The ATV enthusiast can be assured of great trails and beautiful sights as they travel the area at Lake of the Woods. This activity has become a growing sport for young and old alike. Lake of the Woods has a new website at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. When you go to that site, click on Outdoor Adventures and find info on ATVs, Biking, Motorcycling and the like. Click on Maps and Trails and you will find Historic Trails, Scenic Drives, The Bog Drive and the Forest Management Drive. You’ll find a vast amount of information to make you trip to Lake of the Woods so enjoyable.

Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. Lake of the Woods area literally has thousands of acres of prime ATV destinations, a variety of nice resorts and hotels and of course great places to eat and drink while on vacation.

Legislation effective August 1, 2005 allows a greater freedom for all-terrain vehicle riders choosing to ride in Minnesota state forests in our region. Off-highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designated as off limits for environmental or safety reasons.

Beltrami Island State Forest is just west of Baudette and spans an area of 66,903 acres. Pine Island State Forest is just east of Baudette and encompasses 878,040 acres. Northwest Angle State Forest in the north end of Lake of the Woods county has 144,412 acres to explore.

Many visitors come to experience the vast wilderness trails via ATV during the summer and fall months. Beltrami State Forest and the Bankton roads south of Williams and Roosevelt have hundreds of miles of trails, 238 to be exact; not to mention the great hunting that goes with it. Much of this trail system follows county roads, township roads, ditch banks and existing trails. Local people also know back roads that are accessible for travel even from the lake area.

Off highway vehicles can be driven on all state forest trails that are not designates as off limits for environmental or safety reasons. For more information and trail maps check out our ATV PAGE or the MN DNR website.

When looking at the Homesteader’s Trail, you’ll find remnants of a time past when pioneers were able to secure free land. At one time 0 fam4ilies lived along the present day Bankton Forest Road. They accessed the area on forest trails that followed sandy ridges. They also traveled by boat in the summer and on the ice in the winter.

The homesteaders’ livelihood was based on the resources of the area. They logged sawtimber and poles, worked in sawmills, trapped fur, and provided their own food by subsistence farming and hunting.

The community of Bankton had a post office, school, and a community hall. Most of the people that lived in the Bankton area relocated to other parts of Lake of the Woods county during the federal Resettlement Program of 1935.

The openings along the Bankton Forest Road are all 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. Records are a bit fuzzy, but at least 5 people are buried in each cemetery. The Hamilton Farm Cemetery is also referred to as the Germanson Cemetery in early township records. The Bankton Cemetery is called God’s Acre Cemetery in the obituary of one of the people buried there.

Informational signs along the Bankton Forest Road identify the two cemeteries and the location of a few of the homestead sites where evidence of buildings remain.

All of these trails and historic sites are beautiful to explore as you ride your ATV or bicycle. No mountains here, however, mountain bikes also use these trails as they tour these beautiful forest areas. So….come fishing to the Walleye Capital of the World and also bring your ATV or side by side to not only enjoy the pristine waters of Lake of the Woods but to also enjoy the lands surrounding the lake area. Choose your favorite resort and make reservations now among the 50+ resorts both on the south shore and also at the Northwest Angle.

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

For Lodging see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging

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We were on a mission.  The goal… Filming a TV show which will air on Larry Smith Outdoors showing viewers how awesome it is fishing on a Lake of the Woods charter boat.  I have to say, stepping aboard not having to think about weather, navigation, where to fish, where the fish were at yesterday and everything else involved in putting guests on fish is relaxing.  Literally, step aboard.  The rods, reels, bait, tackle and licensed charter captain were all included.  Here is how the day went.

First thing in the morning was breakfast.  Many of the resorts in the area offer meals, along with a nice bar.  We left the bar behind our given morning and simply enjoyed a delicious breakfast.

After making sure everyone had what they needed, in this case rain gear (just in case), sunglasses, cameras, and video gear, we boarded the charter boat and were off.

The charter boat captain, in this case, knew of some nice eater walleyes that had been up north.  It’s a bit of a boat ride, but on a charter, good conversation, checking out the great scenery and in today’s world, checking your phone were all activities as we headed north across the lake.  Our destination was the edge of a rock pile north of Garden Island.

The technique, which is popular all summer into fall, is pulling crawler harnesses.  The rig was a two ounce bottom bouncer with a two hook harness loaded with a juicy night crawler with the tail pinched off just behind the back hook.  The blade was a #3 Indiana style in gold with a bit of red in it.  It was deadly!

