live that lake life When relaxation meets adventure on one of Minnesota’s 11,842 lakes, you’ll find bliss. Discover the best spots to enjoy the state’s vibrant lake life, on and off the shore, any time of year. LAKE SUPERIOR Lake Superior, or Gichigami in Ojibwe, is the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes, spanning the U.S.-Canada and Minnesota-Wisconsin border. It’s the ancestral home of the Dakota and Ojibwe/Chippewa/Anishinaabe Tribes. Lake Superior holds more water than the other four Great Lakes combined – it’s the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third-largest freshwater lake by volume, stretching across the horizon like a vast ocean. It’s no surprise that boating and fishing are popular pastimes on Lake Superior. For unique experiences, go sailing with North House Folk School in Grand Marais, or hunt for agates on the beach. Agates are semi-precious banded rocks that are plentiful in the area – Agate Bay in Two Harbors is a good spot to find them. On calm summer days, you can go paddling past cliffs and coves along the North Shore. To learn about the fascinating history of the lake and see amazing views, visit Split Rock Lighthouse or Grand Portage National Monument, the first national park site to be co-managed by the National Park Service and a Tribal Nation – The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Many state parks along the North Shore are a portal to Lake Superior experiences. Check out Tettegouche State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park. For more on Lake Superior, check out the itinerary on Page 88. lake in winter. In warmer months, cast for walleye from boats and explore the area’s scenic hiking trails. Don’t miss the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, a state-of-the art building right off the lakeshore that shares the culture and history of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Just across the highway you’ll find the Mille Lacs Grand Casino offering entertainment, lodging and a variety of food and drink options. OTTER TAIL LAKE In west-central Minnesota, Otter Tail Lake is the crown jewel of Otter Tail County. Soak up lake life with over 1,000 lakes and several charming small towns. It’s an ideal place to experience the laid-back, water-loving spirit of Minnesota. Highlights include fishing (especially smallmouth and largemouth bass), boating, kayaking and paddleboarding. On land, enjoy golf, biking and shopping along small town main streets. MILLE LACS LAKE In central Minnesota, this popular lake is known for its expansive waters, excellent fishing and scenic natural beauty. Whether on open water or ice, fishing takes center stage year-round. Ice fishing is especially popular, with everything from basic shelters to luxury sleeper houses dotting the frozen Zippel Bay State Park Credit: Buffalo Media Group 24 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 24
