Located in the northernmost part of Minnesota, Lake of the Woods is a small county with a large lake that stretches into Ontario and Manitoba Canada. If you enjoy nature, water activities, and beautiful scenic views, reserve a vacation rental in Lake of the Woods. Spend a relaxing week there with your family. Check out this list of 10 Lake of the Woods family activities to enjoy in the area.
1. Fishing
Grab your rods, bait, and other fishing tackle, and head out with the family for a day of fishing on the lake. Lake of the Woods offers some of the best year-round fishing in the region. Public and private boat access is available. You’ll find many species of fish in the water, including bass, perch, crappie, and walleye.
2. Biking
There are no mountains in the area, but there are plenty of bike paths and special bike routes for the mountain bikers in your family to enjoy. Faunce State Forrest Campgrounds offers approximately 30 miles of looping bike routes. You’ll also find mountain biking trails in Nelson Forrest and on Santa Ana Forrest road.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing
Take your family out on the water for a fun-filled day of kayaking or canoeing. These activities are very popular during the summer months, when you’re sure to find many Lake of the Woods residents and vacationers paddling down the creek or around the bay. Head to Zippel Bay Resort or Zippel Bay State Park to rent your kayaks and canoes.
4. Beaches
ll beaches right on Lake of the Woods, so you don’t have to go far to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. Gather your swimsuits and sunscreen, and head to ArnesenÂ’s Rocky Point, Zippel Bay State Park, Long Point, or Angle Outpost. The beaches are open during the summertime and most are within a short walking distance of picnic areas or campsites.
5. Golfing
Don’t leave your Lake of the Woods vacation rental without spending a day at Oak Harbor Golf Course, which attracts avid golfers from the United States and Canada. This 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course offers a beautiful layout and has a clubhouse on-site where you can rent golf carts, tees, balls and other golfing equipment.
6. Snowmobiling
Vacationing at Lake of the Woods during the winter months is more exciting than ever, thanks to hundreds of miles of connected, well-groomed snowmobile trails. Avid snowmobile enthusiasts call the area a hidden gem, so bring your snowmobiles along to find out what the excitement is all about. Stay on the trails surrounding Lake of the Woods, or be bold and venture out to nearby counties.
7. Off-Road Vehicle Riding
Load your ATV vehicles onto your truck, and take them with you to Lake of the Woods. Choose from countless well-groomed ATV trails, or ride through any forest trail in the region that’s not designated as “off limits.” ATV riders can thoroughly explore the area without many limitations, making off-road vehicle riding a great and exciting activity for vacationers.
8. Cross Country Skiing
If your family enjoys skiing, head approximately 10 miles north of Lake of the Woods to Zippel Bay State Park, where there are more than 12 miles of ski trails available during winter months. Skiers much purchase ski passes to gain access to the trails, and the passes are available for an affordable rate. Trails are available for beginners and experienced cross-country skiers.
9. Museums and Historical Sites
While vacationing in Lake of the Woods, spend some time learning about the area’s history by taking your family to the Lake of the Woods County Museum. The exhibits there focus on the geological formation of the area and the rich history of the people. You can also head to Baudette Depot, which once served as the main transportation hub for Lake of the Woods residents.
10. Water Sports
Lake of the woods has more than 65,000 miles of shoreline that locals and vacationers make time to enjoy. Take your family out on the water to enjoy exciting activities, including jet skiing, wake boarding, and parasailing. Head to a secluded area of the lake to spend quality time with your loved ones, or go to a busy spot, such as Zippel Bay State Park, to enjoy water activities with locals and other vacationers.