For a bit, Larry tried using a spinner (which is a harness or snelled spinner with one, two or three hooks combined with a weight to get it down towards the bottom) with a frozen emerald shiner for a while, and that caught a couple of nice walleyes.  It seemed crawlers were catching the majority of fish.  Crawlers are also what the larger walleyes came on.

Right away we started getting bit.  A lot of small fish, some perch and some nice keeper walleyes mixed in.  We caught numerous walleyes with a few perch and saugers.  After some time, it seemed the bite tapered off a bit.  The captain, after talking to other charter captains on his cell phone (they don’t like using the Marine Band radio if possible for secrecy), decided to hit spot #2, a bit further north.

This spot held some really nice walleyes.  Just like spot #1, there were a few other charter boats working the same area as the walleyes were in good numbers and nice sized.  We continued to fill the cooler with our limits along with a couple of bonus jumbo perch.  With a few limits of walleyes and just a few saugers to still get, we decided to go big fish hunting.  For this, we headed to spot #3, down on the big basin called Big Traverse Bay.

This area held a combo of mud and rocks.  The captain made the comment about the nice fish he saw on his sonar, hoping they would cooperate.  Cooperate they did, with numerous big walleyes being boated.

It was a day never to be forgotten.  Fishing with Larry Smith on a charter boat.  Quickly catching three limits of walleyes, then shifting over to big fish and scoring big.  That is how this time of the year can be up at Lake of the Woods.

If you haven’t given a charter boat a try, I encourage it.  It is easy, enjoyable and has a high level of fishing success.  It is great for newbies to fishing or experienced anglers looking for a break or something different.  No worries on a charter, simply sit back, relax and catch walleyes!

Info about Lake of the Woods

Charter Boats and Guided Fishing on Lake of the Woods

Lodging on Lake of the Woods

Canoe or Kayak Lake of the Woods to enjoy the great landscape and pristine waters of this northland. These vessels are used for another great sport over the years to get an “up close and personal” view of waters traveled. Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, as well as its tributaries, are no exception. These waters were first explored using long boats and canoes and history hasn’t changed its adventure. Today’s voyageurs young and old find great enjoyment and good exercise traveling back into places that motorboats can’t go.

The historic Rainy River is the original “Voyageur’s Highway,” which linked the entire Great Lakes area with the northern waterways of Canada. Lake of the Woods hosted early trading posts in the 1700’s and is still the living legacy for this era. Getting out on the water is a great way to experience all of the history and nature Lake of the Woods has to offer.

For Shorter Routes: Explore Baudette Bay right in the heart of Baudette. You can start from Peace Park or Timber Mill Park for a relaxing paddle around the bay.

Zippel Bay offers a lot of good wildlife viewing due to its marshy environment right on Lake of the Woods. The best access for Zippel Bay is at Zippel Bay State Park.

Silver Creek – This short jaunt, about a mile up and down the creek, is suitable for enjoying the birds, flowers, and wildlife. To access Silver Creek, go east of the Hwy. 11 – 72 junction for 3.6 miles, turn south 0.4 miles, and then turn east for 0.3 miles. Put in at an old bridge crossing. Paddle in the early spring, and you’ll likely see a lot of waterfowl. Water levels may get low in late summer, so inquire locally.

Winter Road River – Turn north on Hwy 172, then west on Cty. Rd 88/4th ST. NW. Put in 2.5 miles west of Hwy 172 at the bridge. This is about a 3 mile trip with lots of opportunities to view wildlife and waterfowl, especially in the spring. Take out at the public water access at Hwy 172.

Wabanica Creek – Put in right behind Wabanica Lutheran Church, located east of Hwy 172. This is a short, 2-3 mile trip up and back the Wabanica Creek. The creek forks, so you have a couple of routes to explore.

For Longer Routes: The Rapid River Canoe Route covers approximately 50 miles of one of the Rainy River’s major tributaries – the Rapid River. The sections designated as the Rapid River Canoe and Kayak Route cover 33 river miles with a few small riffles and Class I rapids. Beginning at the trailhead and paddling to the trail end takes 8 to 12 hours under optimal water levels. The narrow, winding waterway is perfect for short canoes and smaller recreational kayaks.

