the northernmost point of the continental U.S. and explore the trails around Angle Inlet. Ski through the breathtaking scenery, then warm up with a delicious meal at Jerry’s Restaurant. While there, take the opportunity to visit Minnesota’s last operating one-room schoolhouse and meet the friendly locals who call this special place home.

Oak Island & Flag Island

Looking for a cozy winter getaway? The islands near the Canadian border are home to beautiful resorts with top-tier dining experiences. Consider bringing your cross-country skis on your next ice fishing trip—skiing around the lake and the islands offers a refreshing way to mix adventure and relaxation.

Plan Your Trip to Lake of the Woods

If you’re planning a winter adventure, be sure to check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism Lodging Page at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/lodging. Simply fill out an availability form, and local resorts will respond with options tailored to your needs. With over 60 lodging choices, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

For the ultimate winter experience, consider renting a sleeper fish house for an unforgettable ice fishing trip. And don’t forget your skis—there’s nothing quite like gliding across a moonlit frozen lake, breathing in the crisp, fresh air, and embracing the magic of winter.

Stay Connected

For the latest updates on ice fishing, snow conditions, and events, visit our website at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.

Follow us on Facebook for real-time reports and stunning winter photos:
📍 www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Final Thoughts

Winter in Lake of the Woods is truly special. Whether you’re ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, this northern paradise offers countless ways to make unforgettable memories.

Bundle up, embrace the season, and experience the beauty of Minnesota’s winter wonderland!

 

Lake of the Woods Featured on KSTP’s Minnesota Live

Lake of the Woods on Minnesota Live 2025

Lake of the Woods Featured on KSTP’s Minnesota Live

Lake of the Woods on Minnesota Live 2025

Lake of the Woods, Minnesota’s northernmost gem, was recently spotlighted on KSTP’s “Minnesota Live” show, where Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism, shared insights into the region’s attractions.

Click link to watch video…

https://kstp.com/special-coverage/minnesota-live/visit-lake-of-the-woods/

Modern Ice Fishing: Comfort and Convenience

Henry emphasized the evolution of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. Gone are the days of enduring the cold on a five-gallon pail. Today’s anglers enjoy heated fish houses, pre-drilled holes, and thermostats set to a cozy 70 degrees, ensuring a warm and enjoyable experience. Resorts in the area prioritize guest comfort, allowing visitors to focus solely on fishing.

Culinary Delights: A Variety of Dining Options

Beyond fishing, the region boasts a diverse culinary scene. From local eateries to resort dining, visitors can savor a range of dishes that cater to various tastes, enhancing the overall experience of Lake of the Woods.

Unique Ice Bars: The Igloo Bar and The Angry Walleye

The Igloo Bar: Operated by Zippel Bay Resort, this bar is situated miles from shore above a walleye hotspot. It offers satellite TV, propane heat, running water, and a selection of food and drinks. Anglers can even fish directly from their barstools by lifting sections of the insulated floor.

The Angry Walleye: Located off Cyrus Resort’s ice road, this bar provides beer, drinks, and pizza in a cozy atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to relax and share fishing stories after a day on the ice.

A Year-Round Destination

Henry highlighted that Lake of the Woods offers attractions beyond ice fishing. The region’s natural beauty, combined with its recreational opportunities and unique establishments, makes it a must-visit destination in Minnesota.

Bombardier and fish house on Minnesota Live
Lake of the Woods Fish house on Minnesota Live
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournament up at the NW Angle

SnoBear tournament takeoff 2025 Flag Island Resort

Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournament up at the NW Angle

Table of Contents

SnoBear tournament takeoff 2025 Flag Island Resort

Four Anglers per SnoBear... Memories Galore

The Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournament recently transformed the frozen expanse of Lake of the Woods into a vibrant hub of angling activity. Hosted at Cyrus’s Flag Island Resort in the Northwest Angle, this exclusive event, held on January 31, 2025, brought together SnoBear enthusiasts and ice fishing aficionados for a day of competition and camaraderie.

A Unique Gathering of SnoBear Enthusiasts

The tournament was distinctive in its focus on SnoBear vehicles—innovative, track-driven machines designed for ice fishing. These vehicles offer anglers mobility and comfort, allowing them to traverse the ice with ease and fish in a heated environment. The event attracted participants eager to showcase their fishing skills and the capabilities of their SnoBears in the beautiful surroundings the NW Angle portion of Lake of the Woods.

