Water Activities
Lake life in northern Minnesota is a year-round experience. Water is abundant on the Chippewa National Forest, with over 1,300 lakes, 925 miles of streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands.
Opportunities to enjoy the water are plentiful. Some visitors seek out the slow tempo of paddling down the Mississippi River, while others relish the spray of water while skiing. Anglers rush to catch that first walleye of the season, while some enjoy a quiet evening on the lake surrounded by fall colors. Whatever your lake life pace, you’ll find it on the Chippewa National Forest.
Boating - Motorized
Most area lakes have some type of boat access. A great resource is the public water access maps by county. Go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/wateraccess or pick up a map at a Forest Service or Minnesota DNR office. Look for Beltrami, Cass or Itasca County maps.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Travel the routes of the Anishinabe and the early explorers. The Chippewa National Forest has more than 900 miles of rivers and offers several canoe routes, ranging from the mighty Mississippi to the slow-moving Boy River and other small creeks.
These canoe routes offer excellent opportunities to view bald eagles, loons and a variety of northern Minnesota wildlife. Walleye, northern and pan fish are good along most of the routes. Primitive campsites are located along most of the rivers.
- Big Fork River (DNR Map)- Marcell Area- 165 miles : Three access points on the Forest including Dora Lake and Harrison boat landings and Highway 14 carry-in access. River flows north to the Rainy River.
- Boy River - Walker Area- 23 miles: Three carry in access points on the Forest, including two off Co. 129 and one near the town of Boy River. Boat landing access on Boy Lake.
- Mississippi River (DNR Map)- Cass Lake Deer River Area- 55 miles: Multiple boat accesses and carry-in access from Cass Lake to White Oak Lake near Deer River.
- Pike Bay Connection- Cass Lake Area- 8 miles- Access on Cass Lake, Pike Bay and Steamboat Lake.
- Turtle River- Blackduck Cass Lake Area- 16 miles- Access from Gull Lake off Co. 22, off FR 2392 and on Big Rice Lake
Swimming
Who needs a pool? The Chippewa National Forest has three of Minnesota’s largest lakes on the Forest. Go jump in the lake at the day use and camping areas at Cass Lake, Leech Lake or Lake Winnibigoshish.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Benjamin Lake Boating
Benjamin Lake Family Picnic Area
Benjamin Lake Swimming
Big Fork River Boat Area
Big Lake Boating Area
Big Too Much Lake Boat Area
Bimijiwan (bi-mi-ji-wan) recreation area
Birches Boat Area
Bowstring Landing Boat Area
Boy River Canoe Route