2-day trip down the Rainy River – Imagine what it was like to travel the water highways like the voyageurs. Put in at the public access just east of Pelland Junction, where Hwy 11 and Hwy 71 come together. Follow the waterway downstream 31 miles to Franz Jevne State Park. Camp overnight and paddle 28 miles to Baudette the next day or linger awhile longer to enjoy the hiking offered at the park. Wind can be a factor on the Rainy River, particularly if it is from a northerly through westerly direction.

Kayaks and canoes can be rented locally from Zippel Bay Resort and Zippel Bay State Park has canoe rental as well.

The Northwest Angle, Zippel Bay State Park, other tributaries of the Rainy River, and the Red Lake Wildlife Management Area, are all other wonderful areas for a serene canoeing getaway.

There is also a River Runners Canoe and Kayak Club based in Baudette. Be sure to ask about their group activities when planning your next adventure!

There’s a new kayak out there that is catching on fast. This is called the Hobie Kayak and is very unique in its build. We’ve included a video here to watch about the kayak being used at Lake of the Woods. It can be paddled and even peddled to move it. What an interesting adventure. It holds one person, but also holds fishing poles, coolers and the like for that great fishing adventure on Lake of the Woods.

For more information on lodging at Lake of the Woods see: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging.

Our facebook page is at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

Lake of the Woods in Minnesota is renowned for its fantastic ice fishing opportunities.  Resorts and outfitters do the work to make your ice fishing adventure more enjoyable.  Ice guides are constantly checking ice conditions, plowing, grooming trails, moving fish houses to schools of walleyes so you can step inside a heated fish house and just fish!  Here are the top five reasons why you should consider this destination for your next ice fishing adventure:

1. Abundant Walleye and Sauger Populations

One of the primary draws to Lake of the Woods for ice fishing enthusiasts is the abundance of walleyes and saugers.  These species are not only plentiful but also provide a thrilling fishing experience. Walleyes are the most targeted species, known for their abundance in Lake of the Woods as well as they are delicious table fare.  Saugers, the walleye’s cousin, are also found in good numbers and are equally delicious. The opportunity to catch both of these fish in abundance makes Lake of the Woods a top ice fishing destination.

2. Heated and Sleeper Fish Houses

Resorts and outfitters in the area go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and productive fishing experience. Heated fish houses and sleeper fish houses are strategically moved over schools of walleyes, with holes pre-drilled, the houses banked, and the heat turned on. This setup means you can step inside, take off your jacket, and start fishing in comfort. The convenience and warmth of these facilities make it easy for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy a successful day on the ice.

3. Stunning Winter Scenery

The winter scenery of Lake of the Woods is nothing short of breathtaking. Imagine vast expanses of ice, snow-covered pine trees, and spectacular sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues. The pristine beauty of the area, combined with the crisp, fresh air, creates a serene and picturesque environment that enhances the overall ice fishing experience. Whether you’re on the ice or relaxing at a resort, the natural beauty of Lake of the Woods in winter is a sight to behold.

4. Comprehensive Resort Services and Amenities

Local resorts around Lake of the Woods offer a wide range of modern accommodations and amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Many resorts feature on-site restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, providing delicious meals and warm beverages to keep you energized. Additionally, these resorts supply all the necessary bait, tackle, and equipment, making it convenient to plan your trip. The combination of high-quality accommodations and comprehensive services means you can focus on enjoying your fishing experience without worrying about logistics.

5. A Complete Ice Fishing Experience

Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is not just about catching fish—it’s about the entire experience. From the thrill of the catch to the camaraderie of fishing with friends and family, every moment is memorable. The well-maintained facilities, expert guidance from local outfitters, and the chance to fish in one of the most beautiful winter landscapes make this destination stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the unique and immersive experience of ice fishing on Lake of the Woods is something you’ll cherish forever.

Plan Your Ice Fishing Adventure

With its abundant fish populations, comfortable fishing accommodations, stunning scenery, and excellent resort services, Lake of the Woods offers an unparalleled ice fishing experience. Plan your trip today and discover why this destination is a favorite among ice fishing enthusiasts. From the thrill of landing a big walleye to the serene beauty of the winter landscape, your adventure at Lake of the Woods will be one to remember.

