Exploring the History and Resources of the NW Angle and Beyond

Most people travel to the Northwest Angle for its world-class fishing and breathtaking scenery, but there’s so much more to discover in this unique and remote part of Minnesota. Now, thanks to Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours, visitors have a new way to explore the hidden gems of the area. This exciting adventure service, created by retired Polaris engineer and avid explorer Joe Laurin, has gained attention for its historical and scenic boat tours. Recently, Prairie Sportsman TV joined Laurin on one of these excursions to showcase the history, wildlife, and untouched beauty of the Northwest Angle.

Prairie Sportsman TV

The team from Prairie Sportsman TV recently traveled to the NW Angle to film an episode featuring Lighthouse Boat Tours. The show captured the magic of exploring the area by boat, highlighting Laurin’s passion for the region’s history and natural beauty. The episode showcased the untouched wilderness of the Angle, bringing attention to its lesser-known landmarks and the thrill of navigating through the maze of islands.

A New Way to Experience the Northwest Angle

While the NW Angle is well-known for its fishing, few people realize just how much history and adventure lie within its thousands of islands. Laurin has spent years uncovering these secrets, and now he’s sharing them with visitors through guided boat tours.

Lighthouse Boat Tours takes passengers on an unforgettable journey, highlighting fascinating locations such as:

Fort St. Charles – A historic fur trading post from the 1700s.
Massacre Island – Named for a tragic event in the area’s past.
Abandoned Gold Mines – Evidence of prospectors searching for treasure in the early 1900s.
Pictographs and Petroglyphs – Ancient rock carvings left by Indigenous people.
WWII Prisoner of War Camps – Remnants of past wartime history.
Interior Lakes and Waterfalls – Hidden gems rarely seen by visitors.

Laurin first introduced the Lake of the Woods Explorer App, which provides information about these sites for self-guided adventures. Now, with his Coast Guard license, he can personally guide visitors on these journeys, offering in-depth knowledge and storytelling along the way.

Tour Options for Every Explorer

Lighthouse Boat Tours offers several pre-set tours as well as custom trips. Each excursion provides a mix of history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery.

The Essentials Tour: Stops at Fort St. Charles, Cheerio Beach, Massacre Island, and the Northernmost Point Buoy.
The Loop Tour: Includes Pinnacle Rock, waterfalls, pictographs, an old cemetery, and abandoned gold mines.
Custom Tours: Guests can request specific stops, such as traveling to Kenora, Ontario, for shopping and dining before cruising back through the islands.

For those looking for a high-speed adventure, Lighthouse Tours also offers Jet Ski tours, where visitors can bring their own watercraft and follow along on an exhilarating guided ride.

Winter Exploration by Snowmobile

Lighthouse Boat Tours isn’t just for summer. In the winter months, the adventure continues with guided snowmobile tours through the frozen wilderness. With thousands of miles of trails and countless islands to explore, snowmobiling in the NW Angle is an experience like no other. As with the Jet Ski tours, guests must provide their own machines, but Laurin’s expert guidance ensures a safe and unforgettable journey.

A Hidden Gem Worth Exploring

The Northwest Angle has long been known for its incredible fishing, but Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours is showing visitors a whole new side of this unique destination. From ancient pictographs to abandoned gold mines, there’s a story behind every island. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a new adventure, these tours offer an unforgettable way to experience the beauty and history of the Lake of the Woods region.

For more information or to book a tour, contact Lighthouse Boat and Snowmobile Tours at flagislandlighthouse@outlook.com or call 763-350-4700.