Event Structure and Divisions

Participants competed in two primary divisions: walleye and perch. Each division had its own payout structure, enabling teams to vie for top honors in their chosen category. Teams, comprising up to four anglers per SnoBear, adhered to tournament rules that emphasized ethical fishing practices and safety on the ice.

Tournament Results

In the walleye division, Ethan Fagen secured first place with a total catch weight of 14.29 pounds, earning a $1,400 prize along with two additional awards. The perch division also saw impressive hauls, though specific details were not provided. The event maintained a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, with participants celebrating each other’s successes and sharing stories of their experiences on the ice.

Cyrus's Flag Island Resort: The Ideal Host

Cyrus’s Flag Island Resort served as the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Located on beautiful Flag Island up at the NW Angle on the Minnesota side of Lake of the Woods, the resort offers a range of amenities tailored to anglers, including fish houses, guided charter services, and comfortable cabins. The resort’s facilities and proximity to prime fishing areas made it an ideal headquarters for the event.

Community and Camaraderie

Beyond the competition, the tournament fostered a sense of community among participants. Anglers shared techniques, discussed the performance of their SnoBears, and bonded over their shared passion for ice fishing. The event highlighted the unique culture of ice fishing in the Northwest Angle and the camaraderie that defines the angling community.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournament at Lake of the Woods underscores the growing popularity of SnoBear-specific events and the enduring appeal of ice fishing in this region. Participants and organizers alike are looking forward to future tournaments, eager to build on the momentum and continue the tradition of excellence in ice fishing competitions.

For more information on upcoming events or to learn about participating in future tournaments, interested individuals can visit the Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournaments Facebook page or contact the tournament directors directly.

The Glacial Lakes SnoBear Tournament at Lake of the Woods exemplifies the perfect blend of competition, community, and the love of ice fishing, set against the stunning backdrop of Minnesota’s winter landscape.

Walleye inside SnoBear
Jumbo Perch inside SnoBear
Walleye inside of SnoBear
General info… Lake of the Woods Area
Lodging and Fishing Options
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St Cloud 2025 37th Annual Sportsman’s Show

Central Minnesota’s favorite Sportsmen’s Show is back for its 37th Season on February 7th-9th, 2025 at St. Clouds River’s Edge Convention Center! Where you will find the very best in resorts, lodges and camps from the Midwest and Canada. Boat Show pricing on the newest fishing boats and pontoons, tackle and electronics and more! RV Show pricing on the best campers and trailers by the area’s best dealers. See:  St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show  

There will be great Hunting and Fishing seminars and great fun for the whole family. There will be two special speakers doing seminars at the show.

st cloud
Ted Takasaki

Ted Takasaki is a professional fisherman who has dawned the fishing scene for years. A Fishing Hall of Fame Legendary Angler, Ted is one of the top competitors on the National Walleye Tour.

 Ted won the prestigious Professional Walleye Trail (PWT) Classic Championship in 1998 and the 1995 PWT Top Gun Angler Award.  In 2002, he smashed the all-time, one day PWT tournament record, which still stands today, with a limit of 5 walleyes that weighed 53.2 pounds!  

Tom Huynh, another seminar speaker, began fishing walleye tournaments in 2020. His first tournament was on the AIM Pro Walleye Series, which he fished with his teammate Nate Wolske. They won their very first event! The momentum continued throughout the year, with a 4th place finish and another win in the last two events of the season.

The 2023 season was another showcase of his skills, with top 5 finishes in all AIM events and a top 5 finish in the NWT AOY. This year, 2024, he reached the pinnacle of the NWT circuit by winning the Championship and tying for AOY points. And that’s not all! He just launched a revolutionary new educational fishing platform called Tom Huynh University.

st cloud
Ted Huynh

Check it out at www.fishthu.com  

If you happen to be in central MN in St Cloud that weekend, stop by the River’s Edge Convention Center and say hello.  Joe Henry with Lake of the Wood Tourism will be available to chat anything Lake of the Woods!  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the lake, different methods of fishing, what resorts might fit your group the best, etc.