More info on Lake of the Woods

Lodging and Ice Fishing packages around Lake of the Woods

Beautiful and Delicious Blueberries are making their show at Lake of the Woods. They are ripening fast and are in abundance as reported to this writer recently.  Within two weeks of this writing, the berries will be at their peak. Lake of the Woods is known for its vast amount of this natural berry that is not only beautiful but delicious beyond measure.

Where do I find these beautiful blueberries? Well, we’ll have to list quite a few areas. A park along Hwy 11 between Baudette and Warroad is actually named Blueberry Hill. People camp there and also pick these beautiful berries. Another area is south or Baudette in the Beltrami Forest Area also known by the Faunce Tower area. This natural habitat is known or its beautiful pines and roads through what once was the pioneer area of Lake of the Woods County. Homesteaders there must have really enjoyed the abundance of food found throughout that land and harvested many many berries. See bountiful-blueberries-now-at-lake-of-the-woods -area

People come from far and wide to harvest these natural blueberries. They arrive with buckets for the harvest and leave with those buckets full. If you’re one of these visitors, be sure to also bring mosquito spray and dress to keep those insects off of you. There’s another species that also enjoys these berries and that is the black bear. It’s wise to keep on the lookout for these creatures as they enjoy the harvest as well.

A one-gallon ice cream pail with a handle works well to hold the fruit. You can set it on the ground and drop berries into it as you pick, and unlike a plastic bag, it won’t snag on sticks and thorns as you walk. Hiking boots are great for rough or steep areas. Lighter footwear is fine for easy hikes, but don’t be tempted to wear sandals, which don’t offer enough foot protection. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are recommended to avoid scratches, scrapes, and mosquitoes; I also carry insect repellent and drinking water, particularly in warm weather.

Blueberry shrubs are 1 to 2½ feet tall and often grow in colonies. Leaves are shaped like an elongated football, typically 1 to 1½ inches long; they grow alternately on greenish-brown branches. Common lowbush blueberries have smooth leaves with fine teeth along the edges, while leaves of velvet-leaf blueberries are hairy and toothless. Fruits of both grow in clusters from branch tips. Underripe berries are green, becoming pinkish before ripening to deep blue with a whitish bloom; ripe berries look just like supermarket blueberries but are smaller—typically ¼ to 1/3 inch across. A key ID feature is the short five-pointed crown that is present on the top.

Ripe berries detach easily from the bush. Although you can use opened fingers to comb through a cluster of blueberries, you’ll get less debris if you pluck individual fruits. Velvet-leaf blueberries are tarter than common lowbush blueberries, which are also called sweet lowbush blueberries. Both can be used like domestic blueberries, but because they’re so small they pack together more closely—so you can use a smaller measure of wild blueberries in muffins or similar recipes. Wild blueberries make outstanding jam and pie.

Another area to explore for these beautiful blueberries is Zippel Bay State Park. This beautiful park has been kept to its natural beauty and as you travel the paths, you can find bushes and bushes of berries to enjoy picking from. While you’re there, enjoy the vast sandy beach and beautiful waters of Lake of the Woods where you can walk out in shallow water for many yards.

Be sure to add this Blueberry adventure to your list of great things to do while visiting Lake of the Woods. Send dad out fishing and let the ladies bring in the bountiful berries for a great eating treat.

For more information contact: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com and click on the lodging page for great places to stay. Come soon!

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It’s July.  Surface water temps in areas on Lake of the Woods have heated up. Various bug hatches have, and will continue to, take place.  And to nobody’s surprise, spinners and crawlers are the go to method.  Some anglers are adding downriggers to their boats.  Crankbaits are picking up steam.  It happens every year, the walleyes are kicking into summer mode.  There is a lot of life taking place below the water surface.  To capitalize as an angler, it is important to make good on the water decisions for summer walleyes.

Lake of the Woods summer walleyes are being caught many ways, in many spots and in many depths.  A recent day on the water was a great illustration of how to make decisions that lead to more summer walleyes.

Different schools of walleyes doing different things.  Some are in the shallows being opportunistic with that part of the ecosystem.  Others walleyes are hanging out in deep water basins or adjacent to deep water structure. Some are living in that 15′ of water in Little Traverse Bay which is the area north of Garden Island.  Others are taking advantage of that deep water aquarium full of forage called Big Traverse Bay which is the big open water south of Garden Island.

