Boating

Waterskiing, cruising the lakes - explore the hundreds of miles of undeveloped shoreline.


Sailing

Miles and miles of open water and many bays make our northern Minnesota lakes perfect for crafts of any size. Sailboats are available for rent and lessons are provided, too, at the Shores Of Leech Lake. The Leech Lake Sailing Regatta is held every August.


Fishing

Experience the perfect Minnesota fishing vacation. Leech Lake is nationally recognized as a gamefish lake and is regarded as a walleye factory. Regularly stocked, it offers an abundance of Northern Pike, Walleye, Jumbo Perch, Bass, Slab Crappies, Blue Gills and an array of Panfish.


Golf

The four outstanding area Minnesota golf courses offer everything from nine-hole par 3's to challenging full length courses. You'll see signature holes you may never forget. Most open early in the spring and remain open late into autumn's peak leaf season.


Biking, Hiking, Cycling, In-Line Skating, Walking

Miles and miles of paved trails in a system that is one of the best in the nation...and Walker, MN and the Leech Lake Area are at its core. The Heartland Trail stretches from Walker to Park Rapids. The Paul Bunyan Trail takes visitors from Walker to Brainerd.


Minnesota State Parks

Some of Minnesota's mosts impressive parks, protected lands and recreation areas can be found in the Leech Lake Area. From Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi begins, to the Chippewa National Forest, with it large population of nesting bald eagles, to the Shingobee Recreation Area and it's "little Grand Canyon", you'll find adventure in all sizes and all attitudes all year 'round.


Hunting

The autumn months attract hunters from all over the midwest in search of deer, duck and grouse. Many Leech Lake Area hotels, motels and resorts remain open through all seasons.


Snowmobiling

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of miles of groomed Minnesota snowmobile trails, as well as open fields, negotiable forests and frozen lakes available for snowmobilers. Numerous clubs and restaurants cater to riders, with parking and heated gear storage. The famous Heartland and Paul Bunyan Trails, two of the best, seem to run forever.


Skiing

Both cross country and downhill skiing are available in the Leech Lake Area. Miles of trails wind through spectacular forests, and nearby hills are always ready for boarders and others who prefer a bit more speed.


Ice Fishing

Ice fishing wasn't invented in the Leech Lake Area - just perfected here. All winter long, you'll find opportunities to discover the fascination. Rent icehouses by the day, the weekend, or the week. Everything is biting...but freshwater perch is our specialty.


Trails

The Minnesota Northwood's is a hikers paradise. You can tramp through the big woods, stroll down a backwoods lane, walk around lakes and even hike around a lake within a lake on Star Island.

The Chippewa National Forest makes maps available for most of their 78 miles of hiking trails, ranging from .5 to 68 miles. Some trails are known for their eagle viewing, others are self-guided nature tours; all of them are breath taking. Throughout the year, these trails also provide excellent cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Call (218) 335-8600 for a handout of twelve Chippewa National Forest hunter/walking trails.

As well as hiking on trails in our area, there are also many trail systems that allow snowmobiles . Leech Lake is a snowmobiler's dream - The Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails intersect here and provide hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails. The area also includes an array of trails specifically groomed for cross-country skiing.

Nearby is world famous Itasca State Park, which also has its own trail systems. You can even walk across the mighty Mississippi River at its source in Itasca State Park. Six other Minnesota state parks are located within the region and each offer different experiences for the hiker and nature lover.

County Road 50 Walking Trail
Eight miles of walking trails along the Shingobee River Valley.

Heartland Trail
South of Walker is Minnesota's oldest paved trail, with miles of beautiful lakes, forest scenery, wildlife and flowers.

Lake Erin Interpretive Trail
This five-mile walking trail surrounds scenic Lake Erin.

Mi-Ge-Zi Trail
Four completed, paved miles of non-motorized hiking/biking trails in the Chippewa National Forest along the eastern edge of Cass Lake and Pike Bay.

North Country National Scenic Trail
Part of the longest continuous footpath in North America, the North Country Trail cuts through the Chippewa National Forest.

Oak Point Trail
Twelve miles of walking trails at the north end of Steamboat Bay on Leech Lake.

Paul Bunyan State Recreational Trail
Built along abandoned rail corridors, these trails are great venues for easy-going exploration.

Shingobee Trail
Nestled along the rolling hills of the Shingobee River Valley the area offers six miles of trails for hiking, hunting, primitive camping and cross country skiing. Sliding hills and a weekend warming chalet are also available for winter fun.

Stony Point Recreation Area Trail
Nine miles of looped forest road for biking and hiking through the Chippewa National Forest.

Fishing and Lakes Information

Lake Finder
Data for more than 4,500 Minnesota lakes and rivers – maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Outdoors Weekly
Get the Minnesota fishing report at this site – maintained by Outdoors Weekly.


Minnesota Golf Information

Did you know that there are more than 480 Minnesota golf courses, and more golfers per capita than any other state?  Beautiful golf courses for every skill level scatter across the Minnesota landscape.  Click on the links below to visit sites dedicated to Minnesota golfing – then pack your clubs!

minnesotagolf.org
Golf course reviews.

Minnesota Golf Association
Directory and statistics for Minnesota golf courses.


Bike and Snowmobile Trails

State Trails
Maps and details on all the Minnesota State Trails – maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.