Autumn in Lake of the Woods is officially here. Leaves have been turning and falling and temps are starting to drop in the evenings.
Most everyone who visits Lake of the Woods comments on two things, the beauty of the area and also the quietness that they experience in this Northwoods. While sitting on your deck at your cabin you’ll hear the sound of leaves falling, ducks flying and vocalizing and geese honking as they set their formations to head south. Lake of the Woods and the Northwest Angle are home to 50+ resorts who are always ready to give you a great experience in this north country.
Lake of the Woods is an interesting area. It is largely known as the Walleye Capital of the World with it’s first-class fishery. Features of the lake are it’s abundance of varieties of fish with walleye being the number one catch that anglers go for. 
Another interesting thing is watching the big river. The Rainy River, which divides the United States and Canada, has a fast-flowing current all summer. Then when autumn arrives, you can start to see the current slow considerably. As one watches this happen, you know that soon and very soon that current will stop all together and you’ll sure to see a skim of ice forming. That’s when you know autumn is past and the winter season is upon us.
Birding is another aspect of Lake of the Woods. Sand Hill Cranes enjoy this land but they are also noticing the cooler temps of autumn and are getting ready to migrate to the south. Seagulls are sitting around, waiting for their tickets to fly south and will leave us as do the fabulous white pelicans. One giant bird that we are happy to say never leaves is the Great Bald Eagle.
It’s not unusual to find hundreds of geese sitting in fields that have been harvested. Yes, harvest is also in full swing with wild rice fields being harvested, wheat being harvested and sunflowers bowing their heads to be ready to be combined.
With the onset of autumn, when the tamaracs are golden against the green pines, and the aspens are brilliant, hunters look to visit this north country. Geese draw hunters and many types of ducks draw hunters. Bears have been in abundance this year and the hunt has been good. All varieties of grouse
Autumn also brings the excitement of hunting white tail deer. Of course the Minnesota Dept of Natural Resources has all the information one needs for licensing and dates of each season. Whether you are a bow hunter or a rifle hunter, plan now for that great trip to the northland to “bag” that trophy buck or doe. Don’t forget that orange Is the most important color this fall season, not just because it’s on the trees but that color is the biggest safety factor when exploring the great outdoors.
School is in session and fall sports have begun. Community members always seem to find time to clean out their garages and do garage sales and button everything up for the upcoming winter season.
Awww….this autumn season seems way too short sometimes for those last warm evenings on the deck or sitting around a campfire with friends. Don’t miss this season to enjoy the land and the quietness that autumn brings.
For more information on Lake of the Woods see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com
For lodging: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging
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