There are many forms of forage in the lake to feed on, one of the reasons Lake of the Woods is so healthy.  Walleyes are feasting on mayfly larvae, perch minnows, perch, young of the year walleyes, tulibees, crayfish, blood worms, etc.  This variety of forage is also why one group of anglers will fill a cooler in less than 10 feet of water and others will be targeting fish in that 30 – 34′ range and also filling their cooler.

Bug Hatches

Adapting while on the water is an important skill for anglers.  For example, a charter captain fished an area he had fished the day before and the fish just weren’t firing.  He noticed the amount of bug hatches on top of the water.  For a long ways, you would see mayfly carcasses.  He decided to move to another part of the lake where the bug hatch was not nearly as strong and filled the cooler with nice walleyes.

Another example, when there is a bug hatch, and it has happened on many occasions, the sonar reveals a ton of bait and summer walleyes suspended about 15 – 20 down in about 30′ of water.  In this instance, when I say the screen was loaded, it was loaded.  Not a good sign typically on Lake of the Woods.  From experience, it is hard to get these suspended fish to eat.  We believe they had one thing on their minds, mayfly larvae.  We still fished that area hard with just a couple of fish.

Rather than beating ourselves up, we switched spots to another reef we knew there were big fish hanging around.  Some of these fish were on the bottom.  They show up as big arches or “hooks” on the sonar on or adjacent to the bottom.  Just what we wanted to see.  Again, these fish were uncooperative.  We pulled spinners and crawlers through a number of fish with no success.  We switched over to crankbaits, again no success.

Rather that beating a dead horse, there is so much water, so many spots to fish that we moved on.  In this case, we decided to do a “milk run”.  Let’s quickly and efficiently work a number of spots until we can get something rolling, and we did.

We stopped on the edge of a deep underwater point.  We worked it from 26′ down to 6′.  A couple of saugers.  After a short time, we pulled the plug and hit another spot.

This spot was the right spot but small.  It had a couple of charter boats on it who were doing well.  Rather than crowding them, we decided to move away from them and at about 5mph, watch our sonar.  In a different area we started seeing signs of life.  After the screen looked healthy, even though we didn’t plan on fishing this exact area, we decided to give these fish a try.  Why?  We trusted our electronics.

After about five minutes, we had a nice 16 inch walleye in the boat.  Soon another and another.  Summer walleyes in this spot cooperated nicely.  With no boats around, we were on active fish.  After catching all the fish we needed and the live well healthy, we decided to go looking for big fish (just for fun).

We pulled a deep water spot and fished it for 30.  We could see some sleds but no takers.  Other boats were not swinging nets.  Time to move on.

Fishing memories, there was a shallow water spot were were basically going right by to get to a big fish deep water spot.  I talked my partner into giving the shallow water 20 minutes.  “Either they are there or they are not,” I said as I was very curious about the spot as I had good memories there.

After about 10 minutes and in 7′ of water, we hooked into a 24 incher.  We went on to catch eaters, some larger walleyes, nothing huge but a few fish between 22-24″.  A good move.  A fun and healthy spot.

We continued on to on last deep water spot that I know for big summer walleyes.  Lots of hooks.  Lots of suspended hooks, some on the bottom.  Worth a pull.  Right away, a 25 incher decided to commit.  A nice fat fish.  We thought this was going to be good.  I missed a fish shortly after.  We fished this spot for an hour making circles around the spot we had action right away.  Nothing.  No bites, no fish.  Crazy, but that is fishing.

Overall, a wonderful and memorable day of fishing.  If we wouldn’t have done a milk run, I anticipate we would have caught a few fish.  By looking for the right scenario with summer walleyes willing to eat our offerings, our day turned into one that makes Lake of the Woods famous.  What a fishery!

Muddy Water

On a recent day of fishing with TV host, Jon Thelen of Destination Fish, we headed north to fish around Garden Island and the north portion of Big Traverse Bay.  Jon had caught nice fish there earlier in the week.

Upon arriving, we could see some nice walleyes on the electronics.  I did make the comment, however, the water looked dirty.  Long story short, we pulled spinners through hundreds of walleyes in three different spots in that part of the lake over the course of a few hours with only two walleyes in the livewell.  We knew something was different and we both believed it was the muddy water from a few days of a strong south wind stirring up that part of the lake.

We proceeded to head to the south shore, the same water we just drove over hours before.  The water looked way better.  There were fish and upon dropping down our 2 ounce bottom bouncers, two hook spinners and crawlers, immediately started catching nice fish.  We knew then the water was just too dirty up north for walleyes to see or have the interest in chase down our offerings.  We made an adjustment and it changed the entire day.

