We are very fortunate to have many miles of paved and unpaved trails in the Leech Lake area. The Paul Bunyan State Trail may be the most popular paved rail-to-trail system in the Leech Lake area. However, there are other paved trails; and, of course, miles and miles of unpaved trails. The multi-use Paul Bunyan State Trail is approximately 120 miles of paved trail from Crow Wing State Park (just south of Brainerd) to Bemidji State Park (in Bemidji). This trail and other trails in the area are used year-round for walking, hiking, biking, inline skating, or snowmobiling. With about 15 towns near the trails, there are many choices for lodging and dining. Of Continue Reading
Deep Portage Learning Center
Deep Portage Learning Center is definitely a gem of the Leech Lake area. If you own real estate on Leech Lake, Woman Lake, Ten Mile Lake, or any of the area lakes, you have visitors. Deep Portage Learning Center offers a variety of activities for you and your guests. As mentioned on their website, Deep Portage Learning Center (Deep Portage) offers hiking trails, an interpretive center, and educational programming year-round. Deep Portage is located near Hackensack in the Leech Lake area and has over 6,300 acres to explore. Along the almost 11 miles of hiking or cross-country ski trails, you can see lakes, rivers, and bogs. The trails are well marked and are Continue Reading
Mississippi River Headwaters
The Mississippi River Headwaters is located in Itasca State Park and is only 34 miles from Walker MN and Leech Lake. The Mississippi River is 2,552 miles long and winds its way from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. For those of you who have seen the Mississippi River south of Walker or photos of it, you are probably visualizing a wide river. However, at the headwaters of the Mississippi River, you can walk across it…it’s a shallow stream or creek! Regardless of age, everyone I have taken to the headwaters has enjoyed walking across the Mississippi River. The MN DNR has a panoramic tour you can view online…just to make sure it’s something you want to see Continue Reading
Leech Lake Area: North Country Trail
Leech Lake Area: North Country Trail includes Solitude, Incredible Scenery…Don’t Forget the Dedicated Volunteers The North Country National Scenic Hiking Trail (NCT) is a 4,600-mile long, non-motorized trail stretching from New York to North Dakota. We are fortunate that part of the NCT goes through the Leech Lake area. The National Trail System offers scenic hiking, backpacking, and primitive camping opportunities – and part of it is in our backyard! Along segments of the NCT, in addition to hearing birds calling, hikers will see lakes, ponds, bogs, and streams. There are massive pines, oaks, birch, and other trees along the Trail. Many backpackers Continue Reading
Winter in Leech Lake Area
Winter in the Leech Lake Area – Step Away from the Fire! On some of the beautiful winter days we have in the Leech Lake area, you or your visitors may be interested in getting away from the warm, inviting fireplace to hike, cross country ski, or snow shoe. No, we are not kidding! The Cass County (Minnesota) website has helpful information and maps of the many trails in the Leech Lake, Ten Mile Lake, and Woman Lake area. Here’s information about 3 ski trails: Located near Ten Mile Lake and Hackensack, the Hiram Cross Country Ski Trail has almost 5 miles of classical trails ranging from Easy to Most Difficult. There is one shelter on the Continue Reading
