By Jason Chavis
Best Fishing Lodges in Minnesota
Minnesota has over ten thousand lakes and is widely known for its plentiful fishing of freshwater game. As such, a number of fishing lodges dot the various lakes. These
resorts provide a wide variety of options and amenities geared towards the solitary fisherman, avid explorer or family getaway. Each of these fishing lodges is located in a different part of the state and offer various quality experiences that are memorable.
Dixon Lake Resort
For fishermen who are looking for a quiet lake in Minnesota, one of the best is Dixon Lake. Surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, over 85 percent of the nine miles of shoreline around the lake is undeveloped, giving visitors a serene atmosphere with which to gaze into the beauty of the Minnesota landscape.
The lake itself covers 660 acres and a variety of depths in upwards of 30 feet. This makes it an ideal location for catching pike, perch, walleye, sunfish and even large mouth bass. Bait, tackle and boat rental are all offered for an individual or group's expedition. The lake is so plentiful, one can even fish from the docks.
The Dixon Lake resort features modern amenities including cabins with log furniture to give the visitor a true sense of the outdoors. Air conditioning, soft water and microwaves are all included in the cabins, as is access to fire rings and grills. Each cabin also features its own dock for boating launches.
Dixon Lake is also located near the Cutfoot Sioux Visitor Center, the Forest History Center and a number of bars, restaurants and casinos.
Dixon Lake Resort
49442 Dixon Lake Resort Road
Squaw Lake, MN 56681
(800) 362-7298
dixonlakeresort.com
Bearskin Lodge
Bearskin Lodge is located on one of the most preserved water areas of the state: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Halfway north on the Gunflint Trail, this lodge offers some of the most pristine fishing experiences possible.
The Boundary Waters is federally-protected lake and wilderness area that limits the use of motorized vehicles. A wide variety of fish are available such as trout, pike, walleye and small mouth bass. In addition, the area features the largest population of timberwolves in the country. Other animals that can be seen include moose, foxes, loons, beavers and bald eagles.
Each cabin features modern amenities to make visitors feel more welcome. They are decorated in an outdoor motif with a full range of appliances for cooking. Bearskin Lodge offers free use of kayaks, canoes and hydrobikes. 14-foot fishing boats with quiet motors can also be rented and launched from a private dock at each cabin site. Bearskin Lodge is true wilderness at its best with no mowed lawns and surrounding forests.
Bearskin Lodge
124 East Bearskin Road
Grand Marais, MN 55604
(800) 338-4170
bearskin.com
Lakeshore Resort
Situated on a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by Lake Osakis, Lakeshore Resort features some of the best dock fishing in the state. It's elaborate pier system is lighted and open 24 hours. It features a number of chairs to make the fishing experience more enjoyable. The docks are situated along a 30-foot drop-off.
Lake Osakis has 6,758 acres of water and offers a plentiful amount of walleye, pike, sunfish and crappies. For people who enjoy getting out on the water, the lodge provides free access to boats and rental access to pontoons.
The cabins are furnished to provide for a comfortable atmosphere. Amenities include free coffee and access to dishes, silverware, cookware and microwaves. Although toilet paper and blankets are provided, the lodge requests that guests bring their own towels and soap. A convenience store is located on the property that sells beer, soda and groceries. In addition, a gameroom featuring video games and a pool table is provided. Kids are welcome and have access to a playground and basketball court.
Lakeshore Resort
12676 Fairfax Drive
Osakis, MN 56360
(800) 525-6056
lakeshorecabins.com
Resources
About the Author:
Jason lives and works out of Minneapolis. After 11 years of professional writing, he is the author of four books, two movies and a play as well as numerous articles for Scientific American, The History Channel, City Pages and The Onion. Jason is a graduate of the film school at USC.
Photo Credits:
Ravedave