The next time you are out fishing and things aren’t going your way, observe your surroundings.  Take a deep breath and just think.  Do you need to make s lure change?  Speed up or slow down?  Do you need to leave those fish and head to another school or perhaps part of the lake?  Remember, and this shines true from both charter captains and tournament fishing, someone almost always figures it out.  By observing your surroundings and taking in all of the info presented to you, what changes can you make to change a tough day into a day to remember.

Access the Lake of the Woods Tourism Website

Access resorts, hotels, guides and charter boats on and around Lake of the Woods for Summer Walleyes

Travelers throughout the nation visit sites, historical locations, fishing locations and others travel to treat their taste buds. Eating has become a national past-time it seems and Lake of the Woods is a great location to explore and treat your taste buds. Did you ever get to eat a shore lunch? That’s an experience you will never forget. Guides really know how to treat their clientele right. Check out this picture.

Do you like to eat quesadillas? Pizza? Tacos? Blackened Walleye? Incredible Burgers? Steak Sandwiches? or Beautiful Grilled Steaks to your liking? With 50+ resorts at this northern border area between the Northwest Angle and the south shore, you can eat yourself happy while enjoying pristine waters and one of the greatest fisheries around.

The quietness of the area feeds both your soul and feeds your appetite!

Lake of the Woods is known as the Walleye Capital of the World with many varieties of fish and other sportsman adventures throughout the area. If you’re planning a vacation and bringing the whole family, it’s also important to plan your dining experience and where you will find it. 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.

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, Circle K 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, and baskets to eat in or take out.

If you head towards the lake area, locals will tell you to try the pizza at a couple of resorts where one night is set aside as pizza night and special homemade pizza 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.

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. Choose a resort that is along the river and watch the activity of the many many launches as they travel the river taking their customers out to the great waters to find their favorite dining taste treat….the walleye.

Anglers can bring in their fresh catch and chefs will prepare their walleye for the greatest taste treat. Nothing is better than tasting that fresh catch surrounded by your favorite potatoes and salad for your dining pleasure. Some resorts offer burgers or steaks cooked over an open grill even in the cold winter months.

Another area of interest while you eat is viewing the Big Traverse Bay area. This is the biggest portion of the lake where you actually cannot see land when you’re in the middle of it. It looks like the ocean or even the Great Lakes. Mentioning this, LOW is the largest fresh-water lake next to the Great Lakes. It’s an enormous body of water, sharing its boundaries with the country of Canada.

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. Each dining facility at Lake of the Woods has its own unique character and it only enhances that dining experience.

This big lake experience offers atmospheres of warm fireplaces and the smell of good food and unique beverages soothing the soul while dining at some of the best places in the world. Many establishments also offer live entertainment and big screen TVs for your evening entertainment.

Check out our local newspaper, facebook or even the local cable channel to find the greatest menus at each resort. It’s your pick and your taste buds pleasure for dining at Lake of the Woods.

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

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

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State Parks of Minnesota can be a great experience for people of all ages. This is particularly true of state parks within the Lake of the Woods area. Trails, trees, lakes and education make a great family excursion. Plan a whole trip visiting state parks in 2024 where you will find beautiful sites and education as well. Lake of the Woods is fortunate to have many state parks in the county and have a great neighbor south of us on Hwy 72, the Big Bog State Park.

The Minnesota DNR is the place to contact when looking to purchase your yearly sticker. A $35 year-round vehicle permit provides unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase. Day permits are $7.00.

By purchasing a vehicle permit, you help maintain and improve the natural resources, facilities, and education and outreach programs that make Minnesota’s state parks among the best in the nation. Vehicle permits are valid for one year from the month of purchase. Plus, you can receive a discount on additional year-round permits for other vehicles you own. In order to buy a permit you must follow one of two ways: Call: • DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities area) • Toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367)

Lake of the Woods has a few state parks and forests. A year-round pass would be perfect with all the time you could spend inside these beautiful parks. A few of the closest ones include Zippel State Park, Franz Jevne State Park, and Beltrami Island State Forest. The outdoor activities you can do in the parks are endless, from fishing, canoeing, hiking, mushroom hunting, biking, camping, etc.