While at the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show, pick up the New Official Lake of the Woods Visitor Guide and of course, let’s talk Lake of the Woods fishing, resorts, NW Angle, spring fishing, sturgeon and everything else that makes Lake of the Woods a special place.

For some anglers, the focus will still be talking ice fishing as fish houses can be left on the lake overnight through March 31st, a bit longer than most of MN as we are border water with Canada.  The walleye/sauger season continues through April 14th on Lake of the Woods which extends the ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods.

Ice fishing is still going strong on Lake of the Woods.  Ice has never been better on the lake with it measuring over 2 feet. Ice roads are in great shape and snowmobile trails are also groomed for travel across the lake. Get the latest conditions and report while at the show.

Many anglers are looking forward to the spring run of walleyes on the Rainy River.   Typically the Rainy River starts to open up east of Baudette towards the middle or end of March.  Only Mother Nature knows when this will happen but when it does, it can be world class fishing for big female walleyes.

Walleyes from a good portion of Lake of the Woods will make their way to spawning grounds up-river.  Imagine, all of these walleyes constricted into a relatively small river.   This can lead to some epic walleye fishing and of course memories.  The Rainy River and Four Mile Bay is catch and release only for walleyes and saugers from March 1 – April 14.  Most anglers don’t mind as it is a chance to splash their boat and fish walleyes for the first time of the year.  It is also a chance to catch a walleye of a lifetime!

Sportsmans oak island There will also be anglers wanting to chat about big pike in March or possibly catching them when the ice goes out as the pike season never closes on Lake of the Woods and that lends itself to some nice opportunities.  Lake of the Woods is a trophy pike lake with many fish caught over 40″.

It won’t be long and anglers will also be targeting Lake Sturgeon on the Rainy River.  This fish that dates back to the prehistoric times is a handful of fun and a blast to catch.  Anglers will be fishing sturgeon up and down the Rainy River as well as in Four Mile Bay.  Many skip the walleyes and focus on the sturgeon.  It is fun fishing too.  Basically,  anchor up near a hole in the river, fishing night crawlers on the bottom.

In addition to Lake of the Woods, the St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show will have a large selection of fishing tackle retailers, boats, trailers, resorts, etc.  The River’s Edge Convention Center is located right in the downtown area of St. Cloud on the shores of the mighty Mississippi River.

The show starts Friday at noon and continues until 3pm on Sunday.  Parking is easy and this is a great show.   Click Here for complete details.

Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

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

See our FaceBook page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Southwester Fried Perch

perch recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 envelope taco seasoning
  • 1 pound lake perch fillets
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    perch
    photo by Taste of Home
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

Directions

  1. Place taco seasoning in a large resealable bag; add perch fillets, one at a time, and shake to coat. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg. Combine cornmeal and flour in another shallow bowl. Dip fillets in egg, then coat with cornmeal mixture. Place in a single layer on a plate; refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition Facts

3 piece: 326 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 155mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.

Fishing Report 2.4.2025

ice fishing lake of the woods, MN

fishing On the South Shore…  Ice fishing is strong across the south shore of Lake of the Woods out on Big Traverse Bay.  Most anglers are targeting deep mud with others fishing structure if available where they are going out of.  There are fish in both areas.  

Some ice roads are now extending more than 16 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters continue increasing weight limits.

As a rule, fishing continues to be very good with consistent action for anglers.  Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water.  Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish frys and bring fish home.  

On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent.  Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well.

On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom. 

You never know when the fish will move through.  Anglers fishing the entire day normally have success.  Electronics are a big help as well.

On the Rainy River…  The morning and evening hours are the best for fishing walleyes. A jig and minnow combination has been a good presentation.  A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish.

Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still producing some big fish through the ice.  There are two sturgeon seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year. 

The harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd. 

Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice.

Up at the NW Angle…  Ice fishing remains good at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts continue to move their fish houses staying on fish.  Some fish houses are set up on structure while others are targeting deeper mud flats. 

Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.  Good numbers of big crappies are still being caught in select areas and hard sided fish houses are available to target them.  Check with a NW Angle resort for info.

Jigging one line, deadsticking the second is effective.  Some days the jigging line is hot, other days the deadstick.  Some good colors have been gold, glow red, glow white, wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange.

Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.

For more information on fish house rentals, lodging, and updates, visit LakeoftheWoodsMN.com/Lodging. Tight lines!