The Big Bog State Recreational Area  is just a few miles south of Lake of the Woods County on Hwy 72. This very unique and educational experience is one of a kind. The boardwalk itself is 1 mile long and reaches far into the swamp while having benches and teaching plaques along the way. It’s a must to put on your vacation list.

It’s time to get outdoors now and get some fresh air and sit and enjoy the beauty of creation as it comes to life in the springtime. Zippel Bay State Park is a beautiful spot to visit at any season, but springtime has special beauty. With miles of groomed trails, you will enjoy wildflowers peeking through the undergrowth and the aspens and birch trees coming alive with their bright green leaves and beautiful white bark. This State Park is located at 3684 54th Avenue Northwest, Williams, MN 56686 on Hwy #8 northwest of Baudette. This park provides a great opportunity to take the family on a walking tour.

The State Park at Zippel Bay is also known for its sandy beach reaching out into Lake of the Woods. It’s a perfect place for children to build sand castles and explore the shoreline. The bay itself is very shallow there so it is the best place for visitors to swim and walk out a long distance. You may obtain a State Park Sticker online before you visit or right at the entrance. A great family experience while practicing social distancing.

Zipple Bay State Park also manages the Blueberry Hill and Faunce campgrounds inside the Beltrami Island State Forest. For information on these units, please contact the Zippel Bay State Park office at (218) 783-6252. Blueberry Hill State Forest is located 3.5 miles west of Williams on the south side of Highway 11 and is one of the highest points of elevation in the county.

If you’re looking for remote, check out Franz Jevne State Park located on Highway 11. Here there is primitive camping with access to the Rainy River. This is located a few miles east of Birchdale, home of one of the last unique General Stores.

Other state parks in the area include an excursion by boat to the northern-most park of Garden Island on Lake of the Woods.

Garden Island State Park Boat docks and picnic grounds are available three seasons of the year. Here you can explore and do some walleye fishing and even enjoy a shore lunch on these beautiful grounds. Here’s a link to see what you can expect. Don’t forget that if you’re a birding fanatic, you are able to see many species at this untouched landscape. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/garden_island/vt_gardenisland.html

Other recreation areas are also available in the Baudette, Lake of the Woods area. Baudette is fortunate to be located on the waters of Baudette Bay off of the great Rainy River that flows from Rainy Lake at International Falls to Lake of the Woods. This forms the border between the United States and Canada. So, whatever park you visit, you are able to feast your eyes on beautiful waterways.

There are three major parks within the City of Baudette. As you travel into the city on Hwy 11, you first come to Timbermill Park which is the city park. Here you will find a great campground equipped for tent camping or RV camping with full water and electric hookups. Great amenities at the park include a boat ramp onto the Rainy River, a fish cleaning house, a beautiful shower house, and an outside water spicket.  There is a sand volleyball court, basketball hoops, softball fields and a state of the art children’s playground.

Local people enjoy the park for its great pavilion. The other feature of this beautiful park is the incredible walking trail. This surrounds the park and is paved for your walking experience. Adjacent to the park is also a great skatepark where all ages find their skills using skateboards or even small bikes.

Further into town at the junction of Hwy 11 and 172 north is Willie Walleye Park. This park is a beautiful area to sit on benches there and enjoy the scenery. There is a pier that juts out into Baudette Bay where people jump off to swim or cast a line to see what species frequent the Bay. A fairly new boat ramp allows you to tie your boat and shop around Baudette.

The third beautiful park is known as Peace Park and is very unique as it sits on the land right next to the Canadian Border Crossing. Locals enjoy this park all year round as they gaze on the Rainy River, the International Bridge and also the land of Canada. It’s not unusual to find people enjoying their lunch break there or having an ice cream while enjoying the view in the evening. There are a number of cement picnic tables available and also bathroom facilities.

The greatest feature of Peace Park is the boat ramp which accesses the Rainy River.  It’s quite a sight to see the boat ramp full of boat trailers parked in a line at the parking area. The view is spectacular and the park is always a great place to drive through just to gaze at the water and the bridge.

Venture to the northland very soon to enjoy the rich beauty spring offers in state parks and recreational areas.

For more information and lodging availability, please see out website at ww.lakeofthewoodsmn.com/lodging. Feast your eyes on the beauty nature has to offer.

See our Face Book page at: www.facebook.com/lakeofthewoodsmn

If you’re an angler looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, Lake of the Woods in Minnesota should be at the top of your list, especially in July.  Known for its abundant fish populations and stunning natural beauty, this premier fishing destination offers something for every fishing enthusiast. Here’s why July is the perfect time to fish Lake of the Woods.

Abundant Walleye Fishing

One of the biggest draws to Lake of the Woods is its thriving walleye population. July is an excellent month for walleye fishing, as the fish are active and can be found in various parts of the lake.  Whether you’re fishing the Rainy River, exploring Big Traverse Bay, or venturing to the Northwest Angle, you’re likely to encounter plenty of walleyes.  With the right techniques and guidance from local experts, you’ll have a great chance of landing a trophy catch.

Really want to ensure your odds for success?  Jump on a charter boat or in with a fishing guide.  Charter captains / fishing guides on Lake of the Woods are some of the best in the industry.  Resorts have experienced guides who know the best fishing spots and techniques, increasing your chances of a successful trip.

Diverse Fish Species

While walleyes are the star attraction, Lake of the Woods is also home to a variety of other fish species.  Northern pike, smallmouth bass, muskies, and lake sturgeon are plentiful, offering anglers the opportunity to diversify their fishing experience.  This diversity ensures that every trip to the lake is unique and exciting, with the potential for new and memorable catches each time.

Some anglers will inadvertently catch various species while targeting walleyes.  Other anglers will target other species with strong success.

Full-Service Resorts

Many resorts around Lake of the Woods provide full-service accommodations, making it easy to plan a fishing trip.  These resorts offer beautiful lodging options, guided fishing, and delicious dining choices.  After a long day on the water, you can relax in comfort and enjoy the hospitality of the area.

If you are staying at a hotel, resort or cabin without a restaurant, no worries.  There are plenty of dining options throughout the area if that is how you roll.  Some groups enjoy preparing their own meals inside their cabins while vacationing up at Lake of the Woods.

Exploring the Various Areas of Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is vast, with three main areas to explore: the Rainy River, Big Traverse Bay, and the Northwest Angle.  Each area offers a variety of lodging, unique fishing experiences and scenic views.

The Rainy River is known for a variety of fishing, including lake sturgeon which can be targeted starting July 1st.  The river also is home to walleyes, sauger, smallmouth bass and pike, just to name a few.  There are 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth of the river all the way to where some rapids begin just past Birchdale, MN.  The scenery on the river is breathtaking.

Big Traverse Bay provides wide-open waters and a huge population of walleyes and saugers.   Much of the basin is deep mud and loaded with various kind of forage walleyes target.  Tulibees, emerald shiners, perch minnows, blood worms and various hatches are just a few of the food offerings that keeps walleyes in this area of the lake.

Big Traverse Bay also has a number of reefs that pop out amongst the miles and miles of mud.  These spots can be absolute magnets for walleyes looking for a meal.

The Northwest Angle offers a more secluded and peaceful setting with a variety of fish habitats and over 14,000 islands, reefs, neck down areas, saddles, transitions, points and the list goes on.   Fishing in this part of the lake is excellent.

With over 65,000 miles of shoreline on LOW, an angler couldn’t fish this entire lake in a lifetime. Exploring these regions can make each fishing trip feel like a new adventure.

Other Outdoor Activities

Fishing is just one of the many outdoor activities available at Lake of the Woods. In July, the weather is perfect for boating, swimming, and hiking. The area is also known for its wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for bird watching and nature photography. Families can enjoy picnics, campfires, and exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.

Local Tips and Insights

To make the most of your fishing trip, consider the following local tips:

Best Fishing Times:  As Lake of the Woods has stained water, meaning tannins from local foliage gives a tint to the water, walleyes and saugers eat well throughout the day.
Bait and Lures:  Jig and snelled spinners with live bait such as minnows and nightcrawlers are very effective.  Trolling crankbaits can also yield good results.
Guided Trips: Hiring a local guide or boarding a resort charter boat can increase your odds of fishing success and provide invaluable insights into the best fishing spots and techniques.

Plan Your Visit

Lake of the Woods in July is a fishing paradise waiting to be explored.  Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, the lake offers something for everyone.  With its abundant fish populations, full-service resorts, and stunning natural beauty, it’s the perfect destination for your next fishing adventure.  Plan your visit today and discover why Lake of the Woods is a top choice for fishing enthusiasts from around the world.

Info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging, Charter Boats and Guides